A YOUNG driver has revealed how a little-known legal loophole helped him pass his test with just five lessons under his belt.
Josh Burford secured his licence on his first attempt less than two months after his 17th birthday.
3
3
Josh, from Lichfield, Staffordshire, shared some of his top tips on how to get on the road in no time.
And since the RAC estimates that the average learner takes 45 lessons at up to £50 an hour before passing, following his advice could save you thousands.
Speaking exclusively with SunMotors, Josh explained that he got a head start on his driving journey by making use of an exemption in licencing laws.
He said: “I had driving lessons with Young Driver from the age of 10.
“Lessons take place on private property, so they’re perfectly legal, and they’re in dual-controlled cars with qualified instructors.
“You learn in the same way you would on the road, so by the time I was 11 I understood how to work the clutch and the gears, and things like mirror, signal, manoeuvre.”
The law states that a driving licence is required to use a motor vehicle on public roads, but this does not cover private property.
On private land, there is technically no age limit, although some common sense is advisable.
Bear in mind you could still be prosecuted if you allow a child to drive your car and, in doing so, knowingly put them in danger.
However, Josh did urge learners to get to grips with the road early in a safe, supervised and controlled environment.
He added: “I probably had a lesson every couple of months, on and off, which just kept those skills ticking over.
“Then when I reached 17 and had my first on-the-road lesson the instructor told me to put in for my test straight away.”
Not only did this better prepare him for the test, but it allowed his parents to spread the cost of lessons across seven years, rather than trying to pack them all in once he turned 17.
Likewise, Josh also recommended applying for a provisional licence as soon as possible to avoid delays in accessing lessons on normal roads.
You can start your application from up to 15 months before your 17th birthday so it’s worth getting in early.
Finally, the driving whizz recognised that even if you are ready to pass in a couple of months, getting hold of a test slot can still be tricky.
Many learners are forced to wait months or even years due to a shortage of examiners and strikes.
And late last year, a Sun investigation revealed that tests were being shamelessly resold at over three times the official fee.
But Josh used a handy trick to make sure he could get in early – an app that alerted him to cancellations opening up slots.
He went on: “I used an app called Testi which alerted me to cancelled tests I could apply for – firstly one in August, and then eventually one in July, which I took and passed.
“Although it was a paid for service, it was worth it for me.”
3
