Driving without driving licence.?

CDT

Hi I own and run a UK driving school.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 section 34 states that it is an offence to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle off road on public land, footpaths or bridleways. Vehicles cannot be driven on pavements, in the park, or on public open spaces. The only place they can be legally driven is on private land, which is owned by yourself, or with the consent of the land owner.

So, yes, you can drive on private land, but I believe that the site used must be totally separate from the public highway and must be fenced and gated, otherwise it is deemed to be accessible by the public and therefore considered to be part of the public highway.

Supermarket car parks, industrial estates etc may well be privately owned, but the public have access to them, so you cannot drive there unless you hold a valid driving licence.

If you are thinking of using privately owned farmland, that is suitably fenced off and you have the permission of the owner to drive there, then that should be OK.

Check that the vehicle you use is covered by insurance for the purpose of driving on private land with an unlicenced driver aged under 17 and also that the insurance covers any injury that might be sustained by you, your accompanying driver and anyone else.

You don't need L-plates etc as that only applies to vehicles being driven on public roads.

You can even get driving lessons for people under the age of 17 under The National Young Driver (Under 17's) Scheme - a list of participating companies is given below - plus many other driving schools who are not members of the scheme offer off-road training for under 17's too.

Amazingwoo

In the UK as long as you are on PRIVATE land (i.e. you have a house with loads of garden, I'm not including areas like car parks, parks and wasteland, this does not count) - obviously makes sense to have an adult with you - then there is no lower age limit. As long as your feet reach the pedals you can drive - Seriously!!

A friend of mine was taught to drive at about 11 years of age - mind, her Dad was a world class rally driver.

tlionhart

In fact drivers with mobility get a head start. Age 16. But you could, only on private property. For example if your parents own a mansion with a 10acre garden privately owned by them...but as most of the uk's population doesn't ave this privilege then the age is 17yr+

Bardic

You can do what you like in the way of driving on private property, as long as you have the owner's permission. You don't even need L plates etc. You'll certainly get some experience of how to manipulate the controls and so on.

Superleague32

Hi, the best thing you can do is to drive a car under supervision as you say on 'private land' as in this case you are not on the road and therefore do not have to abide by the rules of the road. If you are on for example your parents land they will be responsible for you.

Driving Instructor (BRAKE!)

You may drive anywhere on PRIVATE property - farmland as long as you have permission of the owner of the property. No license required.
When you are on public property, then an instruction permit or drivers license is required.

staceyxx

well no one would know if you did do it but by the law you are allowed to learn at 17 with someone who has had a license for 3 yrs and are over 21, but the car must be insured for your use, you must have your provisional and display L plates. but no one would know like i said. you wont learn much without going on real roads though.

Replace

No clue as to where you live, but in US every state has provision for "learner's permit" - ages vary but from 15-16 is usual. Commonly, requirement is that you be accompanied by a licensed driver (in passenger seat) when driving.
Your English is poor and I don't know what you might mean by "Your parents won't get done for it either will you?"

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