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Find an experienced driver

You might be able to use an ADI if you're learning to drive a vehicle with:

• controls similar to a car
• two front seats

For other vehicles you should find someone who:

• is an experienced driver for the vehicle you wish to drive
• can explain clearly and simply the skills you must learn
• is patient and tactful
• builds your confidence

If your employer needs you to take a test in a specialist vehicle, you must be given suitable instruction.

Rules on practising

When you practise driving on public roads your vehicle must display L plates, or D plates in Wales. Your vehicle must be properly insured for you to drive. Always make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before using it on the road. To practise driving a tractor on the road you must be at least 17 years old.

At the age of 16 years old you may:

• drive a tractor on the road when driving to, or returning from, your practical driving test appointment
• after passing your tractor test, only drive tractors less than 2.45 metres wide and tow trailers less than 2.45 metres wide with two wheels, or four wheels that are close together

If your specialist vehicle does not have space for two people on board, your instructor may have to walk alongside you calling out advice

Theory test for specialist vehicles

All new drivers will be tested on their knowledge of the Highway Code. Whether you need to take a theory test will depend upon which category of test you're taking.

• The Highway Code (travel and transport section)

Minimum standards for test vehicles

All test vehicles have to meet minimum standards – make sure you know what they are for the vehicle you intend to use for your test.

Category B1

Motor tricycles, quadricycles and three or four wheeled vehicles with an unladen weight of no more than 550 kg.

Any vehicles used in this category must be capable of a speed of 60 kilometres per hour (37.25 miles per hour).

Category F

A tractor constructed with two or more axles, built for work off the road in connection with agriculture or forestry.

Category G

To drive a road roller you will need to hold a full category B (car) licence.

At 17 years of age, you can drive a road roller:

• with metal rollers
• weighing less than 11.69 tonnes unladen
• that is not steam propelled

At 21 years of age, you can drive other road rollers:

• with pneumatic, resilient or elastic tyres
• weighing more than 11.69 tonnes
• that are steam propelled

Category H

To drive a tracked vehicle you will need to hold a full category B (car) licence.

Any vehicle used for category H tests must have adequate all-round visibility to enable the driver to carry out manoeuvres and deal with junctions safely. Any vehicle requiring a second person to help with observation, such as a military vehicle, is not suitable for test purposes.

Category K

Mowing machine or vehicle controlled by a pedestrian.

Pedestrian-controlled mowing machines are not treated as a motor vehicle so you don't need a driving licence. However, you must be at least 16 years of age to operate these vehicles.

More useful links

• Tractor and specialist vehicle practical test

• The vehicles you can drive or ride and minimum ages