Pregnancy does not stop you learning to drive. GOV.UK does not list pregnancy as a bar to driving lessons, and for the practical test it says you can take it at any stage of pregnancy, as long as you are able and willing to do an emergency stop. What matters is how you feel on the day, so this guide explains what the official sources say and the practical points to think through with your midwife or GP.
This is general information, not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different, and nothing here can say whether driving is right for you. Information checked against official sources on 14 October 2026.
Quick answer: yes, you can learn to drive while pregnant in the UK. You can take lessons, and GOV.UK says you can take the driving test at any stage of pregnancy if you are able and willing to do an emergency stop. You must wear a seat belt unless your doctor says you do not have to for medical reasons. If you feel unwell, dizzy or very tired, do not drive, and speak to your midwife or GP if you have concerns.
The UK position in short
The table separates what is official from what is general advice, because they are different things.
| Topic | What the source says | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Taking lessons | No pregnancy rule on learning to drive. You need a provisional licence and a qualified instructor. | Official guidance |
| Driving test | GOV.UK: you can take the test at any stage of pregnancy, but you must be able and willing to do an emergency stop. | Official guidance |
| Seat belts | GOV.UK: you must wear a seat belt if you are pregnant, unless your doctor says you do not have to for medical reasons. | Law and official guidance |
| Fitness to drive | The Highway Code (rule 90): make sure you are fit to drive, and report any health condition likely to affect your driving to the DVLA. | Official guidance |
| Seat position, breaks, comfort | Practical suggestions in this article. Not rules. | General advice |
Starting or continuing lessons
Can you start lessons while pregnant?
Yes. The usual steps apply: a provisional licence, a qualified instructor, and L plates on the car. Our guide explains how to apply for a provisional driving licence, and the learn to drive in Brighton and Hove guide covers the whole route.
Can you carry on with lessons you have already started?
Usually, yes, if you feel well enough. Many learners find that shorter lessons, or lessons at a time of day when they feel best, work better. Your plans may change over the course of the pregnancy, and that is fine.
Why automatic can help
An automatic car has no clutch or gear changes, so there is less to coordinate with your legs. That does not make the test easier, because the standard is the same, but some learners find it more comfortable. See automatic versus manual driving lessons.
Taking the practical driving test
GOV.UK says you can take the driving test at any stage of pregnancy, but you must be able and willing to do an emergency stop. It also says that when you book, you should say if you have a health condition. That is a prompt to think about whether your examiner could help, not a rule that you must disclose a pregnancy.
- Book only when you are ready. Our guide to increasing your chances of passing explains how to judge readiness.
- Think about the date. Test slots can be hard to get, so consider how you may feel on the day. Read the booking rules guide.
- Changing it. GOV.UK says you can change a car test twice, and it is free with at least 10 full working days’ notice.
- If you are ill at short notice. GOV.UK says you can apply for a short-notice refund for illness or injury, with proof such as a fit note or medical certificate. Check the GOV.UK page for the current process before relying on this.
- Test centre. Learners from Brighton and Hove often use Burgess Hill. See preparing for your driving test in Burgess Hill.
Pregnancy and fitness to drive
Pregnancy does not automatically make someone unfit to drive. Rule 90 of the Highway Code says to make sure you are fit to drive and to report any health condition likely to affect your driving to the DVLA.
GOV.UK’s page on driving medical conditions does not mention pregnancy. It says you must tell the DVLA if you develop a notifiable condition, or if an existing one gets worse. Some conditions that can occur or change in pregnancy might be relevant to this, so if you have been told you have a health condition, ask your GP or midwife whether it affects your driving.
Medicines can matter too. If you take any medication that can cause drowsiness or dizziness, ask your pharmacist or GP before driving or having a lesson.
Sickness, tiredness and dizziness
Some people feel fine throughout pregnancy. Others have days when nausea, tiredness, pain or dizziness make driving a poor idea. A few ways to think about it:
- Be honest about how you feel. If you do not feel safe to drive, postpone the lesson.
- Plan around your best time of day, where you can.
- Take breaks. The Highway Code says not to start a journey if you are tired and to take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. Lessons are usually shorter, but the principle applies.
- Do not drive if you feel faint or dizzy, and tell your midwife or GP if it keeps happening.
- Keep water and a small snack to hand, if that helps you.
Seat belts
GOV.UK says: “You must wear a seat belt if you’re pregnant, unless your doctor says you do not have to for medical reasons.” A doctor can issue a certificate of exemption, which you keep in the vehicle, and you should tell your car insurer. Read the GOV.UK seat belt exemptions page.
How to position the belt
The Royal College of Midwives, backing NHS guidance, says the diagonal strap should sit between the breasts and the lap belt should sit low across the hips, below the bump rather than over it. If you are unsure, ask your midwife. Make sure the belt is not twisted, and keep it snug.
Seat, wheel and driving position
These are practical suggestions rather than official rules, and what is comfortable changes as your pregnancy progresses.
- Adjust the seat so you can reach the pedals and steering wheel comfortably, and keep your back supported. Your instructor can help you adjust it.
- Check you can reach the steering wheel without stretching, and that the wheel is not pressing on your abdomen. Ask your midwife if you are unsure how much space to leave.
- Check your mirrors every time you get in, because your position may change.
- If you get backache, consider a small cushion for lower back support.
- In an automatic car you only need two pedals, which some people find more comfortable.
Tips for comfortable lessons
- Choose a time of day when you feel your best.
- Keep lessons a manageable length and agree breaks with your instructor.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes you can drive in.
- Tell your instructor if you feel unwell at any point, so you can stop safely.
- Be flexible: it is fine to rearrange a lesson. Check the terms and conditions for how rebooking works.
Should you tell your instructor? There is no rule saying you must. Many learners choose to, because it helps your instructor plan lessons and stop safely if you need a break. It is your decision. Your instructor is not a medical professional and cannot replace advice from your midwife or GP.
If you feel unwell during a lesson or test
- Tell your instructor or examiner straight away.
- Pull over when it is safe to do so, switch off the engine and apply the parking brake.
- Take a few minutes, with water if that helps.
- Decide with your instructor whether to carry on or end the lesson.
- If symptoms are severe or concerning, get medical help. Contact your midwife or maternity unit, or NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.
If you feel unwell during a driving test, you can tell the examiner. Whether the test continues is a decision for you and the examiner on the day, so contact DVSA to find out what happens next, using the process on GOV.UK.
When to speak to a midwife or GP
Speak to a midwife or GP if you:
- have been advised to rest, or to avoid certain activities
- feel faint, dizzy or very tired when driving
- have pain, bleeding or any symptoms that worry you
- take medication and are unsure whether it affects driving
- have a health condition and are unsure whether you must tell the DVLA
Get urgent medical help if you are worried about your health or your baby’s.
FAQs
Can you learn to drive when pregnant?
Yes. There is no pregnancy rule on learning to drive in the UK. Listen to your body and speak to your midwife or GP if you are unsure.
Can you take a driving test when pregnant?
GOV.UK says you can take the driving test at any stage of pregnancy, as long as you are able and willing to do an emergency stop.
Do I have to tell my instructor or the DVSA I am pregnant?
There is no rule that says so. GOV.UK tells people to mention health conditions when they book so adjustments can be considered, so decide what feels right for you.
Do I have to wear a seat belt when pregnant?
Yes, unless your doctor says you do not have to for medical reasons.
Can morning sickness affect driving?
It can for some people. If you feel unwell, do not drive, and speak to your midwife or GP if it continues.
What if I feel unwell on the day of my test?
Check the GOV.UK page on changing your test, including the short-notice refund process for illness.
Can I drive an automatic car while pregnant?
Yes, if you are fit to drive. Automatic cars have no clutch, which some learners find more comfortable.
Official resources
Learn with AK Automatic Driving School
AK Automatic Driving School is run by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor offering one-to-one automatic driving lessons in Brighton and Hove, Burgess Hill and Lancing, with Portslade and Shoreham-by-Sea also covered. See the pricing page for lesson costs, or send an enquiry to talk through where you are and what you would like help with. You can also explore our automatic driving lessons on our main website.