Top tips on starting to learn to drive ...
The minimum age for a UK provisional driving licence is 17. You will need to have a provisional licence before you can start taking lessons in the UK. Any car that you drive before you pass your driving test must have L-plates on the front and the back.
It's not easy to find someone who will teach you for free. If you can persuade someone to take you out, they must be 21 or older and have held a full licence for at least three years. There are some useful books available on how to teach a new driver the basic skills. Until you become confident with steering, gears and the clutch, avoid driving in heavy traffic.
If you can afford a professional instructor this is by far the best route to follow. You won't need to worry about damaging the car (the school will be fully insured) and fully trained, experienced instructors tend to be calmer, effective teachers. The cars are usually fitted with dual controls, so your instructor can take charge of the brakes and clutch if the need arises!