While learning from a qualified driving instructor is undoubtedly the most effective way to acquire driving skills, practicing with friends and family can offer additional benefits. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential pitfalls and legal implications associated with private driving practice.
To provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this topic, we’ve developed a guide that explores the advantages and disadvantages of learning with friends and relatives, the relevant laws and regulations, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Let’s delve into the details.
Who can I practice driving with?
ATo practice driving outside of formal lessons, you must have a qualified supervising driver. This individual must meet specific criteria:
- Age: Be at least 21 years old.
- Driving License: Hold a valid driving license for the vehicle category you’re practicing in (e.g., manual or automatic).
- License Duration: Have held the license for a minimum of three years.
It’s important to note that these regulations apply to supervised driving outside of professional driving lessons. The qualifications and training required to become a certified driving instructor are significantly more rigorous.
Furthermore, both the learner driver and the supervising driver must adhere to all road traffic laws and regulations. This includes prohibitions on using mobile phones while driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.!
Will I need insurance to practice outside lessons?
Yes, you absolutely need insurance to drive legally on UK roads. While your driving instructor’s insurance covers you during lessons, you’ll need separate insurance for any practice outside of lessons.
This means that simply adding yourself to the car owner’s existing insurance policy isn’t sufficient. You’ll need specific learner driver insurance. The type of insurance you choose depends on your individual circumstances, including the frequency of practice sessions, your test date, and whether you’re using your own car or someone else’s.
Your options include:
- Being added as a named driver to the car owner’s policy
- Purchasing short-term learner driver insurance
- Obtaining annual learner driver insurance
For a more detailed breakdown of learner driver insurance options and their implications, we recommend exploring our dedicated guide.
Remember, driving without insurance is a serious offense that can result in significant penalties, including fines, driving bans, and points on your license.
Are there any other rules or restrictions I need to be aware of?
To ensure safe and legal practice driving, it’s crucial to adhere to specific regulations.
- L-Plates: Display L-plates on the vehicle whenever you’re driving. These should be removed when a fully-licensed driver takes the wheel.
- Motorway Driving: Learner drivers are only permitted to drive on motorways when accompanied by an approved driving instructor.
- Driver Fitness: Both the learner driver and the supervising driver must comply with eyesight requirements. If the supervising driver requires glasses or contact lenses, they must wear them while supervising.
- Vehicle Roadworthiness: The vehicle used for practice driving must have a valid MOT certificate to confirm its roadworthiness.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and compliant practice driving experience.
Should I pay the person I’m practicing with?
Only DVSA-approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and trainee Driving Instructors (PDIs) are authorized to charge for driving lessons. You can identify them by the green or pink badge displayed on their vehicle, respectively.
If your supervising driver is not an ADI or PDI, they are not legally permitted to charge for driving instruction. While it may be reasonable to contribute to fuel costs or insurance premiums if you’re using their vehicle, the actual driving instruction should be provided free of charge.
Can I use private practice as a substitute for lessons with an instructor?
While it might be tempting to rely solely on private practice with friends or family to learn to drive, it’s crucial to recognize the limitations of this approach. While supplementary practice can be beneficial, it should never replace professional driving lessons.
Here are some key reasons why professional driving lessons are essential:
- Expert Guidance: Driving instructors are highly trained professionals who can provide expert guidance and correct any bad habits that may develop during private practice.
- Up-to-Date Knowledge: Driving instructors stay updated on the latest driving techniques, road rules, and test requirements, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your driving test.
- Structured Learning: Professional lessons provide a structured learning environment, breaking down complex maneuvers into manageable steps and gradually building your skills and confidence.
- Personalized Feedback: Driving instructors can assess your individual strengths and weaknesses, tailoring their instruction to your specific needs and learning style.
- Test Preparation: Experienced driving instructors can help you prepare for your driving test by simulating real-world driving scenarios and providing valuable tips and advice.
By combining professional driving lessons with supervised practice, you can maximize your learning potential and increase your chances of passing your driving test efficiently and safely.
What are the pros and cons of practising driving outside lessons?
While professional driving instruction is essential for developing safe driving habits, practicing driving outside of lessons can also offer valuable benefits. Let’s explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of private practice.
Pros
Practicing driving outside of lessons offers several significant benefits:
- Real-World Experience: Practicing in familiar surroundings can help you better adapt to real-world driving conditions.
- Enhanced Skill Development: Regular practice helps refine your driving skills and build muscle memory.
- Cost-Effective Learning: You can gain valuable experience without incurring additional lesson fees.
- Flexible Practice: You have the freedom to practice on various roads (excluding motorways) at your convenience.
Cons
- Additional Costs: You may need to pay extra for learner driver insurance.
- Conflicting Advice: There’s a possibility of receiving conflicting advice from your supervising driver compared to your instructor.
- Vehicle Differences: Getting accustomed to driving different cars can be confusing.
- Lack of Dual Controls: Your supervising driver may not have access to dual controls, limiting their ability to intervene in case of an emergency.
Practicing driving outside lessons: Your questions answered
1. Where can I practice driving outside lessons?
While motorway driving requires professional instruction, you have the freedom to practice on a variety of road types, including dual carriageways and country roads. However, it’s advisable to avoid roads that you haven’t experienced with an instructor. Start with familiar routes that align with your current driving skill level and gradually progress to more challenging roads as your confidence and abilities grow.
2. I’ve never practiced a certain skill with my instructor. Should I try it out privately?
While a parent or friend might be eager to assist with driving practice, it’s often more beneficial to learn from a qualified driving instructor. Here’s why:
- Expert Guidance: Driving instructors are trained professionals who can provide clear instructions, effective feedback, and expert advice. They can identify and correct bad habits early on, ensuring you develop safe and efficient driving techniques.
- Risk Mitigation: Driving instructors often have access to dual-control vehicles, allowing them to intervene if necessary and prevent potential accidents. This level of safety and control is typically not available in private practice sessions.
- Structured Learning: Driving instructors follow a structured curriculum, ensuring that you learn all the essential skills and knowledge required to pass the driving test and become a confident driver.
By choosing professional driving lessons, you can significantly enhance your learning experience and increase your chances of becoming a safe and competent driver.
3. Are there any restrictions on which times of day I can practice?
Unlike some countries, the UK does not impose curfews on learner drivers. As long as you meet the necessary requirements, you are free to practice driving at any time of day or night. Practicing night driving under the supervision of an experienced driver is highly recommended, as it will prepare you for real-world driving scenarios.
4. Where should the supervising driver sit in the car?
While any seat in the vehicle is technically acceptable for a supervising driver, it’s highly recommended that they occupy the front passenger seat. This position provides optimal visibility, allowing the supervisor to effectively guide the learner driver and intervene in case of an emergency.
5. How many passengers can I carry while practising driving outside lessons?
While there’s no strict limit on the number of passengers you can carry in a vehicle, it’s generally advisable to limit the number, especially when you’re still a learner driver. Carrying multiple passengers can increase stress and distractions, potentially compromising your focus and driving skills.
If you plan to have children as passengers during your learning process, it’s important to consider additional safety measures and precautions. Ensure that all child passengers are appropriately restrained in suitable child car seats.
6. Can a supervising driver have any points on their licence?
Generally, if an individual is legally permitted to drive a specific vehicle, they can also supervise a learner driver (provided they meet the age and license duration requirements). This means that having points on one’s license, within the legal limit, does not disqualify them from supervising. However, it’s important to note that individuals who have had their license revoked due to excessive points accumulation are not eligible to supervise. Additionally, drivers who have held their license for less than three years, even without points, cannot supervise a learner driver.
7. If I’m involved in an accident while practicing driving outside lessons, who’s responsible?
As the learner driver, you are ultimately responsible for your actions behind the wheel, even when practicing with a supervising driver. While your supervisor can offer guidance and advice, they cannot physically intervene to prevent accidents. It’s crucial to exercise caution, apply defensive driving techniques, and adhere to all road rules and regulations.
If you commit a driving offense, such as speeding, you may be held accountable. In most cases, the registered vehicle owner will receive the initial notification. However, they can inform the authorities that a learner driver was operating the vehicle at the time of the offense.
It’s important to note that if the supervising driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, both they and the learner driver may face legal consequences.
