How you can help a learner driver
The main ways you can help your learner driver are to:
51 out of every 100 driving tests were failed in Great Britain during July 2024
Encourage the learner to get enough training and practice
- encourage them to get enough training and practice
- supervise the learner in private practice sessions (if you’re eligible and able to)
- encourage the learner to only take their driving test when when they’re ready
- support the advice the driving instructor gives the learner
A learner driver starts going from being a novice to competent, safe driver by:
- training – learning new skills with their driving instructor
- practising – gaining lots of experience of varied driving conditions
Learning to drive takes a lot longer than most people realise.
45 hours of driving lessons with a driving instructor on average to pass.
22 hours of extra private practice between driving lessons on average to pass.
Training with a driving instructor
Most people learn to drive with a driving instructor. Driving instructors are professionals who are trained to teach driving skills in a structured manner to suit differing abilities. Many people only have a 1-hour or 2-hour driving lesson each week. This can limit their experience to driving at the same time of day and over the same types of road.
Practising with family or friends
If you meet the rules, you can help by being a supervising driver during private practice between driving lessons. You’ll help your learner get more practice and gain wider experience of the varied driving conditions they’re likely to meet once they’ve passed their driving test.
Once you’re ready to take on this responsibility, you need to think about developing the skills of your learner – know their limits and do not attempt any driving that will be beyond their ability.
Encourage the learner to only take their driving test when they’re ready
You can also help your learner by encouraging them to only take their driving test when they’re ready to pass. It’s the best way of them:
- getting their independence as soon as possible
- being ready for a lifetime of safe driving
Never encourage the learner to “just give it a go”. If they take their test before they’re ready and fail, they:
- will have to pay again for another driving test
- will have to wait longer to take another test
- could damage the confidence they’ve built up
Driving instructors are specially trained to help people learn to drive. They’ve got lots of driving and teaching experience and knowledge.
It’s unlikely that you’ll have the same level of experience and knowledge. Their advice is invaluable. Work as a team with the driving instructor to help your learner. Support the advice the driving instructor gives. Explain to your learner that:
- the driving instructor wants them to succeed and be safe
- the driving instructor has lots of knowledge and experience
- you trust the driving instructor’s expert advice
- it’s important for their own safety that they do not take their driving test before they’re ready
Hire Cars
You can take your test in a hire car if it’s fitted with dual controls and meets all the other rules.
Cars you cannot use
Some cars cannot be used in the test because they do not give the examiner all-round vision.
You cannot use the following
- any panel van (cars without rear seats or rear side windows)
- BMW 218 convertible
- BMW Mini convertible
- Ford KA convertible
- Smart Fortwo (2-door)
- Toyota iQ
- VW Beetle convertible
There might be other cars that you cannot use. This is because not every model has been used in a test before, and some may not give the examiner all-round vision.
Check if your car can be used before booking a test
You can check if your car can be used by contacting the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Always check if you want to use a
- convertible car
- coupe (a car with a fixed roof, two doors and a sloping rear)
