Private Practise

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Learning to drive is a big step — and it doesn’t happen overnight. While driving lessons with a qualified instructor are crucial for mastering correct techniques, practising privately between lessons can significantly boost confidence, experience and readiness for the driving test.

Key Benefits of Private Practice

  • It builds real world experiences

    Driving with a supervising driver in different conditions (day, night, rain, quiet roads) lets learners encounter more varied scenarios than typical lesson routes.

  • It builds real world experiences

    Driving with a supervising driver in different conditions (day, night, rain, quiet roads) lets learners encounter more varied scenarios than typical lesson routes.

  • It reinforces skills

    Between professional lessons, repetition helps learners turn taught techniques into natural habits.

  • It improves and builds confidence

    Familiarity with controls, road positioning and live traffic gives learners confidence they can’t get from lessons alone.

Driving instructors train you in structured ways, teaching the “how” and “why” behind each skill. Private practice helps you apply what you’ve learned, make mistakes in low-pressure settings, and get comfortable behind the wheel. The combination often leads to better overall progress and smoother test preparation.

A Guide for Parents and Supervising Drivers

If you’re supporting someone learning to drive, you play a huge part in helping them become a safer driver — but there are legal requirements and best practices you should follow.

Legal Rules for Supervision in the UK

Before practising with a learner driver, make sure you meet these legal conditions:

private practise

  • You must be at least 21 years old

  • You must have held a full driving licence for the type of vehicle they’re learning in for at least 3 years.

  • You must not be disqualified from driving.

  • The learner must have a valid provisional driving licence and meet the eyesight requirements.

  • You must not use a mobile phone or other devices during practice.

  • Driving on motorways is not allowed unless an instructor with dual controls is present.

  • It’s illegal to accept payment (even for fuel) to supervise a learner unless you’re an approved driving instructor.

How to structure a successful practise session

To make the most of private practice and support learner progress:

01.

plan ahead

  • Agree on what to practise — e.g., junctions, roundabouts, reverse parking. 

  • Choose safe, low-traffic routes initially, and gradually build up to more challenging roads.

  • Check the weather — varied conditions help develop adaptable skills

02.

Stay calm and supportive

  • Keep instructions clear and calm.

  • If mistakes happen, pull over safely and discuss what went wrong.

  • Take breaks if either of you feels tired or stressed.

03.

Record what you do

  • Use a DVSA private practice log to keep track of skills practiced and progress made. GOV.UK

  • Share that record with the learner’s instructor so they can tailor future lessons.

readytopass?

The UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) runs the Ready to Pass? campaign, filled with advice for learner drivers, parents and supervising drivers.

It Highlights:

The skills you should be confident with before booking your driving test

How to track your progress

Tips for improving readiness and reducing test nerves

Resources and checklists to help you decide when yo take your driving test

Learn more at

Gov.uk

Being “ready to pass” isn’t just about ticking off lessons — it’s about combining quality instruction, thoughtful private practice and self-assessment to become a safe, confident driver.

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