Male & Female DVSA Approved Driving Instructors

Private Practise

Get Insured!

You can purchase specific learners insurance from places like Marmalade or Collingwood. You may also be able to add yourself to a friend or family members insurance policy.

You can get an unlimited fine, be banned from driving and get up to 8 penalty points for driving without insurance.

‘L’ Plates!

You must display ‘L’ plates on the front and back of your vehicle so that they are clearly visible. They must have a red L on a white background and be the correct size.

You can get up to 6 penalty points if you do not display an ‘L’ plate or if it is not the correct size.

Your vehicle should also have tax, an MOT and be in a roadworthy condition.

Supervising Driver

Your supervising driver MUST;

• Be over the age of 21

• Be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in, for example they must have a manual license if they are supervising you in a manual car.

• Have held their full driving license for at least 3 years.

• Follow the same rules they would if they were driving, e.g not using a mobile phone or being under the influence of alcohol.

Motorway Lessons

Since June 2018, learners driving have been allowed on motorways however this is only allowed with an Approved Driving Instructor in a dual controlled car. Private practise MUST NOT include motorways.

Talk to your Driving Instructor…

Your driving instructor will know your current skill level and will be more than happy to advise you on the best things to cover during your private practise.

Tell your supervising driving what you already know

Make sure your supervising driving is aware of what you can and cant do. This will help them to plan where to take you and know when you may need some support.

Start Slowly

Start somewhere quiet, such as a car park or quiet residential area. You will want time to adjust to the new car and having someone different sitting next to you. Your supervising driver will also want to see your skills and feel comfortable before taking you to busier areas.
 

Make a Plan!

Have an idea of where you are going to drive. You don’t want to end up in an area you don’t feel ready to deal with. It may be preferable to plan a short drive initially, building up to longer journeys once both you and your supervising driving are comfortable.

Be wary of your supervising driving trying to teach you new skills!

Your supervising driver may have had many years of driving experience and be a fountain of useful knowledge, who is up to date with current DVSA information and test criteria. However if they are not, conflicting information could lead to you becoming stressed or confused. It may also lead to potentially dangerous situations. Be particularly vary if they tell you something which directly contradicts what your driving instructor has told you, your driving instructor knows what they’re talking about! Stick to what you have already learnt from your driving instructor, focusing on practicing rather than learning new things.

Reflect on your Private Practise

Just as you do on your lessons, reflect on your private practice. This will help you to process what you have done and what you would like to do next time. Think about;

• What went well?

• What you would like to improve?

• How you will improve/what you would like to do on your next drive?

Keep a Record

Your instructor would love to hear what you have been doing during your private practise. It will also help them to plan your lessons, so get in touch with them after your private practice to update them.