The information in the image is from a research survey by Vauxhall Motors. When I see my pupils’ driving has progressed to a fair standard then I do recommend extra practice in a suitable family car if available, but starting from scratch in a car with no dual controls on public roads can be dangerous.
Anyone sitting in as the supervising driver with a learner must:
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- be over 21
- be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in, for example they must have a manual car licence if they’re supervising you in a manual car
- have had their full driving licence for 3 years (from the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein)
You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence if you drive without the right supervision.
You can drive with as many passengers as the vehicle can legally hold up to 9 including the driver on a Category B (car) provisional or full licence, however in the early stages of learning the extra distraction of more passengers can cause problems. Approaching test standard getting used to real life distractions is a good idea. That’s why the test was updated to include following a satnav or signs and switching on headlights, wipers or the demister whilst on the move.
It’s illegal for your friend or family member to use a mobile phone while supervising you or be under the influence of drink or drugs, the same as if they were driving.
Insurance
You need to be personally covered by insurance as a learner driver if you’re practising in a car you own. Check if your policy covers whoever sits with you for practice in case they need to take over, or their own car policy may cover them but always check for sure with the insurance companies first.
If you’re practising in someone else’s car, you need to make sure their insurance policy covers you as a learner driver unless you have your own separate policy to drive their car.
Some insurance companies require the person supervising you to be over 25 years old or older.
You can get an unlimited fine, be banned from driving and get up to 8 penalty points for driving without insurance.
