A Learner Driver’s Essential Guide
Learning to drive isn’t just about your driving lessons. While they are of course going to form the bulk of your learning, getting out there with a trusted friend or family member is also really important for you to pass your test. How do you go about it though? Are there any rules you need to follow? Here is how to practise alongside learning through a Colchester driving school.
How many hours do you need?
First things first, it’s important to remember that every learner driver is very different. Secondly, there is no minimum number of hours required to pass your driving test. We all learn at different speeds, and that’s fine! The average driver needs around 45 hours of lessons backed up with 22 hours of private practice. What’s that? Private practice is when you drive with a friend or family member in the car. Many people aren’t aware that you can do this, and it makes such a difference!
What are the rules?
Before you get into anyone’s car, there are some things that you need to bear in mind. The person you are practising with needs to be over 21 and qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in. So if you are learning in a manual car, they need to have a manual driving licence. They also need to have held their full driving licence for 3 years. Valid diving licences are ones from the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
It is illegal for whoever you are practising with to use their mobile phone while supervising you. You also cannot drive on the motorway while you are practising with them.
What about insurance?
Private practice needs to be covered by insurance. Your family member or friend’s insurance will usually cover this, but you need to double check before you get started. If not, then you need to take out your own insurance policy that covers you driving in the car as a learner driver. If you have to do that, then it’s worth nothing that some insurance companies will only cover you if the person supervising you is over 25 years old.
What are the benefits of private practice?
There are so many benefits to practising driving with a family member or friend. You will be able to hone your skills with none of the pressure of a lesson – although a great driving instructor should never make you feel stressed. You will also be able to take as long as you need and practice whenever you have time to spare. If you are going to be sharing your family member’s car once you pass, then this practice is a good chance to get used to that vehicle too.
It’s time to get practising!
Those who combine private practice with driving lessons tend to do better when they take their driving test, so you may end up passing quicker. So why not start getting some hours under your belt today? You could even ask your driving instructor if there are things that you should focus on before your next lesson comes around.
