Research from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) shows that parents play a pivotal role in helping children learn to drive. In fact, 76% of learners said they’d practised privately as well as had lessons with a driving professional, with 64% of parents giving learners this extra help. So, if your kids are thinking about learning to drive, here’s a look at what the process entails so that you can offer practical help for everything from supervising practice to sorting out their car insurance.
What do you need to start learning to drive?
To start learning, your child will need a provisional licence. They can apply for one when they are 15 years and nine months old but they can only get behind the wheel at age 17.
What car insurance do learner drivers need?
Most driving schools have their own insurance so your child should be automatically covered while driving with a professional instructor.
Learner drivers practising in their own cars will need suitable car insurance. Most insurance providers offer learner driver car insurance so finding a policy shouldn’t be a problem.
If your child intends to practise in the family car, they can be added to your policy as a named driver which can be the cheapest option. However, bear in mind that if they have an accident and you need to make a claim, it will affect your own no-claims bonus and premium at renewal. Alternatively, learners can also have their own standalone learner driver insurance, even for someone else’s car. The advantage is that if they make a claim, it won’t affect your own policy.
What happens if learner drivers don’t have car insurance?
Anyone caught driving without appropriate car insurance faces penalties but they can be particularly severe for learner drivers.
Learner drivers without car insurance can expect an unlimited fine, and a driving ban and have up to eight penalty points added to their licence.
Who can supervise a learner driver?
You can supervise a learner driver if you:
- Are aged 21 years and over.
- Are entitled to drive the car they are learning in (for example, if it’s a manual car, you must be able to drive one).
- Have held a full driving licence for at least three years, the licence must be from the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
- Are not currently banned from driving.
If you’re supervising, it’s important to know that only approved driving instructors (ADIs) are allowed to take payment in exchange for lessons. If you’re helping or supervising a learner, you cannot be paid, even for fuel.
Preparing for the driving test
The driving test is made up of a theory test and a practical test. The learner will need to pass the theory test before taking the practical.
What does the theory test involve?
The theory test is made up of a set of multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test, which is an interactive video. They can be booked and taken at the same time but the learner will need to pass both parts to pass overall.
Currently, the theory test costs £23 on weekdays, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
What does the practical test involve?
The practical driving test lasts around 40 minutes and is made up of five parts:
- An eyesight check
- Car safety questions (‘show me, tell me’ questions)
- General driving
- Reversing the car
- Independent driving
Learners can only book the practical test after they’ve passed the theory test. Once they’re ready to book the practical, they will need:
- Their UK driving licence number (which will be on their provisional licence)
- A credit or debit card
- Their driving instructor’s reference number if they are accompanying them
The practical test currently costs £62 for a weekday appointment. Tests in the evening or at weekends and bank holidays cost £75.
Support and encouragement
The DVSA actively encourages parents to help their children learn to drive and have published their own guide to supervising learner drivers. The DVSA also highlights that private practice with a friend or family member has all sorts of benefits, not least because it allows learners to practise and reinforce what they learn in lessons.
It’s also recommended that parents sit in on some of the lessons their child has with an ADI. This is so that you can understand what your child is learning and the techniques used by professional instructors, but it’s also hoped that parents will pick up a few tips themselves.
But while learning to drive can be nerve wracking for many, it’s also the first major step towards real independence and you can help your child simply by offering encouragement and support.
