Driving With A Learner Checklist
When you are supervising a learner driver the experience can be rewarding. It can also be a great way to share your passion for driving and help someone else learn the skills they need to be a safe and responsible driver.
But before you decide to get on the road with a learner, there are a few things you need to know first, you’ll need to make sure you have the right learner driver insurance in place. You’ll also need to make sure the car meets all of the requirements for driving with a learner.
Okay! So lets do some checks
The Learner
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must have a provisional licence
- Must have learner driver insurance or be covered by the supervising driver’s insurance as a named driver
- It is illegal to drive on the motorway when practising without an approved driving instructor
The Supervisor
- You must be between the ages of 25 and 75 in order to supervise a learner driver
- You must be qualified to drive the type of vehicle that the learner is practising in, e.g. a qualified driver with an automatic licence cannot supervise a learner in a manual vehicle
- You must have held your full licence for at least 3 years
- You must be a permanent UK resident
- It is illegal for the supervising driver to use a mobile phone whilst supervising a learner driver
The Car
- L plates should be fitted to the car, clearly visible on the front and back
- Must be registered with the DVLA
- Must have up-to-date vehicle tax
- Must have a current/valid MOT certificate
Why Is All Of This Important?
It’s important that all parties follow these requirements mentioned in our checklist, covering the learner, supervisor, and the vehicle being used.
It boils down to making sure the learner is driving safely to protect themselves and others on the road, but here’s what can happen if these criteria are not met.
DRIVE FOR SAFETY – The learner can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points on their provisional licence if they drive without the right supervision.
FUTURE PROTECTED – The learner could receive an unlimited fine, be banned from driving and get up to 8 penalty points for driving without insurance.
“I only went and did it first time! It still hasn’t sunk in. I’ve had a 20 year phobia of driving that caused anxiety and panic attacks, and would never have got through the lessons or test (first time!) without your instruction.
The money I’ve spent with you is possibly the best money I’ve ever invested in anything. I really do appreciate all the help, guidance, counselling, tissues… and laughs. I honestly couldn’t have chosen a better instructor. I’m over the moon to have passed, but I will miss the lessons and all the jokes.”