Learner driver insurance gives learners a chance at driving practice outside of lessons - which can be that boost of experience needed to pass. Especially when done during half term holidays, the learner can focus specifically on the skills they most need to practice. Don’t forget about the homework though!
With half terms usually only being 1 or 2 weeks long, it’s important to make it work for both you and the learner. It can get frustrating when you need to go over the same skill many times, which can end up causing a halt in the learning progression. This is why it’s important to truly get to the root of the issue and work through it, so your time is spent improving driving skills, not arguing.
Make a plan
A good place to start if you don’t know where to start: have a session dedicated to pinpointing strengths and weaknesses. This session will be what sets the tone for the rest, as both the parent and the learner will know what needs to be practiced, and therefore spend the time on the road efficiently.
We have 2 free worksheets to help you organise your private practice lessons, plan what you’ll be doing each session and keep track of skills you practice! Simply print both out and bring to each session to record the learner’s progress.
Free printable session planner
While you’re at it, check out our Top Tips for Supervising A Learner Driver and A Driving Instructors Advice On Supervising A Learner Driver!
How long does it realistically take to learn to drive?
The DVSA states that while there isn’t a minimum number of hours in lessons required, most learners average 45 hours with a driving instructor and 22 hours of extra private practice without an instructor. If time spent practising driving is done in a way that truly helps the learner, it will make a difference to not only to their driving ability, but also their confidence on the road. Those extra hours of practice make a difference!
Communicate with the driving instructor, if possible
By getting feedback from the driving instructor’s lessons paired with a plan for private practice, you’ll be able to spend time on what truly needs to be worked on, instead of taking the easy route (literally!).
A second perspective on the learner’s progress can be extremely helpful to a supervising driver, as they will get feedback from another experienced driver. When it comes to combining the two, you can focus on what the driving instructor recommends the learner needs to practice on, making every session as effective as it can be.
The heart-warming tradition of passing down the knowledge - for a parent to teach their child to drive. All the top tips and funny stories, mistakes they’ve learnt from and road trips they’ve loved - certainly makes up for all the unavoidable tension that can come with teaching someone to drive!
You can read about what other parents of learner drivers enjoyed about helping their child with private practice on our dedicated article, Top 6 Reasons To Take Your Learner Driving.
