PRIVATE PRACTICE
Private Practice
The DSA have suggested that an average learner takes around 40 hours of professional tuition and has a lot of private practice to make sure they are ready for the test. If you are willing and able to take the learner out it will really help them. If you plan to take out a learner driver you may be nervous as you have no dual controls. Your nerves will make the learner nervous too and this could lead to mistakes. So the key message is 'Stay calm!'
To accompany a learner driver, you must be over 21 and have held a FULL driving licence for 3 years or more. You must, of course, show L plates at the front and back of your car - don't put them on windscreens or anywhere else where they would obscure the driver's view. L plates should only be used when the learner is driving.
Your car must be insured for this (and if you are planning to use your car for the driving test you must inform your insurers of this, as many 'everyday' insurances do not cover the specific occasion of the test). There may be an extra cost so check with your insurer.
Alternatively you may like to use Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance. (www.collingwoodlearners.co.uk). They will insure the learner driver for short periods and you could discuss your needs with them. It may work out cheaper. Please would all my pupils quote ref 263652 when you contact them.
It is very important that your private practice should support what has been taught. All of us pick up bad habits over the years and you should avoid trying to 'teach' the learner. Of course, if they are doing something you are concerned about talk to the driving instructor about it. But praise is very important and will encourage the learner.
Use driving practice to go over what has been taught recently, and, if you can, keep a record of what was practised, where you drove, what went well and any problems that occurred. This can be shown to the instructor on the next lesson - teamwork will greatly help the pupil.
Only go out with the learner when their instructor says they are ready to go out with you. Then you should be confident that they are skilful enough to cope with road conditions and traffic. Be guided by the instructor who should be able to advise you of suitable routes.
Try to give instructions (e.g. take the next road on the left) in plenty of time. Remember that learners need a little extra time to react to your instruction and think about what they have to do. Most learners tell me that the accompanying driver gives instructions too late and so they panic as they approach the junction/roundabout and find they are rushing to get gears changed, do the right steering and make observations and at this point the accompanying driver (who has also become nervous by now!) gets worked up and makes matters worse.
Encourage the learner to follow procedures taught by their instructor. Car engines have changed a lot over the years and procedures may not be the same as when you were taught.
Try to be patient! (And please don't shout!) Learners do make mistakes but the whole experience can be more enjoyable if you are both relaxed.
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