Who can supervise a learner driver in the UK?

The government’s Ready to Pass campaign shows that the average time it takes for someone to pass their driving test is 45 hours of lessons with a driving instructor plus a further 22 hours of private practice with a friend or family member.

Have you ever thought about the responsibilities of the person who supervises the learner during these private lessons?

It’s up to them to keep the learner safe and most private cars do not have dual controls like many professional instructors.

How long do I have to have been driving to supervise a learner driver?

To supervise a learner driver, you need to have held a full UK driving licence for at least three years and been a permanent UK resident for at least two years,

What are the rules for supervising a learner driver?

Sometimes the extra responsibility that comes with supervising someone who is learning to drive can be more stressful and nerve-racking than actually taking the wheel. You need to have trust in the learner that they know what they’re doing and will listen to your instructions and advice.

How to help calm a learner's nerves

To help them feel comfortable, you should assess the learner's competence, confidence and ability.

• Talk to the learner to see where and how far they’re happy to drive, which manoeuvres they want to try out with your support and what they feel are their big challenges. It’s worth having a similar conversation with their instructor.
• Remember that you’re there to support them and keep them safe while on the road. All this extra learning can help boost their skills and confidence.
• A supervisor should sit in the front passenger seat next to the learner driver so that they can advise clearly. Under no circumstances should a supervisor accept payment for these private driving lessons – even for fuel – as this is illegal.

Can I supervise a learner in someone else's car?

Yes, you can supervise a learner in someone else's car, providing you meet all the legal requirements - you're over 21 years old (25 with a Tempcover policy), held a full UK licence for at least three years, qualified to drive the vehicle and the learner has appropriate insurance. The vehicle must also be roadworthy with valid tax and an MOT.

Staying safe while supervising driving lessons

During private driving practice, both the learner and supervisor (who must hold a full driving licence) need to:

• Be sober – Supervisors need to be alert to potential hazards and focus on keeping the new driver safe. They should not be supervising if under the influence as this could be a danger to the learner, themselves and other road users.
• Refrain from using their phones or devices – Many of us are obsessed with our phones but a supervisor should put their devices down and focus fully on the road and supporting the learner.
• Have eyesight that meets the ‘standards of vision for driving’ – If the supervisor doesn’t have strong enough eyesight to be driving the car themselves, they should not be supervising.
• Have the right insurance – It is a legal requirement for the supervisor and learner driver to have insurance in place to drive the vehicle.

Government tips for supervising private driving lessons

Gov.uk has guidance for supervising learner drivers including:

• If the learner is driving their supervisor’s car, they must either be added to their annual policy as a named driver (the supervisor’s no claims discount could be affected if they make a claim) or take out learner driver insurance (with Tempcover, any claims will not affect the supervisor’s no claims discount).
• If the learner is using their own car, they must be the registered keeper and have their own insurance (annual or temporary) that covers them as a learner driver.

A learner driver can get an unlimited fine, be banned from driving and get up to 8 penalty points for driving without insurance.

Advice for supervising a learner driver

• Brush up on the Highway Code – Can you remember just how much there was to learn in this book? Supervisors should have a browse through the Highway Code to remind you of some of the lesser-known rules of the road.
• Plan ahead – This could be a nervy time for supervisor and passenger. Supervisors should plan out a route well ahead of the session. Include time for manoeuvres and breaks for feedback/rest.
• Keep calm, alert and responsive – The person supervising a learner driver should be clear with their instructions and directions and keep an eye out for potential hazards.
• Cut out your own bad driving habits – It’s very hard to remain objective when it comes to evaluating your own driving but most of us will have things we know we can improve on. Supervisors should try to consider what they do wrong (e.g. indicating too late or driving too close to the car in front) and cut these habits out when helping a learner get in some extra practice.

Both learner and supervisor should also know the condition of the car and any of its quirks, while ensuring that both have relevant insurance.

Who is responsible if a learner driver has an accident?

A learner driver has the same duty of care as those with full driving licences. This means they are responsible for any incidents. If a learner driver has an accident, they will be deemed responsible as they were behind the wheel. However, if the supervisor is not deemed to be in a fit and proper state or intoxicated, they can also be penalised with fines, penalties or even imprisonment.

If a learner driver is caught speeding, they could face a fine and points on their licence. If they’re caught speeding in the supervisor’s car, the supervisor will get the letter to inform them of the offence. If the supervisor receives this letter, they can nominate the learner as the driver.

Parking tickets are a little different as no points are involved. The supervisor and learner should discuss what to do and if they should split the cost if they receive a parking fine.

The Government’s Ready to Pass website has more information on the rules for supervising a learner driver.

Can you have two insurance policies on one car?

It's legal but not advised to have two insurance policies on one car due to additional costs and claim complications. Exceptions may include different drivers needing cover for the same car or adding temporary insurance. If you have two policies, contact your insurer to cancel the older one. Always scrutinise policy details and ensure all drivers are adequately insured.

How many passengers can a learner driver have?

There is no limit on the number of passengers (or the age of them) a learner can have in private lessons but it’s worth bearing in mind that there will be more distractions, especially if some of the passengers are children. The supervisor should ideally be sat in the front passenger seat, so that they can give clear directions.

When carrying passengers, the learner should also take into account that the car may feel different to what they’re used to and provide a slightly altered driving experience due to the increased weight etc.

For Tempcover’s learner driver insurance policies, there is a maximum number of five seats per vehicle, so the learner and supervisor can only carry three passengers.

Can a learner driver drive on the motorway?

The short answer is only with a qualified driving instructor. You can find out more in Tempcover’s guide to learners driving on the motorway.

Can learner drivers drive at night?

Yes, learners can drive cars in the darker hours – both privately and with approved driving instructors. This can help increase confidence as learners get used to driving in different conditions. You’re going to have to drive at all hours of the day, and winter lessons may take place in darkness so it’s important to become familiar with these settings.

Can you get fined as a learner driver?

As a learner driver, you're subject to the same penalties as fully qualified drivers, including fines for speeding. You must adhere to all traffic laws, including speed limits, as part of becoming a safe, responsible driver. Monitor your speedometer and road signs, ensuring you always drive within legal speed limits to avoid fines.

Can a disqualified driver supervise a learner?

No, disqualified drivers cannot supervise.To supervise a learner driver, you must be at least 21 (Tempcover’s learner insurance policies require a supervisor to be over 25), hold a full UK, EU, or EEA driving licence for three years, and be qualified to drive the learner's vehicle type. You must meet eyesight requirements, and your car must be insured, registered, taxed, roadworthy, and display L-plates (D-plates in Wales). The learner must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Tempcover It!

Extra driving practice can make a huge difference when it comes to preparing to take your test.

To do this, both the learner and supervisor should fully understand the legal requirements for this kind of driving, including ensuring they are both covered by the most appropriate insurance policy.

Both should also understand their legal responsibilities and feel confident in each other’s company and ability.

Extra support and practice can make a huge difference to a learner’s driving skills and build their confidence, making private lessons a worthwhile effort.

The more learners drive, the more they will get used to the ways of the road as they physically and mentally prepare for their test.

Get a quote from Tempcover in under 2 minutes and enjoy learner driver insurance from 1 hour to 28 days.