Last updated: 03/10/2025
Attaching a learner’s plate to a vehicle is a proud milestone for many drivers who are just starting their lessons. Racking up practice hours behind the wheel is an essential aspect of passing your driving test, but it can be stressful and expensive.
In this article, we’ll take a look at who can supervise a learner driver and the rules of learning to drive with family and friends.
According to the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), a learner driver requires an average of 47 hours of formal driving tuition and a further 22 hours of additional practice with friends or family.
This means it’s encouraged to get in the car with a parent or friend for private driving lessons. Doing this will help build confidence and become more familiar with operating a vehicle on public roads.
The majority of learner drivers probably do not own cars, so it’s likely you’ll be practising in a vehicle that belongs to the person supervising you. This could be a parent, sibling, friend or anyone else close.
There is no criteria for what their relationship is to you, but the person supervising you must meet the following legal requirements before letting you behind the wheel:
If you’re lucky enough to be learning to drive in your own car, the same rules will still apply to the person supervising you. You can read Tempcover’s guide to learner driver rules to find out more.
It is essential to have the correct insurance when learning to drive and when teaching someone to drive. If you are learning to drive in someone else’s vehicle, carefully check the policy wording as many policies do not automatically cover unnamed additional drivers.
In this case, you need to purchase your own learner driver car insurance policy. It is no secret that it can be very costly for a learner driver to commit to an annual policy, when all you really need is something flexible that covers you as and when you need it.
This is where temporary learner insurance adds real value, as you can select cover that’s flexible to suit your schedule and budget. Policies start from just 12 hours right up to 28 days, so you’re bound to find a policy best suited to your needs.
With fully comprehensive cover on every learner policy, you’ll have complete peace of mind while you hone your driving skills.
Driving without the correct insurance is illegal. Penalties include:
Learner drivers that do not have the correct supervision when behind the wheel can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to six penalty points on their provisional licence.
The consequences of practising driving uninsured are even more severe and could result in an unlimited fine, a ban from driving or up to eight penalty points. It’s not worth the risk of driving uninsured.
Whether you’re looking for one-day learner driver insurance or cover for a week, Tempcover can fully cover you according to your own schedule and budget.
Get a learner driver insurance quote in under 2 minutes and discover the quickest ways to pass your driving test with Tempcover.
Yes, if you’re lucky enough to have your own car, you will be able to learn to drive in it. The vehicle must be in roadworthy condition and you must have a provisional driving licence and valid learner driver insurance. The person supervising you must meet specific legal requirements including being over 21 years old (25 for Tempcover’s temporary car insurance) and having held a full driving licence for at least three years.
Yes, all drivers need insurance to drive on a public road. You can choose between a standard policy that covers you as a learner or enjoy the flexibility of temporary learner driver insurance.
No, the person supervising you doesn’t need to be named on your learner driver insurance unless they drive the car. Please check all legal requirements are met in their insurance policy details.
To supervise a learner driver, you must be a minimum of 21 years old (Tempcover’s learner driver insurance requires the supervisor to be 25 years old), regardless of whether you're a family member, friend, or professional instructor. This age requirement ensures sufficient driving experience, crucial for providing a safe, effective learning environment. The aim is to ensure the learner receives the best possible guidance while mastering road rules.
In the UK, your mother can teach you to drive if she's over 21, has held a full UK, EU, EEA, Swiss, Norwegian, or Icelandic driving licence for at least three years, and is qualified to drive your learning vehicle. You need a provisional licence, learner's insurance, L-plates, valid road tax, and MOT. Payment for lessons is prohibited. An extra rear-view mirror may also come in useful.
Learner drivers can be stopped by police for infractions such as solo driving, not displaying L-plates, or lacking necessary documents. Minor errors during supervised lessons may be overlooked, but serious breaches can lead to penalties, including fines and points on your provisional licence. Offences like unsupervised driving or absence of L-plates can result in fines, licence points, or vehicle seizure in severe cases.
In the UK, to supervise a learner driver, you must be 21 or older (Tempcover’s learner driver insurance policies only apply to those over 25), hold a full driving licence for three years from a qualifying country, and be fit to drive. You should be qualified to drive the vehicle type the learner is using. The car must be taxed, insured, have a valid MOT, and display L-plates. Accepting payment for supervision is illegal.
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.
In the UK, it's legally required for all drivers, including learners, to have car insurance, even when driving someone else's car. Learner-specific insurance policies offer short-term cover for lessons or until passing the test. These temporary policies can coexist with the car owner's insurance, ensuring their no-claims bonus isn't affected by any learner-related accidents. Ensure you're insured before driving.
In the UK, insurance is mandatory when driving with a provisional licence on public roads, whether in your own car or another's. If learning with an instructor, their insurance covers you. For private practice, you must be on the car owner's policy or have learner driver insurance. Uninsured driving can result in a £300 fine and six penalty points. Displaying L-plates outside of lessons is also required.
Learner drivers must be at least 17 with a provisional licence, supervised by a qualified driver aged 21+ (Tempcover’s learner driver insurance policies are suitable for those aged 25 and over) who's held a full licence for three years. Display 'L' plates ('D' in Wales), have appropriate insurance, and only drive on motorways with an approved instructor in a dual-control car. Observe traffic laws, speed limits, and avoid mobile use. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, registered, and MOT-approved.
Learner drivers in the UK must have appropriate insurance. If caught driving uninsured, they face a £300 penalty, six licence points, and potential vehicle confiscation. Court cases could result in unlimited fines or a driving ban. Therefore, it's essential to have the correct learner driver insurance.
As a supervisor of a learner driver, you must be insured to drive the vehicle, either under your own policy, the learner's, or as a named driver. Without insurance, you can't legally control the vehicle. Always verify with the insurer and ensure the vehicle is taxed, has a valid MOT, displays L-plates, and is safe and legal. You must also be over 21 years old, but bear in mind many insurers’ - including Tempcover’s - learner driver policies require the supervisor to be aged 25 or over.
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.
Indeed, learner drivers can practise in their own cars, aiding confidence for post-test driving. However, it's not compulsory prior to your test. If uncomfortable, don't rush; you can develop this skill at your own pace, even post-practical test.
Expect to pay £25-£30 for a 1-hour driving lesson in the UK, though rates may vary based on location and chosen driving school. Research and compare prices to ensure value for money. Investing in quality driving lessons enhances your confidence and competence on the road.
Yes, learner insurance permits you to practise driving in your own car using a provisional licence. However, you must always be accompanied by an experienced driver aged 21 or over (many insurers require supervisors to be over 25). With your L-plates and a co-driver, you're ready to work towards passing your test.
Insuring a learner driver can vary in cost, with options including a temporary policy or adding them to your existing policy, potentially increasing your premium by hundreds. Cost factors include the learner's age, experience, car details, location, and cover level.
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.
As a supervisor, it's mandatory to have car insurance that covers you taking control during practice sessions, providing protection in case of accidents. Passengers aren't required to have insurance as they're covered by the driver's policy. This setup allows you to concentrate on assisting the learner to enhance their driving skills, knowing you're adequately insured.
It's crucial for learners and supervisors to have car insurance. You can obtain temporary learner driver insurance, which won't impact your current policy. This allows you to concentrate on improving your driving skills, assured of mutual protection.
When teaching a novice driver, ensure they have valid learner insurance for potential mishaps and display L plates. Maintain calm, clear communication, avoiding shouting. Stay alert, guiding the learner by identifying hazards and offering advice. Good instruction is key to developing confident, safe drivers.
Start your driving journey by understanding driving theory and choosing the right transmission. Consider an intensive course for quicker learning, and practice between lessons to enhance skills. Learn from your mistakes and persevere. An experienced instructor or supervisor can provide valuable insights. Remember, every driver was once a beginner. Keep going and you'll soon be driving confidently.
Parallel parking, often the hardest part of learning to drive, requires precise control and strong spatial awareness. It can be daunting for new drivers, but regular practice will help overcome this challenge. Don't lose heart; persist and you'll soon park like a professional.
Yes, an intensive driving course can enable you to pass your test within a week, particularly if you have considerable driving experience, have passed your theory test, and can dedicate several hours daily to practice. However, beginners may find this challenging, as the DVSA suggests approximately 45 hours of lessons and considerable independent practice.
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Temporary Car InsuranceLearner DriverLearner Driver InsuranceDriving Laws