LEARNING TO DRIVE
WITH A PARENT OR FRIEND

According to the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) most people pass their practical driving test, on average, after about 47 hours of professional tuition plus 20 hours of private tuition.

The non professional who is giving you these private lessons must

	be at least 21 years of age
	have held (and still hold) a full EC/EEA driving licence for at least 3 years for the category of vehicle being driven
	ensure that the car is insured for use by the learner
	have L-plates (D-plates in Wales) fitted to both the front and rear of the car
	ensure that the car is in a safe, roadworthy condition
	ensure that the car is registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), has a valid vehicle tax disc and holds a current MoT certificate (if this is required)
	never take you on a motorway.

The person accompanying you should try to encourage confidence and never put you in a situation that requires more skill then you can be expected to have. The learner should never be taken beyond the level that their professional instructor has taken them.

Your ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) will tell you at the end of each lesson what you should be practicing.

During your practice sessions you should vary what you do. Try to practice

	on as many types of road as you can
	in all sorts of traffic and weather conditions and in the dark
	on dual carriageways where the national speed limit applies. You may be asked to drive on this type of road during your practical test.

When you practice try to

	avoid obstructing other traffic
	consider the local residents e.g. don't keep practising emergency stops in the same quiet residential street
	get lots of general driving practice. Don't just concentrate on the exersises included in the practical test.

The accompanying driver is bound by the same mobile phone, drink, drugs and tiredness legislation as applies to a driver.

COLD HARD FACT
Young drivers are about twice as likely to have an accident negotiating a bend than other drivers.