Congratulations you've received your provisional licence!
That’s the first step done on your journey to your full licence!
Time to get started with the most important part, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the best way to pass your test first time is to get at least 47 hours of professional instruction with a good driving instructor and at least 20 hours of supervised private practice.
IMPORTANT
Thinking of getting help from a family member or friend? Whoever accompanies you on your private driving practice must be:
- At least 21 years of age
- Held a full driving licence for at least three years.
If your accompanying driver does not meet these conditions, YOU risk a fine and 3 penalty points on your driving licence. Both you and your supervising driver also needs to know the following stuff - Responsibilities
How do you find the right instructor?
All driving instructors MUST display a badge showing their qualification.
Green badge holders are fully qualified DVSA-licensed ADIs, and have undergone rigorous checks.
Pink badge holders are still in training – although they are allowed to teach and charge for lessons.
Things to think about...
Do you want a male or female instructor?
Will you always have the same instructor and/or car?
Can one of your parents come along later to pick up 'supervisor' tips?
How much emphasis do they put on safety?
Only book a block discount of lessons once you've had your first lesson and you know you're comfortable with your instructor
A 'green badge' driving instructor is a fully-qualified Driving Standards Agency-licensed ADI, whereas a 'pink badge' instructor is still in training
Your choice.
Instructor list - coming soon!
Responsibilities of your instructor
As your supervisor, they’re jointly in charge of the vehicle with you. The following must be adhered to:
- No drink, drugs or speeding
- No mobile phone use by you or your instructor while on the move
- The car must be properly insured for both of you and for the purpose you are using it
- 'L' plates must be displayed front and back
- It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the car is fit to use on the road, ask your supervising driver to check the tyres, brakes etc with you ensuring you are both happy that the car is safe and legal.
- Whoever is supervising your driving, MUST be over 21 years old and have had a full driving licence for at least 3 years
More advice
- Move from an empty car park to quiet roads to everyday driving.
- When ready, move on to evening and wet-weather driving.
- Your supervising driver needs to be patient, no matter how much your driving might scare them! Remember! Points and convictions can be gained by learner drivers even when out practicing.
Enlisting Mum or Dad?
Back in the days when your parents learnt to drive, they faced a shorter, all-in-one test – with no hazard perception element and no separate theory test. So they may not be up-to-date on modern driving instruction.
But here’s what you can do:
Get your mum or dad to go on a lesson or two with you. Then, when they’re supervising you, they can check you do things the way the instructor’s taught you. (They can also help you get ready for your theory test by firing questions at you on the Highway Code at every available opportunity.
More advice ...
- Move from an empty car park to quiet roads to everyday driving.
- When ready, move on to evening and wet-weather driving.
- Your supervising driver needs to be patient, no matter how much your driving might scare them!
REMEMBER! Points and convictions can be gained by learner drivers even when out practising.
