Private practice between driving lessons

Should you get in some private practice with parents in between driving lessons? I take a look at the benefits of gaining experience outside of lessons.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have access to a vehicle alongside driving lessons but for those who are, why not make the most of the extra experience alongside your lessons with your instructor? It will enable you to get used to another vehicle, particularly if the vehicle is to be yours once you've passed your driving test. Getting used to a different clutch will help improve your clutch control too.

Remember you must be supervised at all times by a suitable full licence holder and your vehicle must be insured for you. More information can be found here.

You can use this opportunity to get plenty of practice at times when you wouldn't be able to have a driving lesson, for example in the evening and in varying road conditions. Although your instructor will strive to provide you with as much on-road experience as possible, they can't cover all situations.

Practice what you have learned on driving lessons

Learned a new manoeuvre? Get in your car and practice it. Try it out and see what works for you. You can always return to this on your driving lesson and continue to improve. Use the opportunity to complement your driving lessons.

If you want to spend more time covering a particular junction, go back to it in your own vehicle. The more confident you become, the less your parents should guide or advise you on, the more independent you will become. Enjoy it, its all part of your journey to becoming a safe and confident driver.

Guidance for supervising persons

If you're a little apprehensive about supervising your son or daughter, take them to a quiet area and let them show you what they can do. Try to relax and let them drive as they do on their driving lessons. Be patient - they may make mistakes, see it as a part of their learning. Advise and guide as best you can. I will always be available to chat before or after their driving lesson if you need to seek my advice.

It is important to note that if I do not think they are at the required level in their learning to be on the road without a qualified driving instructor I would not advise private practice. Under no circumstances should you put yourself or others in any danger. We are qualified to manage the risk and to share responsibility so will always advise accordingly.

If things do not go to plan and you find yourself or your son or daughter getting stressed or anxious, take a break. If things don't improve, consider calling it a day for now. Driving while feeling anxious will harm their confidence and could hinder their learning. Seek my advice if this is something you are struggling to manage.