Can I teach someone to drive?
Are you unsure whether or not you can teach someone else to drive in the UK? This guide helps answer all of your questions.
Key points
To legally teach someone to drive, one must be over 21 and have held a full driving licence for at least three years
When allowing a learner to use your car, ensure it meets safety standards and is covered by insurance
Professional driving instructors offer structured learning and use dual-control vehicles for safety
Can I teach someone to drive?
Yes, you can teach someone to drive, provided you meet certain requirements and follow the rules. You'll typically need to be at least 21 years old, have held a full driving licence for at least three years, and be qualified to drive the same type of vehicle as the learner.
It's also important that the learner has a provisional licence. You cannot charge for lessons unless you are a qualified driving instructor.
What are the legal requirements for teaching someone to drive?
To teach someone to drive you must be at least 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for at least three years. The learner must hold a valid provisional licence, which they can apply for from the age of 15 years and nine months.
It is essential to display L-plates on both the front and rear of the vehicle during lessons, and your car must be roadworthy and meet all MOT and tax requirements.
During the lessons, both the tutor and the learner must adhere to all road safety rules. They must obey speed limits, traffic signals, and signage.
The tutor must also ensure they are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You need to remain fully alert and capable of taking control of the vehicle if necessary.
Can someone use my car to learn to drive in?
Yes, someone can learn to drive in your car in the UK, but the same rules and regulations apply. You should also consider the following:
Valid car insurance
Before handing over your keys, check your car insurance policy. Most insurers require that you inform them if a learner will be using your vehicle. This might lead to a temporary increase in your premium, but it ensures coverage in case of an accident. Always confirm that the learner has provisional insurance as well.
Vehicle safety requirements
Your car must meet certain safety standards before a learner can use it. This includes working seat belts, properly adjusted mirrors, and clear visibility through all windows. Ensure your vehicle's brakes, lights, and tyres are also in excellent condition to avoid any potential hazards during learning sessions.
Potential risks and liabilities
Allowing a learner to drive your car comes with risks. If they have an accident, you could be liable for damages if it's proven that your vehicle was not up to safety standards. Any damage to your vehicle might not be fully covered by insurance, depending on the terms of your policy.
Who's responsible if a learner driver crashes my car?
Typically, the car owner's insurance should cover the damages if a learner crashes the car. However, this depends on the specific insurance policy. It is vital to have a policy that includes provisional drivers. Without this, you may encounter issues with claims.
It also depends if you have a fully comprehensive policy, or just third-party. To avoid any incidents as best as possible, choose low-traffic times for practice and start in less risky driving environments.
Ensure the learner understands basic control and road rules before moving to busier areas. These steps can help ensure a safer learning experience.
How does car insurance work for learner drivers?
Car insurance for learner drivers is similar to standard car insurance. However, policies are tailored specifically for learners, providing cover and additional extras as they improve their driving skills. These policies account for the unique risks new drivers face.
Insurance providers set premiums for learner drivers based on factors such as the learner's age, the type of car used for training, and how often they take driving lessons. Generally, younger learners may face higher premiums due to their lack of road experience.
Adding a learner driver to an existing policy is straightforward. The car owner must contact their insurance provider and provide the learner's details. You might also need to adjust the coverage. This ensures the learner is adequately covered without significantly altering the existing policy terms.
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Collette Shackleton
Content Writer
Collette Shackleton is a highly skilled Content Writer who has over nine years’ experience creating helpful and engaging personal finance content for consumers. Collette shares her experience as a...
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Beth Leslie
Senior Insurance Content Editor
Beth is an experienced writer and editor who specialises in financial and economic content. She is currently the Senior Insurance Content Editor for MoneySuperMarket. Beth is passionate about making...
