What are the rules for supervising a learner driver?
Key takeaways
You must be over 21 years old, not currently banned from driving, and have held a driving licence for at least three years
You must have the correct car insurance
The type of car insurance you need will depend on whose car the learner is driving
Who can supervise a learner driver?
Anyone can supervise a learner driver, as long as they meet the following requirements:
They are at least 21 years old
They are not currently banned from driving
They are qualified to drive the type of vehicle the learner is driving – for example, you must have a manual driving licence if you’re supervising someone in a manual car
They have held a full driving licence for at least three years from the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein
You should also be up-to-date with the latest version of The Highway Code. It’s worth refreshing your knowledge before you take a learner driver out on the roads.
What are the rules for supervising a learner driver?
Once you’ve established that you’re able to supervise a learner driver, there are some rules and requirements that must also be met:
If a learner is using your car, it’s your responsibility to add them as a named driver to your policy. Otherwise, the learner must take out driving insurance in their own name.
L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) must be displayed on the front and back of the car that the learner is driving. These should be removed after each practice session.
When supervising a learner, you must sit in the front passenger seat of the vehicle the entire time. Sitting in the back seat restricts your view of the road, and prevents you from being able to take control of the car in an emergency.
It’s illegal to take money for supervising someone who is learning to drive, including accepting fuel payments. Only qualified driving instructors who have been approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency can take payments for supervising learner drivers.
It is crucial that you remain focused and distraction-free when supervising a learner driver. This means that – just like if you were the one driving – you are not allowed to use phones, sat navs, or other electronic devices.
Someone supervising a learner driver has the same legal responsibilities as the driver themselves. It is therefore illegal to supervise a learner if your breath alcohol or blood alcohol level is higher than the legal limit, or if you’re under the influence of illegal drugs or certain prescribed medicine above specified limits.
Learner drivers are only permitted on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a car fitted with dual controls. You should avoid motorways in your driving routes while supervising a learner.
You must have the correct car insurance
You must display L-plates
You must sit in the front passenger seat
You must not take payment for supervising a learner driver
You must not use your mobile phone
You must not be under the influence of drink or drugs (including some medicines)
You must not go on motorways
Do I need insurance for supervising a learner driver?
It’s important to make sure that you have the correct insurance in place before taking a learner driver out on the road. A learner driver can get an unlimited fine, a driving ban and up to eight penalty points if they drive without insurance. The insurance you need will differ, depending on what vehicle you are using:
If a learner is using your car, you must add them to your policy as a named driver. Alternatively, they can take out learner driver insurance in their own name.
It’s worth remembering that your no-claims discount could be affected if a learner driver needs to make a claim on your policy as a named driver. If a learner driver takes out insurance in their own name you should check with the provider whether any claims they make will affect your no-claims discount.
If you’re supervising a learner in their own car, you won’t be responsible for taking out any additional insurance. However, it’s important that the learner:
Is the registered keeper of the vehicle
Has their own insurance policy covering them as a learner driver
If a learner driver is using your car
If a learner driver is using their own car
Some insurers require you to be over 25 to supervise a learner driver, while others have restrictions such as when learners can drive (for example, they might exclude driving at night). You should check the relevant insurance policy to make sure you are fully covered for any sessions you are supervising.
What does a learner driver need before they can start driving?
As well as needing the correct car insurance, learner drivers must meet the following requirements:
Have a valid UK provisional licence
Meet the minimum eyesight rules
Be at least 17 years old
What are the car requirements for driving lessons?
A learner can practice in any make or model of car, as long as it:
Is fitted with L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) on the front and back
Is taxed
Has a valid MOT
Is safe to drive (you should help the learner to check this each time they practice)
Is registered with the DVLA
You might also wish to fit an extra rear-view mirror for the passenger side of the car to enable you to more clearly see the road behind you.
Can a learner driver carry other passengers?
Other passengers can sit in the car while you’re supervising a learner driver. However, it’s important that any passengers do not distract the learner. If passengers are children, then the learner driver is responsible for ensuring that they are wearing seatbelts and are in suitable car seats, if necessary.
