Before any private practice session, a few quick checks keep things legal, safe and properly insured. This page is a summary to work through together — always confirm the specific detail with GOV.UK and your insurer, since requirements can change.
This guide is written from the perspective of a UK Approved Driving Instructor to help parents and supervisors support safe private practice. It’s general guidance, not a replacement for professional instruction — always check GOV.UK for the latest official rules before you start.
Who can legally supervise a learner driver
To supervise private practice in the UK, you need to:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have held a full driving licence for the vehicle category for at least 3 years (periods of disqualification don’t count towards this)
- Hold a licence that covers the type of vehicle being driven — a manual licence to supervise in a manual car, for example
- Not currently be banned from driving
It’s illegal to accept any payment for supervising, including money towards fuel. Licences from the UK, EU/EEA, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein all count — it doesn’t have to be a UK-issued licence. Full detail is on GOV.UK — check before your first session, especially if you passed your test overseas or hold a licence for a different vehicle category.
What your learner driver needs
A valid UK provisional driving licence for the category of vehicle they’re practising in, and the ability to read a number plate at the legally required distance (with glasses or contact lenses if needed). They also need to be at least 17, or 16 in some circumstances involving a qualifying disability benefit. Confirm both before setting off, and check again periodically.
Insurance — what to actually check
This is the one most families get caught out on. You have three options:
- Add your learner as a named driver on the supervising car’s existing policy
- Take out separate learner driver insurance for them
- If it’s their own car, make sure their own policy covers learner practice
Some insurers also require the supervising adult to be over 25, even though the legal minimum is 21 — always check the policy wording rather than assuming. Driving without valid insurance carries an unlimited fine, a driving ban, and penalty points, so this is worth ten minutes of your time before the first session. Provisional to Driver does not provide insurance advice; always confirm current terms with your own insurer.
L plates
L plates (or, in Wales, red D plates, red L plates, or both — see GOV.UK) must be clearly displayed on the front and back of the car whenever your learner is driving, and removed or covered when they’re not. It’s about correct size and clear visibility rather than which particular set you buy — magnetic plates are a simple way to manage this, see the Kit List for options.
A quick vehicle safety check
- Tyres — legal tread depth and correct pressure
- Mirrors — clean and correctly adjusted for both driver and supervisor
- MOT (if the vehicle is over three years old) and vehicle tax — current and valid
- Lights, indicators and brakes — all working correctly
- Screen wash — topped up, especially in winter
Eyesight
Both driver and supervisor should be able to read a number plate at the legally required distance. If either of you needs glasses or contact lenses to drive, wear them for every session — no exceptions.
What’s not allowed
- No mobile phone use while driving or while actively supervising, for either of you. If you need to check a route or make a call, pull over somewhere safe and legal first.
- Learner drivers in England, Scotland and Wales may only drive on a motorway when accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor, in a car fitted with dual controls. A parent or any other private supervisor — even one who meets all the usual requirements — cannot legally accompany a learner on a motorway, ever. Motorway practice is something to arrange as a lesson with an instructor, never something to attempt yourselves. (Northern Ireland does not currently permit learner drivers on motorways under any circumstances.)
- Neither the learner nor the supervisor should drive or supervise after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, including some over-the-counter or prescription medications that affect driving.
Passengers
Keep additional passengers to a minimum during private practice, especially in early sessions — fewer distractions means a calmer session for everyone.
Pre-practice checklist
- Supervisor is 21+, licensed 3+ years, not banned
- Learner has a valid provisional licence and meets the eyesight standard
- Insurance confirmed and in writing, not assumed
- L plates displayed correctly, front and back
- Quick tyre, mirror, MOT/tax and screen wash check done
- Fuel/charge level checked
- Mirrors adjusted for both driver and supervisor
- Both phones put away for the drive
- Route agreed before setting off
- Everyone’s seatbelt on before moving
- No motorways, no mobile phone use while supervising
Related guides
- Learner Driver Essentials: What Parents Actually Need for Private Practice
- Can I Supervise My Child Learning to Drive in the UK?
- Start Here – UK Parents Supervising a Learner Driver
👉 New to private practice? Download the free Parent’s First Private Practice Checklist for the exact pre-drive routine to use before every session.
Disclaimer: This resource is for general educational support only. It does not replace professional driving instruction, legal advice, insurance advice or official guidance. Always check the latest rules on GOV.UK, DVSA, the Highway Code and with your insurer.