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What you legally need before private practice
- L plates (or D plates in Wales), correctly displayed.
- Valid insurance covering your learner to drive the car, confirmed with your insurer directly.
- A roadworthy vehicle with current MOT (where applicable) and road tax.
These aren’t optional extras — they’re the baseline. See the Legal & Vehicle Safety Checklist for the full rundown.
What’s useful but optional
- An additional interior mirror for the supervisor, useful for keeping an eye on following traffic without turning around.
- Blind spot mirrors, useful for covering the small area a standard mirror set-up can miss on faster roads.
- A tyre tread depth gauge, worth considering if you like checking tyres yourself between garage visits.
- A tyre pressure gauge, useful for a quick pre-practice check.
Parent supervisor comfort and safety items
- A small first aid kit kept in the car.
- A hi-vis vest for roadside stops or breakdowns.
- A torch, useful for evening practice or checking under the bonnet.
What you probably do not need
- Multiple sets of L plates in different styles — one correctly fitted set is all that’s required.
- Elaborate in-car gadgets aimed at experienced drivers, which add distraction rather than reduce it.
- Anything marketed as guaranteeing test success — no product can promise that, and it’s worth being wary of ones that claim to.
Budget-friendly starter kit
- Magnetic L plates.
- Screen wash.
- Ice scraper.
- A basic Highway Code book.
Learner confidence and study items
- The current Highway Code book, worth having as a physical reference alongside the app.
- DVSA-endorsed theory test study materials.
- Hazard perception practice resources.
- A clipboard or folder for keeping session notes and the practice log together.
Car care basics
- Screen wash and an ice scraper, kept topped up and to hand.
- A simple tyre pressure and tread depth check kit, worth using monthly.
Final checklist
- L plates fitted and legal insurance confirmed.
- Highway Code and theory materials to hand.
- A basic first aid kit and hi-vis vest in the car.
- Screen wash, ice scraper and a tyre check kit for car care.
- A clipboard or folder to keep the practice log organised.
Related guides
- The Legal & Safety Checklist for Supervising a Learner Driver (2026 UK Guide)
- Practice Drive Observation Guide: How to Assess Your Learner’s Progress Safely
- 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.