Private Driving Practice

When a new learner driver starts taking professional driving lessons, the instructors sometimes advise that they also need to have private driving practice. In most cases young drivers have at least one parent who can drive if not both; sometimes there may even be siblings present who can drive. Very rarely though does a learner driver have a car that has been bought for them before they can actually drive. If you are fortunate enough to have a parent or sibling who can drive, then it may be worth being a little nicer so you can persuade them to let you have some practice your driving in their car.

Some people will say that learning in different cars other than your learner car will cause confusion. In some cases yes it can be confusing driving different vehicles but at the same time it is a very good experience. Different cars have different controls and locations of the buttons that  you will need whilst driving. For example you need to adjust your seat, mirrors and also turn on headlights if visibility is low or even windscreen wipers if it is raining outside. All cars have buttons and indicators in different locations so it’s worth having a wide knowledge of different cars and how they work. It’ll also give you some confidence when you have to test drive your first car, at least then you will have other vehicles to compare it to.

If you do find someone who can let you have private driving practice, then you must remember that the person who is mentoring you must be over 21 with a 3 year unblemished driving record. You might automatically assume you are insured to drive most vehicles if it is has fully comprehensive cover but this is not true. You will need to have insurance cover if you have a provisional licence and choose to take private driving practice, even if it is in an abandoned warehouse car park or supermarket car park after hours.

If you can have even one hour of private practice a week, it will increase your confidence behind the wheel even further. You might also realise that you don’t need as many lessons as you initially thought therefore saving you money in the long run. If you have parents who are car owners. then the chances are they will fully support and help you pass quicker with words of wisdom.

Don’t forget you will need to display L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle to let other road users know that you are not a fully qualified driver. This will in turn make sure they keep a safe distance away from you and give you time to carry out manoeuvres.