Practising with family or friends

Extra practice between lessons can make a big difference, as long as it's legal and the supervisor knows what your instructor is teaching.

Who can supervise you

Your supervisor must:

be at least 21 years old
be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you're learning in (for example, they must have a manual licence if you're in a manual car)
have held their full licence for at least three years

They can't use a mobile phone while supervising, and must be fit to drive. The full rules are on GOV.UK: practising with family or friends.

You must be insured to drive the car. Some insurers offer learner driver policies for practising in a family member's car.
Display L plates on the front and back (or D plates in Wales), and remove them when a qualified driver is using the car without a learner.
The car must be taxed and roadworthy, with a valid MOT if it needs one.

Learners can't drive on motorways unless they're with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls.

Ask your instructor what to practise, so you're not learning a different method.
Start on quiet roads and build up gradually.
Keep sessions short and focused: one skill per drive is plenty.

Last reviewed: November 2026