Can Your Parents Teach You to Drive?

Can Your Parents Teach You to Drive?

Yes, your parents can teach you to drive in the UK. Many learner drivers choose to practise with mum or dad between professional lessons. This can save money and give you more time behind the wheel.

What Your Parents Need

Before your parents can teach you, they must meet certain rules:

• They must be over 21 years old
• They need to have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years
• Their licence must be valid for the type of car you're learning in

What You Need

As a learner driver, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old (or 16 if you get certain disability benefits)
• Have a valid provisional driving licence
• Be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away

Insurance is Essential

This is very important: you must have insurance before you practise with your parents. Learner driver insurance covers you when you're driving someone else's car.

Your parents' regular car insurance may not cover you as a learner, it’s always worth calling to check. You could also compare learner driver insurance quotes to find the right cover for your needs.

Tips for Learning with Parents

• Stay calm and patient with each other
• Start in quiet areas before trying busier roads
• Practise regularly - little and often works best
• Keep taking professional lessons too
• Remember that your instructor has teaching experience that complements family practice

Getting Ready for Your Test

Most people need between 40 and 50 hours of lessons to be test ready. Mixing professional instruction with parental practice helps you build confidence and skills.

Once you pass your test, you'll need full car insurance. Use a comparison service to compare car insurance quotes and find competitive rates for new drivers.

Learning to drive with your parents can be a great experience. Just make sure you have the right insurance in place first.