Can I supervise a learner driver?
The answer is any driver can supervise a learner driver if you:
- are at least 21 years old
- are qualified to drive the type of car the learner will be driving.
- have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years.
- are not currently disqualified from driving.
Of course, in order to ‘get behind the wheel’ the learner driver must also;
- hold a valid UK provisional driving licence.
- satisfy the minimum eyesight requirements.
- be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if the learner has or has applied for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payments).
You must also :
- know and understand the rules set out in The Highway Code and comply with UK road traffic laws
- not take the learner driver onto a motorway - a learner driver can only drive on a motorway whilst being supervised by an approved driving instructor in a car fitted with dual controls.
- sit in the front passenger seat of the car while supervising the learner.
- not drink and drive or supervise whilst under the influence of drugs, including prescription medicine, nor use a hand-held mobile phone, even though you will be sitting in the passenger seat.
Before you ‘set off’ it is essential that appropriate insurance is in place and the vehicle has a valid MOT (if required) and is :
- fitted with L plates or D plates in Wales. (or a mixture of both L and D plates when driving in Wales) which must be affixed to the front and the back of the car and be clearly visible to others.
- taxed
- roadworthy
- registered with the DVLA.
Remember you should:
- remove or cover the L (or D) plates when the car not being driven by a learner
- fit an extra rear-view mirror so you can see behind the car
Note;
- Other passengers can sit in the car while you supervise the learner driver, but they should not distract the learner whilst driving.
- As the driver the learner is responsible for ensuring any passengers under 14 years of age use a seat belt or child restraint.
- it is illegal to accept payment when you are supervising a learner if you are not an approved driving instructor or a trainee driving instructor
For initial free legal advice upon any motoring matter call our motoring department on 01606 592159 or email rachel.gourlay@ mosshaselhurst.co.uk