Can I supervise a learner driver?

The answer is any driver can supervise a learner driver if you:

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:

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