Learner Drivers
Attitude
Your attitude toward driving and other road users has a major influence on how you drive—and how much you enjoy it. It’s natural to feel anxious or frustrated at times, especially in heavy traffic or on unfamiliar roads. As a learner, it can often seem like everyone else is in a hurry and you’re holding them up.
If you’re learning to drive, remember that every experienced driver started out as a learner. Although you may witness poor behaviour from some drivers, most people simply want to reach their destination safely and without trouble. The majority of drivers are courteous and understanding, and they recognise that everyone makes mistakes—experienced drivers included.
As a learner driver, you have the chance to begin your driving journey with a positive, responsible attitude. Developing safe habits and considerate behaviour from the very start will help keep you and others safe, while making driving a more enjoyable experience.
If you’re a new or novice driver, take responsibility for your actions and practise patience and courtesy on the road. In return, most experienced drivers will respect and support you as you continue to gain confidence and skill.
Planned Lessons
Having a structured plan is the best way to learn to drive, especially in the early stages. Everyone learns differently, so it’s important to work with your instructor or supervising driver to create a learning plan that suits your individual needs and learning style.
Who Should Teach You?
The most effective way to learn is through:
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Regular, structured lessons with a qualified professional instructor
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Lessons tailored to your personal progress and abilities
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Plenty of supervised practice between lessons
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s helpful to combine professional lessons with additional practice with friends or relatives. This gives you valuable experience in a wider range of road and traffic conditions.
If you pay someone for driving lessons, they must be either an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) who holds a trainee licence.
Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs)
An ADI must:
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Pass a three-part qualifying examination
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Be officially registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
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Display a green ADI identification certificate on the windscreen of their teaching vehicle
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Maintain the professional standards required by the DVSA
Some trainee instructors hold a pink identification certificate, which means they are gaining instructional experience before completing their qualification.
Choosing an Instructor
Select an instructor who meets your needs as a learner and can support your development even after you’ve passed your test. Many ADIs offer additional training, such as driving in different weather conditions, at night, or on unfamiliar types of roads.
When choosing an instructor, look for someone who:
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Has a good reputation
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Is reliable and punctual
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Uses a suitable vehicle (for example, one with dual controls or the right engine size)
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Has a teaching style and personality that you feel comfortable with
You should always ask whether your instructor is an ADI or a trainee, and you can also ask about their DVSA grade.
For more information, visit www.gov.uk, where you can use the ‘Find driving schools and lessons’ tool to search for local ADIs by postcode. This service also shows which instructors are committed to continuing professional development (CPD) or who follow the voluntary ADI code of practice.
Note that trainee instructors (PDIs) are not listed on this website. You can also ask friends or family for recommendations.
Getting the Most from Your Lessons
Your instructor can offer valuable advice on:
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All aspects of driving and road safety
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Recommended learning resources (such as books, eBooks, and apps)
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How best to practise between lessons
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When you’re likely to be ready to take your driving test
The Official Syllabus
If you're learning with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), it's essential that they thoroughly cover the official syllabus. For more details, refer to ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive’. You can also find the syllabus in your Driver’s Record, which will help you keep track of your progress. This record is available from your ADI or can be downloaded from www.gov.uk.
Every practical driving test includes a segment of independent driving. This part evaluates your ability to navigate on your own while making decisions without any instructions. The examiner will be assessing your skills, knowledge, and attitude to ensure you are ready to be a safe driver.
This is crucial since you'll be allowed to drive alone once you pass your driving test. During the independent driving portion, you may be required to either:
- Drive to a specific destination using traffic signs, or
- Follow directions provided by a sat nav.
Accompanying a Learner
When supporting a learner, it's essential to foster their confidence while ensuring they’re not placed in situations that exceed their current skill level. It's important to remember that they shouldn’t be pushed to do too much too soon. Misjudging a learner's abilities can hinder their progress and potentially endanger both them and other road users. If they're taking lessons from a qualified driving instructor (ADI), don’t hesitate to reach out to them for guidance on what areas need more attention.
Anyone who is supervising a learner must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have held a full EC/EEA driving licence for at least three years for the type of vehicle being driven
For a comprehensive understanding of what a learner driver should focus on during practice, refer to ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive.’ This resource also highlights the potential hazards you might face while accompanying a learner driver.
Learning by Example
People often pick up skills by observing others. As a supervising driver, it's essential to:
- Demonstrate confident driving techniques that the learner can emulate.
- Highlight mistakes made by other drivers and discuss with the learner how they might handle similar situations more effectively.
- Guide them away from forming bad habits and using justifications like, “Everyone else does it, so why can’t I?”
Avoiding Overconfidence
Enthusiastic learners should remain cautious about taking on too much at once. Excessive self-assurance can result in carelessness, risky behavior, and potential accidents. As the supervising driver, it’s crucial to be aware of the learner's driving experience and skill level. You can seek insights from the learner's Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) regarding their current stage and the skills they should focus on.
The Learning Vehicle
A car being operated by a learner must display L plates (or D plates in Wales), which must be removed or covered when not in use. Additionally, the vehicle must be insured for the learner's use. If you own a car or plan to purchase one, it may be beneficial to select a driving school that uses a similar model, and later, you could possibly conduct lessons in your own vehicle. Avoid affixing L or D plates on the windscreen or rear window, as this can hinder your visibility.