Your child’s turned 17, started learning to drive and needs some extra practice in between driving lessons. Research shows that, on average, it takes learners 45 hours of driving lessons with an instructor, plus 22 hours of private practice to pass their test. So, while this is an exciting time, it can also be quite daunting for both parents and learners.
Here are some key tips on how you can guide and support your child as they learn to drive:
Use Ready to Pass? resources for guidance and to track progress
- Guidance and advice: It’s difficult to know what you should be teaching your child and when. The UK Government’s Ready to Pass? website offers free and easy-to-follow guidance on the essential driving skills your learner needs to know.
- 27 driving skills: Ready to Pass? have broken down 27 key driving skills into five different levels, so it’s easy to keep track of a learner driver’s progress. You’ll know they’re ready to take their driving test when they’re consistently achieving level five on each of the 27 skills.
Be patient and understanding
- Stay calm: It’s normal for learner drivers to make mistakes. Remain calm and offer constructive feedback rather than expressing frustration.
- Create a positive learning environment: Encourage them with praise when they do well and provide constructive feedback when they make mistakes. Acknowledge improvements and praise their efforts, no matter how small.
Set a good example and review traffic rules
- Model safe driving habits: Show them the right way by demonstrating good driving behaviour, such as obeying speed limits, using turn signals, and staying focused on the road.
- Follow road safety rules: Don’t forget that your child will likely mimic your driving habits.
- Go over traffic laws: Ensure they understand all traffic signs, rules of the road, and road safety. This helps avoid confusion and promotes responsible driving.
- Discuss road safety: Have regular conversations about the dangers of speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving.
Practice regularly and create a structured practice plan
- Start with short, simple drives: Begin with calm areas like car parks or quiet streets before progressing to more challenging driving situations.
- Gradually introduce new challenges: Start in low-traffic areas and slowly move on to more complex situations like parallel parking or in heavy traffic. As their skills grow, introduce new conditions like night driving or driving in inclement weather.
- Encourage consistent practice: Regular driving practice helps them gain confidence and improve their skills.
- Have a structured learning schedule: Plan sessions around their learning needs and progress.
Provide emotional support
- Build their confidence: Acknowledge their progress, even if it’s small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence. Celebrate successes when they handle something well.
- Address anxiety or fear: If your child is nervous about driving, be understanding and help them overcome their fears step by step.
- Be specific with feedback: Instead of general comments like “Drive better,” point out specific areas for improvement (e.g., “Try braking a little more gently”).
Help them stay focused
- Create a focused environment: Encourage them to focus only on the road. Avoid distracting activities like using the phone, playing loud music, or talking too much while they’re driving. Focus on the task at hand.
- No additional passengers: Avoid having other passengers in the car during practice to keep distractions to a minimum.
Learning to drive can be stressful but by being patient, offering regular practice, providing clear guidance, and reinforcing safe driving habits, you’ll help your learner develop the skills and confidence they need to become a safe, responsible driver.
If your learner needs occasional extra practice, get Veygo’s pay-as-you-go insurance, available by the hour, day or week or get a monthly rolling subscription for ongoing learner cover. Whatever you need, get a learner driver insurance quote today.