Parents – Veygo

Driving lessons… Where to begin

Michael Chapman — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 13:15:34 +0000

As a driving instructor, I am often asked two questions when first contacted by someone looking to take driving lessons. The first is always: “What are your rates?“, and the second: “When are you available?”

I am very rarely asked, “How many lessons will I need?” or “What other costs are involved?”

So, with that in mind, it seems a ‘preparing to drive checklist’ may be useful to learner drivers.

Budgeting

When learning to drive, there are one-off costs involved as well as ongoing weekly costs.

You must have a current provisional license. This costs £34 to buy online and £43 by post, at the time of writing. You can apply for a provisional when you are 15 years and 9 months old, however you cannot drive on the roads until you are 17. Young people who claim PIP (Personal Independence Payment) may be eligible to drive at 16. If you want to find out more information about applying for your provisional licence, or a quick guide, check out Veygo’s guide!

The theory test currently costs £23, however some people need more than one attempt at this to pass. You may wish to buy an app or learning materials to help you achieve your theory test. It’s worth putting the effort in as passing the test isn’t something you can do without revision.

Booking your theory test can be as easy as visiting ‘Book your theory test’ – GOV.UK

Most instructors charge an hourly rate. Some also offer block rates, so for instance a block of 10 hours may cost a little less than buying them individually. Lesson prices vary throughout the UK; however, you’re likely to spend around £35 an hour.

Your driving instructor will advise you on the frequency of your lessons, depending on your needs.

Should you choose to go down the intensive route, this cost will be increased. You’ll be paying at least £40 an hour, plus the cost of booking early tests and getting lessons very quickly. If you need to pass your test urgently, this could be an option for you.

Budgeting:
1.     Provisional licence: £34 – £43
2.     Theory test revision material: £5 – £15
3.     Theory tests, per attempt: £23
4.     Lessons: estimated £35 per hour for 45 hours
5.     Provisional Insurance: Check with insurance provider (Veygo offer a great option)
6.     Practical tests: £62 per attempt
7.     Instructor cost for test: 2 – 3 hours at their rate
8.     Cancellation apps (if required): £5 – £20

How many hours of lessons will I need?

Most learners need between 35 and 55 hours of formal tuition. It will help if you can do some private practice. So, before you start thinking about how many lessons you need to buy, consider whether you have a family member or close friend who has held their full UK license for at least three years and can commit to taking you out a couple of times a week to practise.

If not, you’re looking at the higher end of the range. The DVSA states that most people need 45 hours of formal tuition and 22 hours of practice on average, to be able to drive safely on the roads independently.

However, the number of hours you will need is dependent on various factors. Some questions to consider include:

Are you generally very confident or are you more anxious when in new situations?
Do you pick things up easily? Do you struggle to learn new concepts?
Are you coordinated? Can you do multiple things at once or do you need to focus on one thing at a time?

Be honest with yourself when estimating the number of hours you think will need.

Practical driving tests cost £62 per test, in addition to the cost of the instructor’s car and time. Most instructors will block out two to three hours for the test, charged at their normal rate. Ask your instructor how they like to manage test day and factor in that cost too.

It would be lovely if everyone passed first time, however the national pass rate runs at about 50% so be prepared and budget for more than one attempt. That way, if you pass first time, you have a bit of money to spare.

Currently, there are long wait times for practical test slots, so candidates are using cancellation apps to locate available tests in their area. These can cost anything up to approximately £20. Again, do your research, and ask around to determine which apps are most effective.

Another factor to consider if you are planning to practise privately, is to ensure that your car is insured for you to drive as a provisional licence holder. Contact your insurance provider to discuss your options and costs, or use Veygo temporary cover to insure the vehicle for short periods of time.

Choosing your instructor

Bearing all that in mind, it’s time to look for your instructor. Before reaching out to a potential instructor, consider your:

budget and availability
learning style and requirements
timescale for passing

People come to me from various avenues, from the internet, through word of mouth via friends or family, or even through a third-party company.

It is wise to do some research to find a suitable instructor for you. Ask friends or family to get their honest opinion on their driving instructor and don’t be afraid to ask yourself: “Is this the right person for me?”

Good instructors will adapt their style to suit the pupil, but it can help to seek out an instructor with a teaching style that suits you. If you need lots of encouragement and support to excel, ensure the instructor you choose has that quality. Likewise, if you need pushing to work harder, find an instructor with a teaching style that suits your style of learning.

When researching online, remember to check all the reviews. People will often share first-hand comments about their experience with their instructor. Think about your own learning style and decide what type of teaching style suits you best to help your decision-making.

Then, contact several driving instructors in your area. Prepare ahead by considering your availability; which days are you free and how much time you can commit to lessons per week?

Questions to ask potential instructors:
Ask about their pricing structure and availability
Enquire about their pass rate
Ask how many hours they think you will need and let them know how many hours a week you’ll be able to commit to – bear in mind it is quite difficult to judge how quickly a pupil will progress until you have seen them drive, so the instructor will only be able to give you an estimate.

Check what the timescale is for booking tests in your area

Ask about cancellation policies and any other terms and conditions. If you are referred to a website, make sure to read up on all the information before booking.

Because of the long waiting lists for practical tests, a lot of instructors are asking that you complete your theory test prior to starting lessons. This, of course, is a very personal decision. Some people like to complete their theory first, while others prefer to start driving so, they can apply their theory revision to their practical lessons. Either way, the theory is a very important part of driving as it gives you the tools you need to understand the road, which is an ongoing process.

To summarise, do your research. Plan your budget and take some time to read reviews, talk to friends, family, and colleagues about their experiences before talking to potential instructors and making your selection.

See the checklist below of things to consider before you start your driving lessons. Hopefully this will be of some help in the planning and budgeting of a very long and safe driving career.

Finding an instructor:

1.     Ask friends and family for recommendations
2.     Search online in your area and on gov.uk website
3.     Read instructor reviews online
4.     Make a list of questions
5.     Call instructors on your shortlist; ask your questions and inform them of your requirements
6.     Choose the instructor who best suits your needs and make a booking.

Once you’ve gone over all of the above and you’re confident and happy with what you’re doing then it’s finally time to get some of Veygo’s learner driver insurance. As mentioned it gives you the freedom and comfort of practising in your own car!

Get a quote

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Help guide for anxious learner drivers

Simon Jones — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 16:03:50 +0000

If you feel anxious about learning to drive, then you’re not alone. Any new and unfamiliar experience can cause anxiety, and that certainly includes learning to drive a car during a global pandemic.

Experienced drivers aren’t immune from anxiety behind the wheel either, and Anxiety UK says a fear of driving is one of the most common phobias in the UK. But there are some simple steps you can take to build your confidence and reduce your anxiety while driving.

Find the right instructor for you

Choosing a good, supportive driving instructor can make a big difference.You’ll be spending a lot of time together so it’s important to choose carefully and find someone who’s a good match for your personality. Try to find someone who seems supportive, patient and understanding – someone you can talk to openly if you’re nervous or suffer from anxiety in general.

If you’re unlucky enough to choose an instructor who tuts and rolls their eyes whenever you make a mistake – instead of showing you where you went wrong and encouraging you – then you’ve probably got the wrong person for the job. It’s them, not you – try someone else!

Focus on the positive

Feelings of anxiety can come about when you imagine things going wrong. You might do that without even consciously realising it. So next time you find your mind replaying worst case scenarios on loop, try and flip that thinking and instead imagine yourself having a successful, positive driving experience, whether that’s a regular lesson or your test.

Drive….and lots!

Being prepared can help reduce anxiety, and any extra time in the car will help. So drive, drive and drive some more! Lessons are expensive – and instructors in high demand – so get as much practice in as possible with another experienced driver, such as one of your parents. But, as any learner driver will tell you, you’ll need to choose someone who doesn’t stress you out even more. Veygo’s learner driver insurance is a great way to put this into practice!

Remember, you aren’t alone

There can’t be many learner drivers who haven’t felt some level of angst; and that probably included your instructor or practical tester, back when they were pursuing their L-plates. And that’s even more true now, at a time when the pandemic has heightened mental health problems. There are likely to be even more anxious learner drivers out there.

In short, it’s normal to be worried. Perhaps you can take some solace from the fact that countless learners have been in your shoes, and overcome their nerves and passed. Don’t be afraid to fail Roughly half of practical driving test results are fails. So it’s really common not to pass the first time, or second or third time…. in other words, you shouldn’t feel under pressure to pass straight away.

In fact, some people try to go into their first test with the mindset that it’s a practice run, that they can learn from. This doesn’t mean they don’t give it their best, just that they don’t heap too much pressure on themselves.If they pass, then that’s a bonus.

If you fail, keep working hard and practicing – it will happen!

Be in the know

Often the great unknown can make you feel more anxious. Finding out as much as possible about what lies ahead might just help you better manage your anxiety.

Be sure to plan ahead and find out what to expect. Before your first driving lesson, talk to other people about their experiences and ask your driving instructor what will happen.

The same goes for your test: chat to your instructor about how you feel if you need reassurance. They’ll know to take you through any manoeuvres that need more practice. Look after yourself on test day and beyond. Taking good care of yourself before and during test day can really help. If you are tired and ragged, then it’s not going to help your mindset.

Think about basics like trying to get enough sleep, eating properly and staying hydrated. Then allow yourself plenty of time, so you’re not rushing around getting ready at the last minute.

And remember, if you don’t pass this time round, there’ll always be another chance. Good luck!

Learner driver insurance

Don’t forget, if you’re looking to get some extra practice in, we might be able to help you with cover from just 2 hours to 180 days.

Get a quote

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Taking the practical test with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Ellen Littlejohns — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 14:50:37 +0000

Driving test day is nerve-wracking at the best of times – but taking the practical test with ASD may seem more daunting if you’re not sure what to expect. Everyone experiences an Autism Spectrum Disorder differently, so we won’t say that there’s one right way to prepare for the test.

We shouldn’t group everyone with ASD into one category, as every individual will have varying behaviours, levels of ability, and characteristics.

All of these qualities make for a brilliantly diverse population, but it also makes it difficult to provide solid guidelines on how to approach driving. So, everything we say in this article will be very basic information, and it shouldn’t be generalised to everyone.

You may feel confident in preparing for your practical test, or you may decide that it isn’t the right choice for you. Either way, here’s some general guidelines based on information and real-life experiences of people who have taken the practical test with ASD.

We’ve also got a guide on taking the theory test with ASD that you may find helpful.

The practical test format

To pass the practical test, you must be able to:

Drive safely in different road and traffic conditions.
Show that you know The Highway Code by the way you drive.

The national standard for driving cars details everything you need to be able to do to pass the test. You should only take the test when you can do everything without instruction.

If you have ASD, you’ll still have to do the same practical test as all drivers and display the same ability. The test will last approximately 40 minutes.

There are 5 parts to the driving test:

An eyesight check
‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
General driving ability
Reversing your vehicle
Independent driving

1. Eyesight test

You will have to read a number plate from a distance of:

20 metres for vehicles with a new-style of number plate (new-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers e.g. AB51 ABC)
5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate

If you fail the eye sight test you’ll fail the driving test, and the test will end straight away. Your instructor will come to collect you and drive you home safely.

2. ‘Show me, tell me’ questions

Your examiner will ask you to answer 2 vehicle safety questions:

A ‘tell me’ question at the start of the test, where you will explain how something is done when driving e.g.
Q: Tell me how you’d know there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system
A: A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system
A ‘show me’ question that you will have to demonstrate the answer to while you are driving
g. When it’s safe to do so, show me how to wash and clean the front windscreen

These questions are asked to demonstrate that you are comfortable with how to use your car, and that you can display important knowledge of vehicle safety.

3. General driving ability

During the test, you will drive in different road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways.

The examiner will give you directions and you’ll be asked to pull over onto the side of the road before pulling away again. These stops may include regular stops at the side of the road, pulling out from behind a parked vehicle, and a hill start.

NOTE: You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

4. Reversing your vehicle

The examiner will ask you to do one of the following exercises:

Parallel park at the side of the road
Park in a parking bay – either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)
Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and re-join the traffic

5. Independent driving

You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:

Directions from a sat nav
Traffic signs

The examiner will tell you which you have to follow. They’ll set the sat nav up for you, and you can’t use your own.

The examiner won’t give you a driving test fault for taking a wrong turning – they’ll help you get back on route if you do. What matters most is that if you do take a wrong turning, you handle the situation well and continue to drive safely.

Faults

There are 3 types of faults you can make:

A dangerous fault – this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
A serious fault – something potentially dangerous e.g. hitting the kerb when parallel parking
A driving fault – this isn’t potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault e.g. indicating too early

You’ll pass your practical test if you make:

no more than 15 driving faults (sometimes called ‘minors’)
no serious or dangerous faults (sometimes called ‘majors’)

Check out our full guide on driving test faults for more information.

Preparation

If you have any anxiety regarding taking the practical test with ASD, talk to someone that you trust for support. This could be a friend, family member, your GP, you driving instructor, or anyone!

If you’re part of any online forums (or perhaps a community) for people that have ASD, it may be helpful to speak to them and ask about their own experiences with driving.

We caught up with some learner drivers who shared their experience on learning to drive with anxiety which you may find helpful.

Do you have to tell DVLA if you have autism?

You don’t have to disclose your autism diagnosis to the DVLA unless it affects your ability to drive safely.

If autism does affect your ability to drive safely and you don’t disclose it to the DVLA, you may be fined up to £1000 and prosecuted if you’re in an accident. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP about the fact you’re going to learn to drive so you can run through the guidelines.

Some drivers with disabilities may be allowed extra time for their test, so it’s important to contact the DVLA prior to your test and discuss this with your instructor if you think that this may help.

While you will still have to display the same ability and meet the same criteria during your practical test, letting your examiner know that you have ASD will help them to consider your behaviours/needs/anxieties while you are driving and allow them to offer you additional support.

What happens on the day?

On the day of your practical test, you should make sure that you are well-rested; so try and get a good night’s sleep beforehand. You’ll need to demonstrate to your examiner that you have quick reactions to hazards and that you can assess your driving well, so sleeping well is vital.

Your driving instructor will collect you from your home to go to the test centre. Most instructors will advise that you have an hour’s lesson before your test begins so that you can practise driving and relax. If your anxiety is particularly strong, you may even want to have a longer lesson to build your confidence in your abilities and feel prepared. This time will be particularly useful for practising manoeuvres, as well as general driving practise.
After your lesson, you will drive yourself to the test centre and sign in at reception with your instructor. They will need to see your provisional licence and your theory test pass certificate, so don’t forget these.
Your examiner will then call your name and ask to see your licence.
You will then walk to your car with your examiner ready to begin your test. It’s your choice as to whether you want to have your instructor sit in the back of the car for the duration of your test. Some people find the extra support helpful, but the instructor is not allowed to give you any help or advice while you’re driving.
Before getting in the car, you’ll have to do the eyesight test so that the examiner can agree that your sight is good enough to safely drive.
Your test will then begin. You’ll have to take care in leaving the test centre so that you can demonstrate safe driving to your examiner from the beginning of the test.
See the section on ‘the practical test format’ above to see what happens during the test.
When the test is finished, you’ll drive back to the test centre, park up safely, and await your examiner’s decision as to whether you’ve passed or failed.

If you’ve passed…

Congratulations! If you’ve passed your test, your examiner will:

Tell you what faults you made, if any
Give you a pass certificate
Ask you if you want your full licence to be sent to you automatically – you’ll need to give the examiner your provisional licence if you want to do this

Apply for your full driving licence within 2 years of passing your test if you don’t want to get your licence automatically.

You may also want to consider a Pass Plus course. This will help you get used to driving without the support of dual controls, and will show you how to drive on motorways. The course can take as little as a day, and many instructors provide it at an affordable rate – so check if your instructor can help you out. It will boost your confidence in your driving ability, and give you that last bit of extra practice with an instructor before starting to drive independently.

If you haven’t passed…

Don’t worry – the examiner will tell you what faults you made. If you decide that you want to book another test, you can bear these faults in mind and have more driving lessons to help you overcome these issues. You’ll have to pay again and choose a date at least 10 working days away.

If you have a negative experience during your practical test and decide that you don’t want to continue driving, then that’s completely okay! Learning to drive and going on your practical test shows great courage and determination – that’s something to be proud of whether you pass the test or not!

Now can be a great time to reach out to your friends, family, or community for other people that have ASD to seek support and encouragement. They may be able to reassure you that you have done something worth celebrating, or simply give you the chance to talk about your experience.

What next?

You can start driving straight away when you’ve passed your test. You don’t need to wait for your full licence to arrive.

Contact the DVSA if your full licence hasn’t arrived 3 weeks after you applied for it.

If you’ve passed and you want to borrow someone else’s car to carry on driving, we might be able to help you out with temporary insurance to borrow a friend or family member’s car for as little as 1 hour.

Or if you want to carry on learning, our learner driver insurance may be perfect for you. You can practice driving with a friend or family member to help build up your confidence ready for your driving test.

GET A QUOTE

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Taking the theory test with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Ellen Littlejohns — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 14:58:23 +0000

The theory test marks one of the final stages of learning to drive and can be nerve-wracking for a lot of people. However, there is some great news for learner drivers with ASD. The format of the theory test has changed. The written case studies have been replaced with a short video clip, followed by 3 questions. As well as this, there are plenty of options for you to make the experience more accessible.

Autism Spectrum Disorders are incredibly diverse, and no one person will experience it the same way as the next. So, we can’t promise that anything in this article will make taking the theory test an easier experience for everyone; but we can share some basic information that we’ve found that may help some people with ASD.

You can take your theory test from your 17th birthday onward, or you can take it from your 16th birthday if you get (or have applied for) the enhanced rate of mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The theory test format

Multiple-choice section

You will be given 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions.
These questions are based on 3 books: the Highway Code; Know your traffic signs; and Driving – the essential skills.
You’ll need to get 43 questions correct to pass this part of the test.
Before starting, you’ll be given instructions on how the test works.
You’ll also be given the option to do a practise session to get used to the layout of the test.
At the end of the practise session the real test begins.
A question and several answer options will appear on the screen, and you must select your chosen answer by touching the screen – some questions may require more than one answer.
Some of these questions will be presented in the form of a short silent video clip on which 3 questions will be based. You can watch the video as many times as you like in order to answer the multiple-choice questions. You can find an example video here.
The subject of the scenario will focus on real life examples and experiences that you might meet when driving.
You can flag questions that you want to come back to later, and you can go back to any question to review and change your answer at any point.
You can have a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception test starts.

Hazard perception section

You will be presented with 14 clips which feature every day road scenes.
In each clip, there will be at least 1 developing hazard (but one clip will feature 2 developing hazards).
You get points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen.
The maximum you can score for each developing hazard is 5 points.
You should respond by pressing the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in you, the driver, having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.
The earlier you notice a developing hazard, the higher your score.
You will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard, so you will have to concentrate throughout each clip.
If you react inappropriately during a clip by clicking continuously or in a pattern of responses you will score 0 for that clip.
You will need to score 44 out of 75 to pass.

For more information on the theory test format, click here.

Learning to drive with autism

To prepare for your theory test, you should try to give equal attention to revising both the multiple-choice questions and the hazard perception section. Think about how you learn best and how you can apply this to your revision.

For example, if you personally find comfort in structure or routines, you could revise the Highway Code or road signs systematically to aid your memory of the content. Or, if you learn well through visual aids, you can (and should) practise some example scenarios for the hazard perception section through the official guides which can be found below:

NOTE: You can also buy a theory practise interactive DVD from most high street and online book shops.

If you or your GP/guardian/family member feel that an aspect of your ASD may make the theory test more difficult or less accessible, it is important to contact the DVSA prior to booking your test. The GOV.UK website offers information on how to contact the DVSA if you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition.

What if I have a reading difficulty?

You can ask to hear the test through headphones when you book your test. You can listen to the questions and possible answers as many times as you need to.
If necessary, you can have extra time to take the multiple-choice section of the test (just under 2 hours to answer the questions, rather than 57 minutes).
You can get someone to read what’s on the screen and record your answers.
You can have someone to reword the questions for you.

What if I have a hearing impairment?

If you know British Sign Language, you can take the test in BSL through a video that appears on the screen next to the questions and answers.
You can have a BSL interpreter with you during the test if you contact the DVSA before booking your test – this service is free.
You can arrange to have a lip speaker with you at the test centre or use a listening aid (hearing loop).
A private environment or separate room to take the test in may be available on request.

What if I have a different impairment or requirement?

You can contact the DVSA to discuss any other disability or health condition before you book your test. Then, they can accommodate to help make the experience of taking the theory test with autism as smooth as possible. When contacting the DVSA, you’ll need to attach proof of any special needs – a letter from school/college (stating what provisions were made when taking tests/exams) or a letter from your GP (detailing the medical condition and special needs requirements) on headed paper will be fine.

For more information on things that can be done to help accommodate ASD, click here.

NOTE: No special allowances can be made when taking the hazard perception test.

Is the theory test hard?

The theory test is a challenging part of learning to drive. But it will test you on important skills and knowledge that will keep you safe on the road. Making sure you’ve understood exactly what to expect and spent lots of time preparing will help make the process easier for you.

What to bring on the day

On the day of your theory test, you must bring your provisional licence with you. The photo ID will help the invigilators to confirm that you are the right person to be taking the test and that you have not sent someone to take it on your behalf. If you only have a paper licence, you must bring your passport with you too for the photo ID.

You can’t take personal belongings into the test room such as headphones, bags, mobile phones or watches – but anything you do want to bring with you on the day can be stored safely in a locker. You’ll be able to retrieve your items when the test is complete.

What happens in the test centre

You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your test to give you time to relax before the test begins.
When you go to the reception area you’ll be asked for your name and have your licence checked.
Next, you’ll be shown to the lockers to store your personal belongings.
You’ll then be shown to the waiting area, where you’ll be given a copy of the test procedures to read through.
An invigilator will check you in by signing a registration log and confirming your details. They’ll also check that you have nothing with you that could be used to cheat.
The invigilator will escort you to the test room and show you to your allocated individual booth where you’ll sit the test.
On the screen there will be instructions on how the test works; as well as the chance to do some practise questions and get used to the screens.
As long as the details on the screen are right, you can press ‘Start’ to begin.
If you have any problems, raise your hand and a member of staff will come to assist you.
When you’ve finished, you can leave the room and be signed out. Next, collect your belongings and take a seat in the waiting room to await your results.
You’ll then receive your results and be given a letter saying whether you’ve passed or failed.

NOTE: You must have passed both sections to pass overall.

You’re then free to leave the test centre.

Taking the theory test with ASD may be daunting and cause anxiety – if your ASD involves any other behaviours/characteristics that may make the experience difficult, you can bring someone you trust. They won’t be able to come into the testing room, but they can wait for you in the waiting room ready to support you when you’ve finished.

What next?

If you’ve passed…

Congratulations! If you’ve passed, then you can continue taking driving lessons until you and your instructor feel that you’re ready to take the practical test. You’ll need your theory test pass certificate number to book your practical test. You’ll have two years from the date of passing your theory test to take your practical – otherwise you’ll have to pass the test again. For tips on taking the practical test with ASD click here.

If you haven’t passed…

Don’t worry, your test results will tell you which parts you didn’t score enough points on, so you know what to practise. You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one part this time. You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking the test again.

Taking the theory test is a great achievement – whether you pass or not. It demonstrates dedication through committing to revision, and it shows that you’re determined to succeed. Keep trying, and seek more support if necessary. Your driving instructor may have some valuable advice, and if you’re a member of any forums or communities for other people that have ASD then consider asking them for their thoughts too! Even if you eventually decide that driving isn’t the right path for you, you can congratulate yourself for persevering and giving it your best effort.

Book your theory test here.

For more general information on learning to drive with a disability, check out our article here.

We know it’s hard learning to drive, so drop us a line on twitter if this helped, or if you think there’s anything else we could to help support other taking the theory test with ASD.

If you’re still learning and want to practise driving in someone else’s car ready for your practical test, then check out our learner driver insurance – you can get cover for as little as 2 hours and for as long as 180 days.

GET A QUOTE

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Learning to drive with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Ellen Littlejohns — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 15:00:16 +0000

Learning to drive is often seen as a huge milestone; and having ASD doesn’t always have to be a barrier to freedom and independence. We’ve got together this guide on learning to drive with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to help you through the process.

Before we get into it, we thought we’d answer some of your frequently asked questions about learning to drive with autism

Can you learn to drive with ASD?

Autism Spectrum Disorders are very diverse, and it’s impossible to say what an individual will or won’t be able to achieve if they have one. Everyone is different, and we’ll all relate to experiences in different ways. You may find it difficult, or you could take to driving very well and pick it up quickly!

So, we can’t predict how easy or hard learning to drive with autism will be, and we can’t make any huge assumptions about how one person may find it.

But we can give some basic information that we’ve found from The National Autistic Society website and others like it, so that you can get a general overview and basic pointers if you have ASD and are considering driving for the first time.

Do you have to declare autism to DVSA?

You’ll need to tell the DVSA if you have a disability that affects your ability to drive safely – if you don’t notify them of this, you could be subject to a fine or prosecution if you’re involved in an accident.

You may want to speak to your GP if you’re thinking of learning to drive so you can discuss guidelines with them, as well as any other questions you may have about driving safely with ASD.

Step 1: Applying for your provisional licence

You can apply for your provisional licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months old, and typically start driving when you’re 17. However, if you have the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), then you can start learning to drive when you’re 16.

For more information check out our guide: what age can you learn to drive.

Step 2: Finding a driving instructor

Finding a driving instructor that can adapt their teaching style to your needs is really important. A lot of instructors specialise in teaching learners with a disability; some of which can be found here.

You may also have friends, family, or someone else in your community who can recommend an instructor. Many offer taster lessons, so you can “shop around” before finding the right one for you.

Before meeting your instructor for the first time, you should think about your worries about driving, as well as anything that could impact your ability to learn – you might want to write this down to give to your instructor or tell them before your first lesson.

How can they make it easier for you?

If you have any calming methods that help you manage your anxiety, let your instructor know so that they can be prepared to help you with these if necessary.

You should also think about what could help you to progress; not just what could hold you back. So, if you’re a visual learner, you should tell your instructor so that they can make use of any visual aids they have – most will have a handheld teaching guide which includes detailed diagrams, and explanations.

If you have a shorter attention span, you can ask for breaks during lessons rather than doing them in solid chunks. Think about what helps you to learn best and talk to your instructor about how you can include these methods in your lessons!

For some more general tips, check out our guide on how to choose a driving instructor.

Step 3: Preparing for your first lesson

Getting ready for your first lesson can cause anxiety for a lot of people. So, it’s important to find a strategy that works for you to manage your nerves effectively and focus.

If you find visual learning is best, try observing traffic as a passenger in another person’s car, or watch videos online. This might help you to familiarise yourself with road signs, the rules of the road, and the behaviour of other drivers.

You may also want to look at the Highway Code so that the rules aren’t new to you when you first get in the driver’s seat. There are plenty of cheap second-hand copies of the Highway Code online, and there are some great apps out there that help you to learn and put your knowledge into practice with quizzes and tests.

Check out our guide on the top 5 theory test apps.

It’s also important to note that you may be able to get help with the cost of lessons through a Motability Charitable Grant.

If you need inspiration or you’re doubting yourself as a driver, then check out Julia Malkin – a qualified driving instructor with autism.

Step 4: Going on driving lessons

The most important thing to do when it comes to curbing your driving anxieties is acknowledging them. Nerves are your brain’s fail-safe mechanism and exist to protect you from dangerous situations – but you need to acknowledge where your nerves stem from.

If you’re worried about your own abilities as a driver, think about how you can actively manage these fears. You may want to get advice from your driving instructor, a GP, therapist, family member, or friend.

You should also focus on your strengths, and how you can use them to your advantage when learning to drive. For example, if you have a good memory, you can revise the rules of the road and know that you’ll put them into practice when you’re driving. Or, if you benefit from routines, you may be better with manoeuvres.

Speaking to your instructor

Your instructor’s role isn’t solely to teach you how to drive, but is also to act as your guardian during your learning experience. So, you should try to communicate any worries you have with them to see if you need to try a new learning strategy.

If you don’t feel confident doing this, then try speaking to someone that you trust and they can speak to your instructor on your behalf.

Practice makes perfect, so try to get as much as you can. When you have a provisional licence, you’ll need to be supervised by a driver over the age of 21 who has held a full licence for at least 3 years.

Your driving practice doesn’t have to stop just because your lesson is over – you can get learner driver insurance on a friend or family member’s car and practice your new skills outside of lessons.

Step 5: Have faith in yourself

Learning to drive can be difficult, but focusing on the small victories can also be a huge help. Make sure to reward yourself when you’ve learned something you’ve been struggling with and congratulate yourself regularly.

Being able to drive is an achievement, so take pride in your abilities regardless of how long it takes you to learn. And if you decide that driving isn’t right for you, it still shows great determination and ambition to consider learning in the first place.

For more information, check out our post on learning to drive with a disability.

When it comes time to prepare for your test day, we’ve got some more detailed information on:

If you’re practising in someone else’s car outside of lessons, check out our learner driver insurance – we might be able to help you out with cover from 2 hours to 180 days.

The post Learning to drive with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) appeared first on Veygo.

10 gifts for new drivers

Simon Jones — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 08:29:38 +0000

We know that passing your driving test is a big deal and is something to be celebrated, so you might be wondering what on earth could be the perfect present to gift them. There are so many possibilities when it comes to gifts for new drivers, and we’re here to lend a helping hand. We’ve put together a list of 10 gift ideas to suit all personalities as well as budgets. Take a look for some inspiration and let us know what you decide!

Gift ideas

Songs to drive to

Have you heard about the gift of song? Well, making a driving playlist could be the way to go. Load it with their favourite songs, your favourites, and some absolute singalong classics.

This gift idea is super thoughtful, and free! Don’t forget, it’ll give you the chance to pass your music genius onto someone else.

Aux cord

What better way to segue this one in. Depending on the car, you might want to throw in an aux cable along with your playlist. It would make the perfect bundle. They can easily fit this into the Aux plug in their car and be on their way. It’s a good option to think about as not all cars come with the luxury of Bluetooth, especially if a new driver has saved to buy it for themselves after having coughed up the cost of learning to drive.

Although, you might want to keep in mind that not every aux cable will be compatible with every phone. So, it’ll be a handy idea to take the phone the driver will be using to the store with you. This way, you won’t waste either your time or your money.

Sat nav

We know that the first thing on a teen driver’s mind is getting out in their car as much as they possibly can. If you’ve got a bit of an explorer on your hands, fixing them up with a sat nav would suit them to a T. You could also get them a travel mug to keep them going on the long journeys they’ve been waiting for.

There are so many options available and the price of a sat nav can vary. It’s definitely best to shop around. You could find one for around £50, but the price can stretch right up to £300! So, consider how much they’ll use it and what sort of features you want it to have. Gifting them a sat nav would mean they wouldn’t need to keep their phone maps open, which is the more convenient and safer option too.

Car air freshener

Every new driver needs a fancy car air freshener to make the car their own. You could go all out and get them an air freshener made of wax! These tend to last a lot longer, smell stronger, and keep the car feeling fresh. You might manage to grab a couple in their favourite scents or flavours, that’ll really give the extra bit of meaning behind your gift.

Car hoover

Who would’ve thought it, you can buy a miniature hoover that fits into the aux plug. How cool is that for a car accessory? This is definitely a pleaser if the new driver in your life likes to keep things pristine, or a good laugh if they’re the opposite.

It’s also a great way to start building their car cleaning kit to help them stay on top of keeping the car clean and general car maintenance. So, you really can’t go wrong with one of these.

Personalised keyrings

We know that one of the most exciting things about passing your driving test is finally having your own set of car keys. So, what better way to celebrate than gifting a new driver a personalised keyring. You could opt to get a photo of you and them, or find their favourite animal as a key ring, or their initial.

There are so many places you can get these from and the options are endless. If you’re keen to support an independent business, take a look on Etsy’s website where you’re sure to find what you’re after.

Dash cam

Dash cams are becoming more and more popular with drivers, as they can make a big difference if you’re ever involved in an incident. If you’re not sure you’d want to fork out on one though, we’ve got a few thoughts on whether dash cams are worth it to help you out.

You might be interested in getting them a dash cam because of feeling nervous for the new driver in your life. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of gifts you could get to help you feel a bit more relaxed. You could get a tire pressure gauge, roadside assistance, or even a documents holder for example. So, opting for gifts like these will put your mind at ease, as well as being super handy for the newly passed driver.

Car de-icer

If you’re known as the practical one in the family, getting a new driver a car de icer and a matching scraper would be the perfect way to say ‘from me, to you’. They’ll definitely need it when driving in winter in the UK.

A de-icer would also make a great addition if you were thinking about getting them a car emergency kit or an aid kit. It’s always good to know that a teenage driver has everything they need when setting off on their first few adventures.

Car seat covers

As a fresh new driver, they might be keen to put their own stamp on the car. So, giving them some funky car seat covers would help make the new whip just how they’d like it.

Not only are these a good idea for interior design enthusiasts, they’re also great if the no longer learner driver has always dreamed of taking their dog out on a road trip. You’re sure to find a pattern they’d love, so let us know if you try these out!

Temporary car insurance

Of course we had to throw this one in. Afterall, what’s the point in passing your test if you’ve got nothing to take for a spin. Getting a short-term insurance policy for them on either your car or their own is all they’d need at the end of the day. If you need some convincing, there’s no better way to help keep their top-notch driving skills in play, so why not give them a chance.

If you didn’t know, we might be able to help you with this. Take a look at our temporary car insurance and hand over your keys. Joking, but it’s definitely a gift they’re sure to appreciate!

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The cost of learning to drive around the world

Simon Jones — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 18:45:57 +0000

Learning to drive is a rite of passage, but it can certainly be expensive for learner drivers. We did an investigation into just how much learning to drive can cost in different parts of the world, and how the UK compares with other countries for affordability.

With costs ranging from just over £300 in Malta to over £3,000 in Hong Kong it seems some young drivers’ dreams of getting behind the wheel come at a significantly different price.

How much does it cost to drive around the world?

Check out the map below to see the different costs of learning to drive around the globe:

Paying the price for expertise

The UK ranked fifth cheapest place for learner drivers to get a lesson with an expert, with the average cost of a lesson £24. That’s better value than in Singapore, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, France, Germany, Sweden, USA and Hong Kong.

Learner drivers in Malta got the best value, with the average cost of a driving lesson with a qualified instructor coming in at £13.

On the other end of the scale, at over four times more expensive than the UK, the most expensive cost per lesson faced learner drivers in Hong Kong with the average cost coming in at £97 a lesson.

Although some countries adopt the same approach as the UK and allow learner drivers to choose between professional lessons or to learn with a suitably qualified driver, places like Italy and Hong Kong only allow lessons with licenced instructors, making high prices unavoidable for those who want to get on the road.

Young drivers behind the wheel

Some countries including the USA (state dependent), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Barbados, Ireland and Sweden all allow drivers to start the formal learning process and sit tests at the age of 16.

Our French neighbours allow young drivers to start at just 15, although like British teenagers they need to be 17 before they can legally take their test.

Other countries including Spain, Italy, Singapore, Malta and Hong Kong require drivers to be 18 before they can start learning, putting the UK firmly in the middle of the pack.

Driving around the World

Our investigation revealed Hong Kong to be the most expensive place for drivers to learn overall, with a combination of the most expensive ‘rate’ per hour and a recommended 30 lessons before attempting a test.

What’s more, there is a standard wait of six to nine months to sit the test in Hong Kong and hefty charges to re-sit, adding to the pressure for those keen to get the green light.

Germany was the most expensive place for learner drivers in Europe, and the second most expensive worldwide. Despite being £1,000 cheaper than Hong Kong, the average overall cost for learner drivers came in at £2,164 thanks to a recommended 40-50 lessons of tuition before learners are test ready, as well as a £364 price tag to sit the test.

The USA ranked the third most expensive place to learn to drive. And while rules vary by state, the USA had the second highest average charge for a single lesson at £86 meaning any young Americans dreaming of a Route 66 road trip will need a hefty budget to get there.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale a single lesson in Malta costs just £13 on average. Whilst they don’t have a set number of recommended lessons required, an assumption of 20 lessons, a cheap cost for provisional license and a total test cost under £50 means Malta offers a much more modest price tag for learner drivers looking to get their license.

Life after you get your licence

While passing your driving test is a mark of freedom in the UK and around the world, in some countries new drivers face strict rules and regulations even after they have a full licence.

In Spain for example, drivers MUST display a green L plate for the first year after passing their test.

And while Maltese drivers are faced with the lowest costs when learning to drive, they need to exercise extra caution once they’ve passed. In Malta, new drivers remain on a ‘provisional’ licence for a full three years after passing their test and need to keep it clean in order to progress to a full license.

Newly qualified drivers in Sweden need to have a mandatory eye test which will set them back the equivalent of £17, and German drivers need both an emergency medical aid certificate and an eye test.

Regardless of where in the world you learn to drive, here are our top tips for young drivers:

1. Know the theory – read, understand and learn the rules of the road based on the highway code or equivalent.
2. Ask your friends, family and other drivers to test you on your knowledge.
3. Start revising and practicing your theory knowledge in plenty of time for the test – depending where in the world you live a re-test could involve a long wait as well as an additional BIG expense.
4. If you can legally mix instructor led tuition with support from an authorised adult – for example a parent – this could help reduce your tuition costs.
5. If the rules of the road mean all your lessons are with an official driving school, plan and prepare for each one. Ensure you are on time, ready, and alert; pick a time of day for your lessons where you can guarantee attendance and make notes afterwards on advice given that you can read through before the next session.
6. Stay calm, avoid distractions and don’t panic!

If you want to cut down on the cost of learning to drive, why not consider private practice? Our learner driver insurance starts from just £4.67 for two hours of cover, letting you practice in a friend or family member’s car

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Teaching your child to drive: Tips and FAQs

Simon Jones — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 14:15:59 +0000

Once you get over the fact that your child is old enough to drive, (and that you’re old enough to have a child who can drive!) most parents have a lot of questions. What are my responsibilities? Should I even teach them or should I leave the job to an instructor?

We’re tackling some of the most common questions about teaching your child to drive in the UK.

Can I teach my child to drive?

You can supervise your child while they are learning to drive as long as you meet the following conditions:

You’re 21 years old
You’ve held a full licence for three years for the EU or EEC
You’re qualified to drive the type of vehicle they are learning to drive in e.g. manual transmission

Check out this article for more information: Can I supervise a learner driver?

How do I find a driving instructor for my child?

Your child’s driving instructor will be their most invaluable resource when learning to drive so it’s important to pick the right one. You and your child should work together to find the perfect instructor for them. Here are some things you should think about when choosing an Approved Driving Instructor:

Ask around. If you were looking for a builder or landscaper, you would probably ask your friends and family for personal recommendations. The same applies to driving instructors.
Find reviews. If you can’t get any recommendations from friends and family, have a look online from reviews or testimonials. Most driving instructors have a website or at least a Facebook page where you can find these.
Is there a wait? A waiting list indicates that the driving instructor is in high demand. It’s a great indicator of how good they are. Although it might be convenient if the instructor is available the week you contact them (especially when you have an eager teen!), you might be better off waiting for the one you really want.
Budget. Driving lessons are pretty expensive. Expect to pay at least £20 an hour or more. Some instructors offer deals if you book a block. It’s worth shopping around to see what offers there are. However, be wary of paying too little. If an instructor is offering lessons for considerably less than others in your area, there’s probably a reason why!

Want to know more? We’ve got a whole guide dedicated to how to choose the best driving instructor.

Can I teach my child to drive in a car park?

Many parents take their children to their local supermarket car park or industrial estate. These locations can be handy for getting familiar with the car and working on clutch control. But is it legal for learner drivers to practice there?

Drivers who are under 17 can practice without a provisional license as long as they’re driving on private land that doesn’t have public access. Supermarket car parks, even though they’re private land, are considered public places. That means insurance is required, so unless they’re over 17 and have a provisional license, they can’t drive there. Even if the car park’s empty, it’s illegal for your child to practice driving in a car park without insurance.

Here’s more info on the legal age for learning to drive in the UK.

Empty car parks to practice driving

If your child is 17, holds a provisional driving license and is insured to drive; empty car parks are a great place to take them to practice driving, especially when they’re beginners. Heading out early on a Sunday morning to a big car park is a great time as it’s usually very quiet.

However it’s important to be aware that supermarkets or car park owners may have their own objections to learner drivers practising on their land, so always double check if it’s okay.

What insurance do I need to teach my child to drive?

It’s important to make sure that your child is properly insured if they wish to do private practice without an instructor. If you’ll be teaching your son or daughter in your own car, you have the following insurance options:

Short-term learner driver insurance – Temporary cover specifically for learner drivers practising in a friend or family member’s car. Our learner cover is available from 2 hours right up to 180 days and is the most flexible option. If they need to make a claim, it will not affect your main insurance policy.
Named Driver – Alternatively, you can add your son or daughter as a named driver to your own insurance policy. If they need to make a claim as named driver, your own insurance policy and No Claims Bonus may be affected.

Remember that any insurance policy taken out with a provisional licence, is not valid once the learner passes their test. This means you’ll need to contact the insurance provider to upgrade their licence to a full licence.

Teaching your child to drive tips

There is plenty you can do to prepare for teaching your child to drive. We’ve got a whole article dedicated to how to teach someone to drive that we recommend you check out. Here’s some key things to remember:

No dual controls

Remember that unlike a driving instructor, you won’t have any dual controls. That means you need to feel confident both in your instructing ability and your communication skills. Can you negotiate your son or daughter through a dangerous road situation?

Refresher lesson

If the answer to the above question is no, it may be a good idea to have a refresher lesson with an instructor. It’s all too easy to pick up bad habits and you don’t want to pass them along to your son or daughter. Additionally, driving test standards have changed over the years, an instructor will make sure you’re up to date with the latest information.

Speak to your child’s driving instructor

Most people learn through a combination of lessons with an instructor and private practice with parents. Have a chat with your son or daughter’s driving instructor before hitting the road. They’ll be able to give you tips on where they feel your child needs extra practice and will let you know if they’re ready for private practice.

Remember that if this is the case, most of the learning will be done with their instructor. Treat their time with you as an opportunity to practice what they have already learned. Try not to contradict any of their instructor’s teachings.

Make sure the car is roadworthy

It’s your responsibility to make sure the car you are supervising your child in is roadworthy. Use this as an opportunity to teach your son or daughter how to make the necessary vehicle checks, e.g. fluid levels and tyre tread.

You might find our essential car maintenance checklist helpful as a refresher. It’s also important to make sure you’ve got L plates in the right place. Here’s a guide to where to put L plates.

Are you thinking about teaching your child to drive? Make sure they’re properly insured with learner driver insurance. Cover is available from as little as 2 hours, right up to 180 days. It’s super flexible meaning you can tailor your practice to your family’s schedule, and only pay for what you need!

The post Teaching your child to drive: Tips and FAQs appeared first on Veygo.

How to teach someone to drive

Simon Jones — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 16:13:47 +0000

This one’s for the parents of learner drivers. Hopefully this will be helpful if you’re teaching someone to drive right now…and good luck, you must really like them.

Teaching a learner driver

Learning to drive is a big moment for both you and your child. Most learner drivers choose to have lessons with a professional driving instructor or mix between lessons and practising with someone using learner insurance. Driving instructors will be experts in the latest driving rules and can help your teen pass their test. However, the DVSA says the average learner driver needs an additional 22 hours practice with friends or family. This will help them get more important on-road experience.

There’s always the risk you accidentally teach them some bad practices. Even the most experienced driver will pick up bad habits over the course of a few decades. The driving test has also changed quite a bit over the years. Take a look at our advice on how to teach someone to drive.

Can a parent teach a child to drive?

Yes! Learner drivers need to be supervised at all times when they’re driving. This can either be by a qualified driving instructor or by a friend or family member.

When can you teach someone to drive?

You can supervise a learner driver if you’re 21 years or older and hold a full, valid driving license, which you’ve held for at least 3 years, for the type of car (automatic or manual) being driven. The learner driver needs to be at least 17 years old and have a provisional license. Check out this article about what age you can learn to drive for more info. You’ll need insurance too, but we’ll get onto that later.

Tips for parents teaching driving

Do some driving revision

Make sure you’re up to date with road traffic laws before setting out with your learner driver. It could be helpful to re-familiarise yourself with The Highway Code. This essential reading for road users can be picked up for a few pounds, or you can read it for free here.

Our guide on how to prepare and what to expect on your driving test will give you a good idea of what your child needs to do to get driving test ready. Plus, you can brush up on road signs here.

Talk to their instructor

Your child’s driving instructor will be able to let you know what’s been covered in lessons and also when the learner is ready to start practising with you. They’ll also be able to give you some personalised tips on how you can best help your child develop their skills.

Not found a driving instructor for your learner yet? Here’s 6 things to think about when choosing a driving instructor.

Stay calm

If you shout or make non constructive comments, it’s likely to stress out your learner driver and potentially knock their confidence. We get it, teaching someone to drive can be stressful so it’s definitely easier said than done. Our learner driver report found that 19.6% of learner drivers found arguments the hardest part about learning to drive privately with friends or family. Although don’t let that put you off, there was some good news, almost half of learners said there wasn’t a hard part! To avoid any trouble, try using the praise – constructive criticism – praise method instead. The ROSPA have a handy guide on helping young people learn to drive available online free.

Set a good example

It’s important to practice what you preach! It’s much harder to ask a learner driver to follow what you’re telling them if they see you doing the opposite every day.

Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre

Driving tests today are often said to be much stricter than in previous years. So, it’s important to make sure you’re aware of the skills the examiner will be looking for. Encourage your learner to stick to these rules and make sure you’re running through the basics like Mirrors-Signal-Manoeuvre. Excellent all-round observation is the key to passing the practical driving test.

Prepare your car

As supervisor to a learner driver it is your responsibility to make sure the car is in a safe and legal condition. Involving the learner in your pre-drive checks (tyres, lights, windscreen wash etc) is a great way to help them prepare for their test. If you need a reminder yourself here’s an article on the essential car maintenance checks. They’ll be asked to show their understanding of this during the ‘show me, tell me’ part of the practical test.

Make sure you’ve got the correct L plates on the car and in the right places. Learners can receive 6 penalty points if L plates aren’t properly prepared. Check out this article on L plates, P plates and T plates to find out everything you need to know.

Extra tip: To help you keep an eye on their driving you can pick up an interior rear-view mirror for the passenger side for just a few pounds.

Prepare your route in advance

Always make the most out of the practice sessions with your learner driver. It’s a good idea to make an effort to plan your route in advance. Try and include as many different types of road and driving conditions as possible, e.g. single and dual carriageways, urban and rural roads, daylight and darkness. This will help the driver become confident driving in all scenarios.

What should you not do when you’re teaching someone to drive?

Don’t take a learner out without proper learner insurance
Don’t take them out in a car without L plates
Don’t shout – good communication is key!
Don’t stop coaching – you should be keeping an eye on the road at all times and looking out for potential hazards

Make sure the learner driver is insured

Driving without insurance could land your kid in big trouble, earning them 6 penalty points and a fine – not a great start to their driving career!

Luckily with Veygo you can cover a learner to drive your car for as little as one hour, right up to 180 days. Better yet, the cover is separate to your own insurance policy. So, if they need to make a claim while learning your no claims bonus is not affected. Get a quote for learner driver insurance in minutes.

GET A QUOTE

The post How to teach someone to drive appeared first on Veygo.

Can I supervise a learner driver?

Simon Jones — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 12:14:41 +0000

If a friend or family member is learning to drive, you may want to help them out by supervising them to get some extra practice out of lessons. But can I supervise a learner driver?

Yes, you can supervise a learner driver as long as you:

Are over 21 (some insurers require you to be over 25).
Have held your full licence for over 3 years (from the UK, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein).
Are qualified to drive the type of vehicle that the learner driver is practicing in.

How old do you have to be to supervise a learner driver?

You need to be at least 21 years old to supervise a learner driver with Veygo. However, some insurance companies require you to be at least 25, so make sure you check with your insurer first.

How long do I need to have held my licence to supervise a learner driver?

You need to have held your full driving licence for 3 years, from the UK, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You must also be qualified to drive the type of vehicle the learner is practising in, e.g. you must hold a manual licence if they are practising in a manual transmission car.

Do I need to be insured to supervise a learner driver?

If you’re supervising a learner driver and intend to drive the car at anytime you must be properly insured. All cars that are driven on public roads in the UK must be fully insured, taxed and hold a valid MOT certificate.

Can I use my phone while supervising a learner driver?

It’s illegal for the person supervising a learner driver to use a mobile phone or device. Even though you aren’t behind the wheel, you’ll be giving the learner driver instructions. You need to be aware of potential hazards as well as the speed of the car. Using a mobile phone can draw attention away from the road and the learner.

Am I allowed to get paid by the learner driver for my time?

No, to get paid for supervising a learner driver you must be an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). You’ll have to make do with a thank you and a box of chocolates!

What are my responsibilities when supervising a learner driver?

As the supervising driver, you’re considered in control of the vehicle, even though you are a passenger. Because of this, it is your responsibility to:

Make sure the car is in a safe and legal condition – this will also help the learner get into the habit of performing regular checks
Clearly display L plates (can use D plates in Wales) when the learner is driving
Comply with road traffic laws as though you were driving e.g. you may not supervise while under the influence of drink or drugs
Meet the minimum eyesight standards – can you read a number plate from 20 metres away?
Make sure that the learner driver is properly insured and that you are also insured if you intend to drive the vehicle at any time.

Can learner drivers practice at night?

Yes, there aren’t any time restrictions on when learners can hit the roads, although some insurers may have curfews. It can be helpful for learners to practice driving in the dark before attempting it solo as a new driver.

Can learner drivers carry passengers?

Yes, learner drivers can carry passengers as long as they don’t exceed the maximum limit of the car. Be aware that passengers can be a distraction to even the most experienced driver!

Can I insure my child or friend to practice in my car?

Yes! You can add them to your policy as a named driver or you can buy learner driver insurance online which will cover them to practice in your car. The main features of Veygo learner driver insurance are:

Cover is available from 2 hours to 180 days and is available to start instantly (or you can buy it to start in the future)
The no claims bonus on your main policy won’t be affected if there’s a claim.
No curfews
Fully comprehensive cover
Veygo could cover the learner driver up until they pass their test. As soon as they pass, they will need to have insurance for their full licence.

Found this useful? Head to our magazine and check out articles on parallel parking, reverse parking into a bay and overtaking safely.

Get a quote for learner driver insurance today.

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