Many people adhere to the old adage that ‘practice makes perfect’ and there is absolutely no reason to think along different lines when it comes to learning how to drive.
As an inexperienced driver, the best possible chance of passing your test at the first time of asking comes from putting your trust in an experienced driving instructor from Surrey Driving Force but so long as the bulk of your driving is done with your instructor, seeking additional help from a family member or friend can often prove to be very helpful.
We encourage our learner drivers to put in some extra hours in a car with family and friends if the opportunity arises.
However, this does not mean that you should begin to pester everyone that you know to be taking you out!
In order for someone to take you out for some additional practice, there are some essential criteria which they must comply with.
Who Should You Ask?
Before even thinking of getting any help from a friend or family member it is essential that you must first obtain your provisional licence.
Government regulations then state that anyone who will be providing unpaid driving assistance for an unqualified driver must comply with these conditions:
- Be aged 21 or over.
- Be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in. For example, they must have a manual car licence if they are supervising you in a manual car.
- Have had their driving licence for 3 years.
Choosing the Right Car?
The chances of you asking someone for driving help who does not own their own car is obviously fairly slim!
They must ensure that their car is taxed, insured (for both of you to drive), and have a valid MOT certificate. In addition to this, they must ensure that the car has red ‘L’ plates on the front and back.
Important Note
Whilst it can certainly be helpful to seek additional practice, we cannot emphasize strongly enough that this should never replace formal tuition and should only be used for extra practice.
