The Law : For the Supervising Driver
The supervising driver must
- be at least 21 years old
- have a full driving licence (for the type of vehicle they are supervising in - manual or automatic), which must have been held for a minimum of three years
- ensure the car is in a safe and legal condition
- meet the minimum eyesight standards
- ensure the car displays L Plates (or D Plates in Wales) if a learner is driving
Age and Driving Licence of the Supervising Driver
To help ensure that the supervising driver is likely to have significantly more driving experience than the learner, the law sets a minimum age of 21 years for anyone who is supervising a learner driver.
The law also requires that the supervising driver has held their full driving licence for at least three years. This prevents someone who has only just passed their Test, and so not had time to gain sufficient driving experience, from supervising a learner.
Insurance
The learner must be insured to drive the vehicle they are using for private practice.
Vehicle Owned by the Supervising Driver or Another Person
If the vehicle is owned by the supervising driver or by another person, make sure that the motor insurance policy includes the learner. Take note of any restrictions.
If the vehicle is owned by the learner, but it is possible that the supervising driver may wish to drive it themselves at some point during the practice they must also be insured to drive the vehicle. However, even if the supervising driver does not intend to actually drive the vehicle, it is still a good idea to let the learner’s insurance company know that you will be supervising the learner while s/he drives. Again, take note of any restrictions the insurance comapny applies.
Without being insured to drive the vehicle, the supervising driver would not be able to take over the driving during a practice session, if it became necessary.
Condition of the Car
The supervising driver must ensure that the car is in a safe and legal condition, including being properly licensed, taxed and MOT'd. It is a good idea to have the car checked and serviced before starting private practice.
You must also ensure that L Plates (or D Plates in Wales) are displayed whenever a learner is driving. Remember to remove them after each practice drive.
Eyesight
You must meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving. In good daylight, you must be able to read
an old style A111ABC number plates from a distance of 20.5m
or
a new style AB11ABC number plate from a distance of 20m
If you need glasses or contact lenses to read these number plates then they must wear them when supervising a learner. If in doubt, visit an optician for expert advice.
Other Restrictions
When you are supervising a learner driver, you have the same legal responsibilities as if you were driving. For example, the drink drive laws and the ban on using mobile phone applies to anyone who is supervising a learner - you are deemed to be in control of the vehicle.
It is illegal to receive any payment for accompanying a learner driver, unless you are an Approved Driving Instructor and hold the ADI certificate from the Driving Standards Agency.
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