Rules for supervising a learner driver
There are rules about:
- who is allowed to supervise a learner driver
- taking payments for supervising a learner driver
- what you do during practice sessions
Check if you’re eligible
You can supervise a family member or friend who is learning to drive if:
- you’re at least 21 years old
- you’re qualified to drive the type of vehicle they’re driving – for example, you must have a manual car licence if you’re supervising someone in a manual car
- you’ve had a full driving licence for at least 3 years (from the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein)
- you are not currently banned from driving
Insurance
If the learner is driving your car
If the learner will be driving your car, they must either:
- be added to your insurance policy as a ‘named driver’ – your no claims discount could be affected if they need to make a claim
- take out learner driver insurance to cover them driving your car – check with the provider if any claims they make will affect your no claims discount
If the learner is driving their own car
If you’ll be supervising the learner in their own car, they must:
- be the registered keeper
- have their own insurance policy covering them as a learner driver
Some insurance companies require the person supervising a learner driver to be over 25 years old. Check the insurance policy before the learner drives with you.
Penalties for not having insurance
A learner driver can get an unlimited fine, a driving ban and up to 8 penalty points if they drive without insurance.
Taking payments
It’s illegal to accept any payment, including money for fuel, when you’re supervising someone who’s learning to drive.
During practice sessions
You must follow these rules during all practice sessions with a learner driver.
You must not hold and use a mobile phone, tablet or sat nav.
This includes to text, make calls, take photos and use websites or apps.
You must not go on motorways.
Learner drivers can only drive on motorways with an approved driving instructor (ADI) in a car fitted with dual controls
You must not have a breath alcohol or blood alcohol level higher than the legal limit.
Do not drink and supervise a learner, as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities
You must not be under the influence of drugs or medicine.
This includes having illegal drugs or certain medicines in your blood above specified limits.
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