Can I practise on the motorway with a parent?

No. Learner drivers may only drive on a motorway with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls.

How much private practice should I do?

DVSA guidance has long encouraged substantial private practice alongside professional lessons. There is no legal minimum, but learners who combine both typically need fewer paid hours overall.

Do I need L plates on a car with dual controls?

Yes — any car being driven by a learner must display L plates front and rear, including an instructor's car.

Practising with family or friends

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You may practise in a private car if your supervisor is over 21, has held a full licence for the same category for at least three years, the car is insured for a learner driver, and L plates are displayed front and rear (D plates are also permitted in Wales). Learner drivers may not use motorways unless accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car.

The legal conditions

Private practice alongside professional lessons is one of the most effective things a learner can do — but only if it is legal. Get all four conditions right.

The supervising driver is at least 21 years old
They have held a full licence for that vehicle category for at least three years
The insurance policy explicitly covers you as a learner driver in that car
L plates (or D plates in Wales) are displayed clearly at the front and rear

Insurance is where people get caught out

A family member's policy will not automatically cover you. You need either a learner driver added to the existing policy or a separate short-term learner policy. Driving uninsured risks a fine, penalty points and the car being seized — check the policy wording before the first practice run, not after.

Making practice actually useful

Practice is most valuable when it reinforces exactly what your instructor covered. Ask at the end of each lesson what to practise, and practise that one thing rather than driving around aimlessly.

Agree the route and the goal before setting off
Keep sessions short — 30 to 45 minutes beats two exhausting hours
The supervisor should give feedback afterwards, not a running commentary of criticism
Do not teach new manoeuvres before the instructor has introduced them

What supervisors must not do

A supervising driver must be fit to drive — they cannot be over the drink-drive limit, and they must be able to take control if needed. They also cannot charge you for the lesson: taking payment to teach requires DVSA registration.

Common questions

Can I practise on the motorway with a parent?: No. Learner drivers may only drive on a motorway with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls.
How much private practice should I do?: DVSA guidance has long encouraged substantial private practice alongside professional lessons. There is no legal minimum, but learners who combine both typically need fewer paid hours overall.
Do I need L plates on a car with dual controls?: Yes — any car being driven by a learner must display L plates front and rear, including an instructor's car.