Practising driving with your child can be a bit tense. You need to accept that they\u2019re in charge and they need to accept that you know a few things. It\u2019s a weird situation. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
So it follows you might need a bit of help on how to approach private practice - some do's and don'ts to help the process go as smoothly as possible.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
I can\u2019t promise there won\u2019t be some shouting and tears (probably from you) but hopefully your child will get the most they can from private practice and feel confident when it comes to test time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
There's 3 main ways you can insure your child as a learner driver:<\/p> \r\n\r\n
Find out more about the different insurance options for a learner driver<\/a>.<\/blockquote>\r\n\t\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n- \r\n\r\n
Talk to your child\u2019s driving instructor<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
Yup, probably embarrassing parent territory but the right thing to do. Make sure the instructor is happy for you to start private practice - too soon would be unsafe.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ask your child what they've learned so far<\/h3> \r\n\r\n
They are the person taking the lessons: they know what they know. If they've only learned moving off and turning left, that\u2019s what you should practise. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Start slowly<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
An empty car park is probably the best place to begin so you don\u2019t have to worry about other people. Without dual controls, you want to be sure it\u2019s safe to move onto the road.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Keep a record of what you've covered<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
As you get close to test time, you want to be able to tick off each manoeuvre with confidence. A record makes sure you don\u2019t just keep practising your favourites - ignoring the stinkers is more difficult when they\u2019re staring at you from the fridge!<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Don\u2019t:<\/h2>\r\n
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Try to teach your child new skills<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
You\u2019re not trained in explaining complex manoeuvres to stressed teenagers, and attempting it could end in someone getting out of the car and walking home.
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Override their driving instructor\u2019s methods<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
You may be a really great driver but you don\u2019t have the latest knowledge of what happens in the test. You need to trust that your child\u2019s driving instructor knows what they\u2019re doing and focus on practising that method. Going against it will cause confusion and inhibit the effectiveness of (expensive) driving lessons.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\r\n
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Shout too much<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
You probably will shout at some point but it\u2019s to be expected when you\u2019re a little worried they\u2019re about to crash into an HGV. Do your absolute best to stay calm and be kind. Learning to drive is hard and can be frustrating but your child will feel much more confident if you show faith in their ability.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n Updated: 15th May 2020<\/small>\r\n\r\n