Private practice: everything you need to know

Private driving practice is one of the best ways to build confidence behind the wheel. It helps you get comfortable in the car, reinforce what you’ve learned in lessons, and prepare for the real world of driving. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about private practice - including insurance, getting your car road-ready, supervision, and our top tips for getting the most out of your time on the road.

What's covered:

• What insurance do I need?
• Is your car road-ready? 8 things you can check
• Who can supervise a learner driver?
• Can I have passengers during private practice?
• How much private practice should I do?</a
• How to get the most out of private practice: our 7 top tips

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What insurance do I need for private practice?

You can’t practise without insurance. Your three options are:

1. Take out a learner driver policy on someone else’s car

2. Get your own learner policy on your own car

3. Be added as a named driver to someone else’s policy

1. Learning in someone else's car

If you're learning to drive and want to practise in someone else's car, a learner driver policy gives you flexible coverage. You can choose a policy that lasts anywhere from one to six months and easily extend it if you need more time before your test.

This type of policy is also great because it protects the car owner's No Claims Discount (NCD), so you'll be glad to know that mum or dad's premium won't be affected if you prang their car. An added benefit is that your compulsory excess will be lower than with other policies.

2. Learning in your own vehicle

Getting your own learner driver insurance policy has several advantages. Most importantly, you can start earning a No Claims Discount (NCD) right away as you safely gain experience on the road.

This type of policy also often includes a black box, which provides feedback on your driving. This data can help you and your instructor identify specific areas to work on, like braking and acceleration. By developing good driving habits early, you can save money long-term.

3. Learning as a named driver

If you're practising in someone else's car, you can ask the owner to add you as a named driver to their insurance policy. However, be aware that doing so could increase their premium, and if you have an accident, they may lose their NCD.

Tip: If you're using a parent’s car, a learner driver policy protects their No Claims Discount—so you can practise without worrying about their premium going up.

Don't get caught out. Sign up for your MOT reminder. Check MOT

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Is your car road-ready? 8 things you can check

Before you drive, make sure the car’s good to go. Here’s a quick checklist:

1. L plates: Must be clearly displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle

2. Tyres: Minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm—check for wear and damage

3. Fluid levels: Check oil, coolant, and windscreen wash

4. Fuel type: Know whether it’s petrol or diesel

5. Windscreen wipers: Should be clean and working properly

6. Seats and seatbelts: Secure and functioning

7. Mirrors: Adjust for clear visibility

8. Lights and indicators: Test them all before you set off

Remember: by law you must display L plates on your vehicle. Failing to do so could land you a fine and up to 6 penalty points on your provisional license

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Who can supervise a learner driver?

Anyone can supervise you while you practise, given that they meet the following criteria:

• They are at least 21 years old

• They've held a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years

• They're qualified to drive the type of car you’re learning in (manual or automatic)

• They shouldn't be using a phone or distracted while you drive

Remember: driving without an appropriate supervisor is a serious offence: you can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 points on your provisional licence without the right supervision.

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Can I have passengers during private practice?

Yes, you can. Some learners find having someone in the back seat helpful—it can make them more comfortable with having others in the car and encourage them to stay focused and drive well. On the flip side, others might get distracted, worrying about what their passenger thinks of their driving instead of concentrating on the road. So it really depends on what works best for you.

Find out more here: Can a Learner Driver Have Passengers?

Tip: for private practice, it’s perfectly fine to have a passenger in the back, as long as the person in the front seat meets all the legal requirements for supervising a learner driver.

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How much private practice should I do?

The DVSA recommends around 22 hours of private practice alongside professional lessons. The more time you spend behind the wheel, the more confident and prepared you’ll be—not just for your test, but for everyday driving too.

Find out more here:

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How to get the most out of private practice: our 7 top tips

1. Practise regularly to build confidence

Formal lessons are great, but they’re often limited to an hour or two a week. By adding private practice sessions with your parents, or supervisor, you can dramatically increase your time behind the wheel. This extra exposure helps you become more comfortable with driving and allows you to experience a wider range of real-world scenarios, like rush hour traffic or tricky junctions.

2. Use practice time to reinforce lesson topics

If your instructor mentions an upcoming skill, like a forward bay park, use your private practice time to get a head start. Trying out these manoeuvres with a parent beforehand can help you feel more prepared and less anxious when it comes up in a formal lesson. It’s a great way to turn theory into muscle memory.

3. Learn the car’s mechanics

Private practice gives you the chance to get familiar with the car you’ll likely be driving after you pass. You can learn how to use features like full beam headlights, windscreen washers, and tyre pressure checks—things that are often skipped or briefly covered in lessons. This hands-on experience builds confidence and helps you feel more in control.

4. Remember that every car is different

Don’t expect the techniques you learn in your instructor’s car to work exactly the same in your parents’ vehicle. Each car has its own quirks, from clutch sensitivity to visibility. Learning to adapt your driving style to different setups will make you a more versatile and capable driver in the long run.

5. Expect mistakes—and learn from them

You’re going to stall, miss gears, and make wrong turns. That’s all part of learning. Instead of getting frustrated, treat these moments as valuable learning opportunities. Laughing off the occasional mishap can help keep the mood light and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

6. Focus on practising what you’ve already learned

Your instructor is trained to teach new skills, while your parent is there to help reinforce them. Stick to practising what you’ve covered in lessons rather than trying to learn something new—this keeps your progress aligned with the test requirements and avoids confusion.

7. Respect your parent’s experience

Even if their advice sounds old-fashioned, your parents have years of driving experience under their belts. They’ve encountered all kinds of road situations and can offer practical tips that go beyond the driving test. Listening to their guidance—even if it’s delivered with a bit of tough love—can be surprisingly helpful.

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Final thoughts

Private practice is your chance to turn good driving into great driving. Whether you’re cruising through quiet streets with a parent beside you or tackling tricky manoeuvres in your own car, every hour counts. Stay safe, and don’t be afraid to make a few mistakes along the way. That’s how you learn. And when you finally pass your test, you’ll know you’ve earned it!