How to Teach a Friend or Family Member to Drive: A Guide to Stress-Free Private Practice

Teaching a loved one to drive is a big responsibility, and it can be just as nerve-wracking for you as it is for them! Whether you’re a parent, partner, or friend, your support can make all the difference in helping them become a confident and safe driver.

While professional driving lessons are essential, private practice is a great way to reinforce what they’ve learned. But where do you start? How do you stay calm? And what should you focus on? This guide will help you navigate private driving practice in the UK safely and effectively—without the stress.

And if you want extra guidance, Driving Mate is here to help. Designed by a qualified driving instructor, this course gives you the tools to support your learner in private practice, making sure they’re fully prepared for their test.

1. Know the Legal Requirements

Before you start, make sure you’re legally allowed to supervise a learner driver:

✔️ You must be at least 21 years old.
✔️ You need a full UK driving licence that you’ve held for at least three years.
✔️ The learner must have valid insurance for the car they’re driving.
✔️ ‘L’ plates must be displayed clearly on the front and back of the vehicle.
✔️ Learners cannot drive on motorways unless they’re with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in a dual-controlled car. If you’re using your own car, double-check that your insurance covers a learner driver. Many policies don’t, but learner driver insurance is widely available and will protect your no-claims bonus —

2. Choose the Right Practice Areas

The first few sessions should be as stress-free as possible. Start in:

✅ Quiet residential streets
✅ Empty car parks
✅ Industrial estates outside of working hours

Once they’re comfortable with basic control, gradually introduce busier roads, roundabouts, and dual carriageways

3. Plan Your Practice Sessions

A structured approach will help your learner build skills without feeling overwhelmed. Keep sessions:

⏳ Short – 20-30 minutes at first.
🎯 Focused – Pick one or two key skills per session (e.g., clutch control, turning at junctions).
📅 Regular – Frequent practice reinforces what they’ve learned in professional lessons. Not sure where to start? Driving Mate gives you a step-by-step plan to make sure each session is productive and stress-free.

4. Stay Calm and Give Helpful Feedback

Easier said than done, right? But staying patient is one of the most important things you can do. Here’s how:

✅ Use a calm voice – If something goes wrong, pull over safely and discuss it rather than reacting in the moment.
✅ Be specific with feedback – Instead of “That was bad,” try “Next time, check your mirrors earlier before changing lanes.”
✅ Encourage self-reflection – Ask, “How do you think that went?” to help them assess their own progress. Mistakes will happen—it’s all part of learning! Staying positive will boost their confidence and help them improve.

5. Handle Differences Between Your Driving Style and Their Instructor’s Methods

Driving techniques change over time, and what you learned years ago might not be best practice anymore. For example, modern instructors often teach:

🚗 Block gear changes (e.g., shifting from 3rd to 5th instead of going through 4th).
🛑 Using the handbrake more frequently at junctions.
⚡ Eco-driving techniques to reduce fuel consumption.

If your advice contradicts what their instructor has taught, encourage them to stick with professional guidance—it’s what they’ll be tested on.

6. Help Them Build Confidence and Defensive Driving Skills

Passing the UK driving test isn’t just about technical ability—it’s about proving they can drive independently and safely. To help them develop good habits:

✔️ Encourage commentary driving – Get them to say aloud what they see, plan, and do (e.g., “Car waiting at the junction, checking mirrors, slowing down”).
✔️ Teach defensive driving – Help them anticipate hazards, maintain safe following distances, and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.
✔️ Gradually introduce different conditions – Night driving, rain, rural roads, and dual carriageways will all help them prepare for real-world driving

7. Track Their Progress and Know When They’re Test-Ready

It’s easy to focus on what still needs work, but recognising progress keeps motivation high. Keep a simple log of:

📌 Skills they’ve practiced
📌 Areas they’ve improved in
📌 Things they need to work on

As their test approaches, make sure they can:

✔️ Drive independently without constant reminders.
✔️ Handle all types of junctions, roundabouts, and dual carriageways confidently.
✔️ Control nerves and stay focused under pressure.

If they’re struggling with specific areas, Driving Mate provides structured support to make sure they’re fully prepared for test day.

Making Private Practice Count

Supporting a learner driver is a big responsibility, but it’s also a rewarding experience. By staying patient, planning lessons carefully, and reinforcing what they’re learning in professional lessons, you can make a huge difference to their confidence and success.

And if you’d like extra guidance on structuring sessions, giving effective feedback, and avoiding common pitfalls, Driving Mate is here to help. Created by a qualified driving instructor, it’s the perfect companion to professional lessons—giving learners the best possible chance of passing first time.

🚗 Want to make private practice as effective as possible? Check out Driving Mate today!