Can driving practice be stress-free for you?

As a qualified driving instructor, I have spent countless hours and a lot of money honing my skills to guide and coach a variety of learner drivers. I’ve gained valuable experience in different situations and areas, shared ideas with fellow instructors, and benefited from the safety of dual pedals!

 But I know that for a parent or partner taking their learner out, it’s a completely different experience. It can feel terrifying handing over so much responsibility, not just for your own safety, but for other road users too. And that’s before even considering the uncontrollable factors like traffic, unpredictable drivers, weather conditions, nerves, and inexperience.

If you’re giving up your time to help a learner gain confidence on the road, you deserve some recognition, you’re an absolute hero!  But that doesn’t mean the process will be easy or stress-free.

So, how can you reduce tension, stress, and anxiety while ensuring your learner gets the most out of private practice?

1- Choose the Right Location

 Start in a quiet car park or industrial estate where your learner can:

- Get familiar with the cars controls

- Build confidence in a low-pressure environment

- Adjust to the responsibility of being in control

As the passenger, this gives you time to:

- Get used to their driving style

- Assess how comfortable you feel

-  Decide on a plan before hitting the roads

TIP: Once both of you feel confident, gradually introduce more challenging driving environments.

2 - Pay Attention to Confidence vs. Ability

 Not all learners assess their own skills accurately:

- Some overestimate and try things they’re not ready for

- Some underestimate and hesitate to push themselves forward

 Don’t be afraid to pause the lesson and reassess. If your learner struggles with roundabouts, for example, break it down:

- Are they approaching too fast?

- Are they in the wrong gear?

- Do they struggle to follow lanes?

- Are they misjudging gaps in traffic?

ACTION STEP: Focus on one skill at a time, rather than overwhelming them with everything at once.

3 - Managing Stress While in the Passenger Seat

 Being a passenger in a learner’s car can be nerve-wracking. Try these stress-busting tricks:

- Chew gum or sip water p

- Use a fidget toy to keep your hands occupied

-  Plan a mid-lesson break (a coffee or drive-thru treat works wonders!) 

- Avoid driving on a stressful day, when tired, or under time pressure

TIP: Remove distractions, no extra passengers, pets, or deliveries during lessons!

4 - Anticipate & Prevent Mistakes Before They Happen

 A huge part of stress-free teaching is predicting mistakes before they occur.

Here’s an example:

 If your learner is approaching a roundabout in 4th gear, they might:

- Go too fast

- Misread approaching cars

- Stop suddenly

-Take the wrong exit

Instead of waiting for the mistake to happen, ask guiding questions:

“What’s ahead?”

“What do you need to consider?”

“What’s your plan for that parked car?”

 This lets you correct their thinking before an issue arises.

5 - Don’t Be Afraid of Mistakes!

 Mistakes are an important part of learning, but as a supervising driver, you need to:

- Recognise the common mistakes learners make

- Identify when it’s safe to let them make errors

- Know when to intervene early to prevent danger

TIP: Use diagrams, whiteboards, or pen & paper to explain tricky concepts.

 How Driving Mate Can Help

 Supporting a learner driver is challenging, but Driving Mate makes it easier by giving you:

 - Guidance on structuring safe, effective practice sessions

- Practical tips to reduce stress for both you and your learner

- A structured plan to track progress and boost confidence

- Access to an experienced instructor for expert advice

- A supportive community of others in the same position

By using Driving Mate, you can:

- Become an asset to your learner 

- Save money on formal lessons 

- Help them progress faster 

- Create a less stressful experience for you both!

Want to make private practice easier? Join Driving Mate today!