Driving lessons and learning to drive

Update on private practice

The guidance on private practice in England, Scotland and Wales has changed. The GOV.UK page on driving lessons and learning to drive has been updated.

Letting your pupils know about the rule changes

We are emailing all theory test and practical test candidates with a test booking to let them know about the change to rules around private practice.

We would encourage your pupils to have a combination of driving lessons with you and private practice with family or friends.

During the pandemic, there have been restrictions on who your pupils can have private practice with, and the types of journeys where this could happen.

As restrictions are relaxed, we would encourage your pupils to have private practice, and for you to work closely with their supervising driver to help them to be better prepared for their driving test.

What you can do to help

For your pupils with a theory test booked, this is a good way for them to put the knowledge and theory they have learned in to practice. This is particularly important for your pupils who learn whilst doing.

For your pupils who have a practical test booked, this is a good way for them to practise their skills to support their lessons with you.

DVSA research with learners found those who had private practice with friends and family in addition to their professional instruction are 1.4 times more likely to pass their test compared to those that do not have private practice.

There is guidance on getting the most from private practice in the official learning to drive guide available from the TSO Shop.

It’s important that you discuss which areas of driving each of your pupils need to work on when they are doing private practice. This will help them cover areas they need to improve as they prepare for their test.

Your pupils can record their private practice using this useful free record which can be downloaded from GOV.UK.