Key takeaways
- Your supervisor must be at least 21 and have held a full licence for that type of car for 3 years.
- You must display L plates (or D plates in Wales) and be insured for the car.
- Supervisors can't be paid unless they're an approved driving instructor.
- Private practice works best alongside lessons — practise what your instructor has already taught.
Who can supervise you
To supervise a learner, someone must:
- be at least 21 years old,
- be qualified to drive that type of vehicle (for example, a manual licence to supervise in a manual car), and
- have held a full driving licence for 3 years.
They must be fit to supervise — for example, not over the drink-drive limit and not using a hand-held phone.
What you need
- L plates on the front and back.
- Insurance that covers you as a learner in that car — see learner insurance.
- A car that's taxed and has a valid MOT if required.
Making practice count
- Practise skills your instructor has already introduced — your DriveSQ Student Portal shows which ones.
- Start on quiet roads and short trips.
- Avoid new or advanced skills (like manoeuvres) until your instructor has taught them, so you don't learn bad habits.
- Keep it calm — a stressed supervisor makes a stressed learner.
The DVSA suggests learners typically need around 45 hours of lessons plus around 22 hours of private practice.
Learning with SQ? 2-hour lessons £70 · 10 hours £350 (£320 NHS, students, M16/M18/M19) · free DriveSQ Student Portal. Book in 60 seconds →
Frequently asked questions
Can my parent teach me to drive?
Yes, if they're 21 or over, have held a full licence for 3 years and you're insured. They can't charge you unless they're an approved instructor.
Do I need L plates for private practice?
Yes — L plates on the front and back of the car.
Sources
This guide is general information, checked against the official sources above on 9 October 2026. Rules and figures can change — always check GOV.UK before booking or travelling.