Learner driver pratice: is my supervising driver suitable for the task?

Ebe_Scrooge

I'm going to agree with the majority on here - she shouldn't be giving you feedback/instructions, that's what your instructor is for. She should be there simply to supervise, and "step in" so to speak if a dangerous situation starts to unfold.

Apart from anything else, you need to be driving how your instructor taught you. You don't want to pick up any bad habits she may have developed (be honest, all of us that have been driving for a long time have probably got some bad habits !). Also, the requirements of the test change over time - your instructor is best placed to teach you how to drive to pass the test.

I had a similar experience when I was learning - many, many years ago ! I went out a lot with my Dad, who was great - but I tended to rely on him to tell me what to do. A few times I went out with my Grandad who just sat there, so I was to all intents and purposes on my own. I found it a bit daunting at first, but I genuinely think in hindsight it was probably the most valuable experience I ever gained - not relying on someone else, and having to make judgements for myself. I passed first time, so something must have worked :-)

unholyangel

I'm going to disagree with some of the others and say whether she should be teaching you/is experienced enough depends on what level you're at.

If you're still new to the roads then you need to consciously think about every action you're going to perform that an experienced driver does automatically without even thinking - changing gear, slowing down, checking mirrors etc. So you really need someone who is aware of that and will instruct accordingly in plenty of time for you to react.

The more experienced you get, the less input they should be giving.

Blackpool_Saver

I would say don't do it, just have you official lessons, then after you have passed go out with friends.
Is your insurance ok in her Dad's car, and hired cars??? That part is concerning.

AdrianC

unholyangel wrote: »

I'm going to disagree with some of the others and say whether she should be teaching you/is experienced enough depends on what level you're at.

If you're still new to the roads then you need to consciously think about every action you're going to perform that an experienced driver does automatically without even thinking - changing gear, slowing down, checking mirrors etc. So you really need someone who is aware of that and will instruct accordingly in plenty of time for you to react.

No, you need more lessons before getting a layman to supervise your un-taught practice.

DoaM

It's been asked a few times but not replied to by the OP.

Whose car are you driving whilst practising?
Are you insured to drive it?
Is your friend insured to drive it? (Does the friend/qualified person need to be insured for the vehicle?)

AdrianC

DoaM wrote: »

Is your friend insured to drive it? (Does the friend/qualified person need to be insured for the vehicle?)

Yep. They are legally deemed to be in control of the car, and could be prosecuted in the event of a collision. They certainly need to be prepared to take over should they be required.

The supervisor must have the appropriate licence - so no auto-only in a manual car.
No phone use. No drinking. No falling asleep or not wearing required glasses...

But if this is in a car that the supervisor has hired, the issue is going to be that the OP is uninsured to drive it - and issues around the owner's permission, too.

Sea_Shell

Just found out something else, very interesting in the GOV website.

It’s illegal for your friend or family member to use a mobile phone while supervising you.

How many realise this? I didn't, but it makes sense TBF.

*** Crossed post !! ***

silverwhistle

lizferris1984 wrote: »

when she does speak it's usually saying things like "watch out" or "slow down". So it's basically not soecific enough to be useful.

Seems about right! I did it the other way round - went out with a friend (professional coach driver) and finished off with 4 x1.5 hour lessons with a driving instructor. Passed first time at the age of 28 and bought a £100 banger.



What is it that you are expecting? "You should be in a lower gear", "leave a bigger gap" "what's the speed limit here?" As others have pointed out you are practising, making your actions smoother and more automatic, getting to judge distances better, anticipating, getting used to the roads and other people's behaviour.



If you feel you need more instruction pay for it.

mtc95

DoaM wrote: »

It's been asked a few times but not replied to by the OP.

Whose car are you driving whilst practising?
Are you insured to drive it?
Is your friend insured to drive it? (Does the friend/qualified person need to be insured for the vehicle?)

Why should the OP answer any of this? It's not relevant to what she's asking - or should all posters have to confirm that they are driving legally?

lizferris1984

I have found the answers here to be... erm, not what I expected.I didn't say I wasn't properly insured, and that's not what my question was about. There have been assumptions that I'm a bad driver/need a lot of help on a practical level. Again that's not what I said in my post. What I was asking, summed up in a sentence, was:

What attributes do people think make a good supervising driver/how should practice driving be best conducted to achieve the best possible results?

I thought it might be too little information to just ask that question without context, hence why I provided a context. Didn't realise that would result in being belittled by people. Lol!!

So yeah this has been a (largely negative) experience for me posting here. I thought there might be some people on the forum who have supervised learners themselves/are experienced drivers or ADIs, & might have some good opinions for me. But yeah, I guess if you ask any questions about learning to drive you're automatically an idiot with no insurance.

God bless the internet!