Marts School of Motoring

It's a daunting time for parents when teenagers start to gain their independence and possibly their L plates.

When asked by parents what they can do to help, the first thing is to make sure they receive professional lessons.

Your driving style may well be effective for you as an experienced driver, but is unlikely to fit in with the DSA's syllabus. It is also very easy to pass on bad habits which could be detrimental in test situations.

However, parents can make the experience less daunting and perhaps reduce the need for so many lessons. Drivers that practice with supervision in addition to their lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) are more likely to pass first time.

I strongly suggest that parents sit in on the first lesson. That way you can see what the ADI is recommending and reinforce this. Learning safe driving habits from the start will improve the safety of yourself and other road users

Choosing an Instructor

Check out more than one instructor
Ask for recommendations from friends and family. The best instructors rarely have to advertise
Check if they subscribe to the DSA code of practice

Don't

Choose on the basis of cost as the cheapest seldom means the best
Choose an instructor who promises to pass students quickly with few lessons. You need to ensure that your youngster is a proficient driver

To accompany a learner driver you must be 21 years of age or older and held a full licence for three years