How to teach legal responsibilities
Licence, insurance, tax, MOT, eyesight and who is allowed to supervise. The first ten minutes of lesson one, and the ones that cause the most trouble if skipped.
What to teach
- Check the provisional licence photocard and expiry date before the car moves.
- Explain the eyesight rule: reading a number plate from 20 metres, with glasses if needed.
- Cover who can supervise private practice: over 21, held a full licence for three years, and properly insured.
- Explain L plates, and that using a hand-held phone is illegal for the supervisor as well as the driver.
Faults to watch for
- Assuming the learner knows private practice needs its own insurance.
- Skipping the eyesight check because the learner "wears glasses anyway".
- Not recording that the licence was checked.
Practice between lessons
Ask the learner to read the Highway Code rules on licences and supervision before lesson two, and to bring their questions.
Common questions
Do I have to check a learner's licence every lesson?
Check it fully on the first lesson and whenever details change. Many instructors also confirm it is still valid before the test is booked.
Can a learner practise with a parent between lessons?
Yes, if the supervisor is over 21, has held a full licence for three years and the car is insured for the learner. Learner insurance policies exist for exactly this.
