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Original poster

Any tips for taking DD out to practice her driving?

43 replies

NewYearNewMinty · 24/02/2022 09:57

She been having lessons since mid December and is doing well. Theory test today.

It's going to be August before she can take her practical so to save money we're planning alternating lessons every other week with practice with me in between.

She's very capable, sensible and responsible but am still bricking it slightly tbh!

Any tips much appreciated!

OP posts:

OchonAgusOchonOh · 24/02/2022 13:26

@VanCleefArpels

OP make sure you actually drive the car from time to time - insurance companies very hot on parents being the so called main driver for the car the kids’ use.

If fronting is illegal where you are, you driving it occasionally will not be enough. If you have insurance in your own name on another car, you will find it difficult to prove you are the main driver, particularly if the car is in her name. They certainly check that in the event of a claim where I live.

poorbuthappy · 24/02/2022 13:27

With regards to the practical test not being until August - I have this morning managed to get a cancellation at our local centre for June. I've spent 2 days solid with the web page open refreshing but managed to nab it.

PaniniHead · 24/02/2022 13:29

If DD is ready to take her test sooner, ask her instructor for the cancellation websites. I was on two recently. Original test date April (first one I could get!) and got a cancellation for January with 2 weeks notice

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YanTanTetheraPetheraPimp · 24/02/2022 13:33

@BluerThanRobinsEggs

The "oh god" handle is there for a reason.

Try putting a bag in your footwell so you can pretend brake. It won't work but it might make you feel better.

😄I left that to DH I’d have been in the boot with a blanket over my head and a bottle of gin

EduCated · 24/02/2022 13:36

Agree with the opportunity to do some longer drives if you can (to an actual destination). Driving to a place feels different to driving round fairly arbitrarily and will help post-test too.

And recognise that she may have been taught slightly different techniques etc. than you! Try to differentiate between ‘wrong’ and ‘not how I would do it, but still safe and acceptable’.

VanCleefArpels · 24/02/2022 13:37

“Fronting” would definitely lead to a claim being denied

YanTanTetheraPetheraPimp · 24/02/2022 13:39

I learnt more driving longer distances than anything else; my mum got me regularly doing 40-60 mile drives on Sundays with my instructor focussed on manoeuvres (DH is retired instructor and says it’s road miles that build up confidence not short trips to the shops).

OchonAgusOchonOh · 24/02/2022 13:42

@VanCleefArpels

“Fronting” would definitely lead to a claim being denied

And presumably denial of insurance or exorbitant costs in the future.

brainhurts · 24/02/2022 14:20

Take her we're she's comfortable. My son went round and round the same route his instructor had taken him on . Lots and lots of left turn, right turn , stop start. As his confidence grew (in his own car )he went further and further. His instructor told me what to practice with him and we would then work on that , mirrors mirrors and more mirrors. He had lessons every week, even two as he managed to book a test sooner than his instructor thought he would, she was fantastic. I took him out as much as I could.
Fingers crossed for your daughter in her theory and booking the practical.

brainhurts · 24/02/2022 14:22

Also please be careful with insurance, if she's the main driver you must declare this . You can get insurance that doesn't go up once she's passed but it's expensive to start with.

Original poster

NewYearNewMinty · 26/02/2022 15:57

Thanks all...she passed her theory...now have to get up at sparrowfart on Monday to book her test.

Instructor has told her of an app that will show her cancellations so she going to get that.

Will check the insurance situation. I don't drive either car that much atm as am currently a full time carer for my mum who only lives round the corner, but it is still registered in my name. Will be sure to change the insurance as soon as she passes and take it out regularly in meantime.

It's actually a better car for me to use for ferrying my mum about as it's a former motability vehicle so the higher seats are easier for her to get in and out of.

Was chatting with a friend the other day who has been taking her DD out cold with no professional lessons first.

She's a braver woman than me!

OP posts:

Aquamarine1029 · 26/02/2022 16:01

Let her drive at every possible opportunity. The more practice the better.

Leftbutcameback · 26/02/2022 16:05

When my parents used to supervise me driving one was too tense, and one too relaxed! It’s hard to strike the right balance but it’s a great idea to make her more confident after she’s passed.

Leftbutcameback · 26/02/2022 16:07

And also ask her instructor what they are particularly hot on during the test. When I passed it was basing correctly positioned in the lanes (not too close to the centre line), and very obvious checked of the mirror!

Redcrayons · 26/02/2022 16:34

Just book the first test you can get now. On my all they are currently in June t my local test centre.

I use Testi app to see cancellations. You have to pay to get notified of ones near you, but I had no Problem booking and changing dates 3 times

Not sure If there’s a free app that does the same thing.

Redcrayons · 26/02/2022 16:35

Sorry a bit of gibberish there.
Summary
Book whatever you can get now
Use the app to bring it forward to the date you want. Might take a couple of days but you can swap and change really easily.

Unexpecteddrivinginstructor · 26/02/2022 16:55

I have been teaching my dd from scratch, it is a bit scary at first. The first two lessons we stayed in a car park, just driving around but as her and my confidence has grown we have been out and about. We have been using videos by Frances the driving instructor. We are about 10 hrs in and tackling roads, country lanes, roundabouts we have also done 3 point turns because although not on the test it helps with reversing and making sure you can turn around. She is on the list with various instructors so hopefully we can move to a more supplemental role at some point but for now she is doing well.

Do explain that sometimes you will put your foot down but that is partly because unlike when you are being driven by another driver, when instructing you are accessing the same parts of the brain as you would when actually driving. It is hard to turn that instinct off.

brainhurts · 26/02/2022 17:35

Congratulations to your daughter for passing her theory. Test slots are released Monday morning just gone 6 . The cancellation apps are very good but can be difficult if she's going to use her instructors car as you need to know if they are available.
All the best to your daughter, happy driving.

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