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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To learn to drive with my kids in the car

31 replies

user1498912461 · 06/07/2017 14:26

Ok, I'll make this brief. I recently bought a car to practice driving in, I failed my driving test a few weeks ago due to a silly mistake. My instructor said if I hadn't made that mistake, I would be driving around on my own now. My plan now is to practice driving in my own car in between lessons before my next test. My husband is willing to come with me but it would mean my one year old would be in the back (occasionally my five year old would be in the car too)

OP posts:
MagnumAddict · 06/07/2017 14:28

Absolutely not. I'm pretty sure it's illegal. I'll check to see if I can find a link.

Sorry you failed and hopefully it won't be long until you pass but until then please keep your child out of the car.

AvoidingCallenetics · 06/07/2017 14:28

I think it might be illegal and could invalidate insurance, so check first.

PinotAndPlaydough · 06/07/2017 14:29

Are you even allowed?

I'm learning to drive at the moment and I wouldn't even consider it but I'm a very nervous driver and get stressed easily. I guess it depends on how you would cope with possibly a screaming baby or a complaining child. At the moment that would stress me out too much, I know I'll have to do it at some point though.

Original poster
user1498912461 · 06/07/2017 14:29

It's not illegal, there's no law against it apparently.

OP posts:
Original poster
user1498912461 · 06/07/2017 14:30

Tbh the thought of driving with them in the car terrifies me! 😮

OP posts:
YerAWizardHarry · 06/07/2017 14:30

Not true there are no restrictions to learner drivers carrying passengers as long as someone able (full license, driving long enough) is supervising.

Sirzy · 06/07/2017 14:33

As you are at the point of being ready to take your test then I would. It also makes your driving environment more "normal" for what it will be after you pass too!

MikeUniformMike · 06/07/2017 14:33

If it's not illegal and you and your husband are there then it should be OK. Another option might be to get a friend to be your experienced driver and have DH mind the kids.

Good luck with the next text.

Idrinkandiknowstuff · 06/07/2017 14:34

Absolutely not illegal. I drove for years with the kids in the back (and fully licensed exh beside me). Often shared the driving when going on holiday with him doing the motorways and me the rest.

MagnumAddict · 06/07/2017 14:34

Had a quick Google and it doesn't seem to be illegal! I honestly think it should be though

PinkHeart5911 · 06/07/2017 14:35

Why would you even consider putting your child in the car?

The fact is you failed your test for whatever reason, you still failed and don't have a licence and are not deemed a good enough driver to drive without supervision so no I wouldn't be putting my child in the car.

BertieBotts · 06/07/2017 14:36

I think it is fine. Avoid difficult junctions or accident blackspots perhaps but it's not like you'll be on your own, you'll be supervised.

steppedonlego · 06/07/2017 14:40

Absolutely fine. My driving instructor had other clients who brought their children on lessons.

MagnumAddict · 06/07/2017 14:43

I think a driving instructor with dual controls is a completely different scenario though. I still wouldn't be entirely comfortable.

Maybe I'm just uptight. No way I'd let my kids be passengers in the back of a learner drivers car especially without dual controls. I'd be nervous enough with a newly qualified driver.

Underthemoonlight · 06/07/2017 14:44

I drive with my DH and my DC in the car. I'm due to have my test shortly. Its only small trips but it builds my confidence up. Its better with him in the car driving them be passing and trying to focus and have the DC in the car on my own.

FlyingElbows · 06/07/2017 14:50

Tbh I think it's far preferable that you do it with a qualified driver accompanying you than that you pass your test and then do it on your own. Children in a car can be hugely distracting and you're better with some experienced help than trying to wing it as a brand new driver. Tbh I don't understand why, if your at sitting your test stage, you wouldn't have a few short runs with the kids.

Screwinthetuna · 06/07/2017 14:51

It's not illegal and I did it. Didn't do it until I was comfortable but obviously if you are ready to put in for your test then you are comfortable on the road.

EssieTregowan · 06/07/2017 14:53

It's how I passed my test first time! I actually drove from Sussex to Cornwall for a holiday...

NotAPuffin · 06/07/2017 14:54

I did it. I had no choice. They were 4 and 3 at the time.

SheGotOffThePlane · 06/07/2017 14:55

Gosh, I did this and didn't give it a second thought.
I hadn't sat a test at all, and passed my test 5 months after starting lessons. We used to go for family days out, stick the L plates on and I would drive the entire time. Did my confidence the world of good and I passed first time.

Oh and mine were 5 and 2 and wouldn't shut up in the back, it'll be easier with little ones.

Redsippycup · 06/07/2017 14:57

IMO this is absolutely fine as you are at the point of taking your test.

As you say you are worried about driving with them I would encourage you to do it with someone 'supervising' rather than passing your test and then driving with just you and them straight away! That would be worse imo.

PickleSarnie · 06/07/2017 14:58

Kids in the back are so bloody stressful. I know it's probably good practise for what will be your normal driving conditions I suppose. But, even now, I hate driving with kids in the back (and I love driving the rest of the time!)

onlyjustme · 06/07/2017 14:58

Erm...
If you had passed, you would be driving around with the kids and no DH!?!?!
Not unreasonable at all
(Assuming your DH is over 21 and has held a licence for 3 years I think it is... AND you have arranged insurance etc).
Best practice is to drive as you will be driving after your test. (Except without the swearing... but then you won't swear with the kids in the car ever anyway)

Mrsglitterfairy · 06/07/2017 14:58

As you're almost at test ready I would say do it. It's going to set you in good stead for when you do pass and you're driving without your husband but have the children. Obviously you'll make sure they are safe and have correct car seats etc so I can't see it being any more dangerous than if your husband were driving. No one is a bullet-proof driver.
Good luck for your next test

user1495451339 · 06/07/2017 15:01

Well if you hadn't made a tiny mistake you could be driving them around now without your husband in the car!!! You will be driving them all the time shortly anyway.

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