21/07/2026
Over the last few weeks I’ve noticed more and more posts appearing in local Facebook groups asking strangers to take learner drivers out for practice.
“Can someone sit with me for an hour?”
“Can anyone help me before my test?”
“I’ve run out of money.”
I completely understand why people ask. Driving lessons are expensive and everyone wants to give themselves the best chance of passing.
Teaching somebody to drive safely is far more than sitting in the passenger seat while they steer the car.
Just because someone has held a driving licence for years does not mean they know how to teach. In fact, many experienced drivers have developed habits that would result in driving faults on a test or, more importantly, could increase risk on today’s roads.
Road laws change.
Driving standards change.
Teaching methods change.
Professional driving instructors spend years learning how to teach, how to assess risk, how to recognise developing hazards and, most importantly, how to intervene before a situation becomes dangerous.
Our cars are fitted with dual controls. If something goes wrong, we have an emergency brake and, in manual cars, additional controls to help prevent a situation escalating. That controlled environment is there for a reason.
A friend, neighbour or kind stranger doesn’t have that safety net.
I’ve also heard of incidents during private practice where situations have quickly developed because the supervising driver simply wasn’t trained to deal with them.
Private practice can be incredibly valuable, but it works best when it supports professional tuition, not replaces it.
If you’re supervising a learner, try to reinforce what their instructor has taught them rather than introducing your own methods or saying, “That’s not how I do it.”
If you’re a learner and money is tight, speak to your instructor. Many of us would much rather help you make the most of the lessons you’ve already had than see you practising with someone who may unintentionally teach you the wrong things.
Learning to drive isn’t just about getting through a test.
It’s about becoming a safe, confident and responsible driver for the rest of your life.
Have you ever seen advice from a friend or family member completely contradict what your instructor taught you?
Share your experiences to help others 🫶🏾
Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation school of Motoring