Wales reduces restriction from tomorrow allowing learner driver private practice.

From tomorrow (27 March) the stay local journey guidance is changing in Wales. This means that learner drivers in Wales can take private practice on any journey within Wales.

The private practice must still be with someone from their own household or support bubble.

Letting your pupils know

We are emailing all theory test and practical test candidates with a test booking to let them know that from today they can practice driving with someone from their household or support bubble on more than local journeys.

For your pupils with a booked theory test, this is a good way for them to put the knowledge and theory they have learned in to practice. This is particularly important for your pupils who learn whilst doing.

For your pupils who have a practical test booked this is a good way for them to practice their skills before restarting lessons with you.

DVSA research with learners found those who practice with friends and family are 1.4 times more likely to pass their test compared to those that didn’t have private practice.

There is guidance to get the most from private practice in the official learning to drive guide, available from https://www.tsoshop.co.uk/Transport/Driver-And-Vehicle-Standards-Agency/?DI=648406&CLICKID=004622

It’s important that you discuss which areas of driving each of your pupils need to work on during private practice. This will help them cover areas they need to improve on as they prepare for their test. Your pupils can record their private practice using the useful free record which can be downloaded from GOV.UK

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/record-your-private-practice-when-youre-learning-to-drive

More information

Check GOV.UK for the latest about:
• theory tests
• driving tests
• instructor guidance