Recent research has shown, that by gaining lots of experience in as wide a variety of different situations, and driving conditions, before taking their practical test. Learner drivers are far more likely to not only perform better on their driving test, they are also more likely to go on to be safer drivers.
It is however important that a good foundation is in place, and any private practice is discussed with the driving instructor to ensure that the maximum benefit is gained. Your driving instructor should be willing to guide what practice is needed and offer advice to the co-driver to ensure that all practice is beneficial, and that the learner is not receiving conflicting advice.
It is also of vital importance that the learner has reached a reasonable standard before practicing with a family member or friend that will not have the benefit of dual controls. The co-driver should also be at least 21 years old and must have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years. You should also make sure that the car that you are using has a valid insurance policy that covers the learner.
It is sometimes very expensive to add a learner driver onto your policy, and if that is the case you could consider Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance. Collingwood offer a flexible policy that can be taken out for periods from 7 days to 24 weeks and can cost as little as £1.70 per day.
Before you take out an insurance policy, you need to ensure that you are going to be get the full benefit from it. So it makes sense to organise the insurance for a time when you will have plenty of access to a suitable co-driver. It also makes sense to introduce the co-driver to your instructor who will let them know what it is that you should be practicing.
Your driving instructor will also provide your co-driver with any information that will be required to make sure that you receive consistent advice. If possible your instructor will also arrange to discuss your practice with your co-driver at regular intervals again to ensure consistency, and to make sure you are practicing the things that you need more help with.