‘I’m a driving instructor - Here’s how parents can break the law helping their children'
A driving instructor has warned parents they could break the law by helping their children pass their driving test. Making silly errors such as checking a phone behind the wheel or not having the right insurance could prove costly.
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Parents have been told they could break motoring laws while helping their children to pass their driving test by making a range of silly mistakes.
Mums and dads who check their phones as a passenger could risk being slapped with sanctions while failing to double-check car insurance details could also see motorists caught out.
The cost of professional tuition continues to rise with the average one-hour lesson now priced at a staggering £30.
It means learners could pay around £2,500 to pass their test before the added costs of buying a vehicle or insurance.
The rising costs could push parents to help their children by offering extra tuition in their own vehicles.
However, Dave Unsford, instructor at Red Driver Training has warned parents may expose themselves to charges if they are unaware of the rules.
He told Express.co.uk: “Parents must remember that they are still responsible for both the car and the driver. They may feel that the driver is able to independently focus on the road, but this shouldn’t be a chance to catch up on social media or check the football score.
“They should follow all the same rules that they would if they were driving.”
Those supervising a learner driver are still technically responsible for the safety of the vehicle despite not being behind the wheel.
It means those caught using a mobile phone could be hit with a £200 fine and up to six penalty points on their driving licence.
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Dunsford added: “It’s also important to steer clear of motorways – learners can only drive on a motorway with an advanced driving instructor in a dual-control car.
“To avoid accidentally joining the motorway, make sure you plan the route before heading out and stick to roads the driver will feel comfortable on.”
Finally, Dunsford also makes it clear that parents' vehicles must be safe to drive with the correct paperwork in place.
Car insurance is one of the most important areas as parents may put their children at risk of severe penalties.
Motorists without the right cover can be banned from driving and get up to eight penalty points.
Dunsford added: “Before learners drive any vehicle, including their parents’ car, it’s important to make sure that the car is roadworthy and taxed.
“It’s also important to check your insurance policy covers the learner driver – all too often this part is often forgotten. And remember those L plates!”
Compare the Market reveals youngsters can either become a named driver on their parent's policy or take out their own learner agreement.
