New research from learner driver insurance provider Tempcover suggests that more families are embracing a blended approach to learning to drive, combining professional tuition with supervised practice at home.
The survey of 1,000 UK parents found that helping learners progress more quickly (35%) and build confidence (30%) are the main reasons for providing additional driving practice outside formal lessons. Rather than replacing professional instruction, the findings suggest parents are increasingly supporting the learning process by reinforcing the skills taught by Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs).
Supporting Learning Between Lessons
The Tempcover research suggests many families are continuing to follow that approach. Parents reported spending an average of 3.31 hours each week supervising practice, compared with 2.98 hours spent with a professional instructor. The most common level of support was between one and two hours per week, although many learners were receiving considerably more time behind the wheel with family members.
This additional practice can provide valuable opportunities for learners to experience a wider range of road types, traffic conditions and driving situations, helping to reinforce the learning objectives established during professional lessons.
Confidence and Experience
Building confidence was identified as a key benefit of private practice, with 30% of parents saying this was their main reason for getting involved. Nearly half (49%) also agreed that their child had become a better driver because of the additional support and experience gained through supervised driving. Only 4% disagreed with that statement.
For instructors, these findings reinforce the value of encouraging structured private practice where appropriate. When learners have the opportunity to apply new skills between lessons, instructors can often focus more effectively on developing higher-order driving skills and preparing learners for independent driving.
A Partnership Approach
While cost savings were mentioned by some families, the research indicates that progression and confidence remain the primary drivers behind parental involvement. The findings point towards a partnership approach, where professional instructors provide the expertise, structure and coaching, while parents help create additional opportunities for supervised driving experience.
Claire Wills-McKissick, learner driver insurance expert at Tempcover, said that parents are increasingly helping to provide the volume of road experience needed to support learner development, complementing the technical instruction delivered by professional driving instructors.
For ADIs and PDIs, the research highlights the continuing importance of private practice as part of a learner’s overall development, particularly when it is guided by the objectives and feedback provided through professional tuition.
This research was conducted by Tempcover among 1,000 UK parents in April 2026. Further information about learner driver insurance is available from Tempcover.
