Guidance for parents and supervising drivers
The supervising driver will play an important role in helping a learner driver to complete their training and gain practical driving experience during the mandatory minimum learning period.
Role of a supervising driver
To qualify as a supervising driver, you must be at least 21 years old and hold a full NI driving licence.
You must have held your full driving licence for at least three years.
Key responsibilities include:
- supervising practice sessions while the learner driver gains experience on the road during the mandatory six-month learning period
- supporting completion of the Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) Programme of Training and Logbook, which records the learner's progress and required learning activities
- signing off the Programme of Training and Logbook once the learner has completed the relevant training - the Logbook can be signed off by a supervising driver, or an approved instructor
- helping reinforce safe driving attitudes and behaviours, which is a central aim of the new GDL scheme
This means a parent, guardian, or other qualified driver may continue to help someone learn to drive.
Learners can use a supervising driver, an approved driving instructor, or a combination of both.