How to Practice Driving Between Lessons: A Parent’s Guide
Watching your teenager learn to drive is equal parts pride and panic. Between professional lessons, responsible practice sessions with you can accelerate their progress – if done right. Here’s how to make those drives count.
Who This Guide Is For
This is for parents, guardians, or family members supervising learner drivers in Ireland who:
- Want to support their learner between EDT driving lessons
- Need clarity on legal requirements
- Want practical strategies to build confidence (theirs and yours!)
Getting Started: The Safe & Legal Way
1. Check Your Paperwork First
Before any practice drive:
- Your learner must have a valid learner permit
- You must be aged 21+ and hold a full Irish licence for 2+ years
- Display L-plates front and rear
2. Plan Your Practice Routes
Start simple:
- Begin in empty industrial estates or quiet housing estates
- Graduate to roads they know from professional driving lessons
- Avoid high-pressure situations (rush hour, complex roundabouts) initially
What to Work On Between Lessons
Core Skills to Reinforce
- Observations: ‘Mirror, signal, mirror’ routines at junctions
- Speed Management: Matching speed to road conditions
- Progressions: Building confidence in higher-speed zones (50-80km/h)
‘Lesson Sandwich’ Technique
Structure practice sessions around recent professional lessons:
- Recap what they covered with their instructor
- Practice those specific skills
- Note any issues to discuss in their next lesson
Common Mistakes Parents & Learners Make
1. Overcorrecting in Real-Time
Problem: Grabbing the wheel or shouting during errors.
Solution: Pull over safely to discuss mistakes calmly.
2. Ignoring Commentary Driving
Tip: Have them verbalize their decisions (‘I’m checking mirrors because…’). This builds hazard awareness.
3. Practicing Bad Habits
Avoid teaching ‘shortcuts’ that contradict their instructor’s guidance. Consistency matters.
What to Expect During Professional Lessons vs Parent Practice
| Professional Lesson | Parent Practice Session |
|---|---|
| Structured EDT curriculum | Skill reinforcement |
| Dual-control vehicle | Standard vehicle |
| Graded feedback | Emotional support |
| Test-standard assessment | Confidence-building |
When to Consider Pre-Test Practice
As the test nears:
- Book extra lessons focusing on test routes
- Do mock tests using the official test route guides
- Address last-minute nerves with expert help
Why Choose Epic Driving School
When you book with Epic, you get:
- Fully qualified ADIs registered with the RSA
- Modern dual-control cars with dashcams
- Patient instructors who communicate clearly with parents
- Flexible lesson packages for busy schedules
FAQs: Parent & Learner Practice Drives
Q: Do all 12 EDT lessons need to be completed before practice?
A: No, but the learner must have completed Module 2 (basic controls) first.
Q: Can I help log EDT practice hours?
A: No – only approved driving instructors can sign off EDT sessions.
Q: Is 1 hour of practice enough per week?
A: 2-3 shorter sessions (20-30 mins) create better retention than one long drive.
Q: How do I handle insurance?
A: Inform your insurer the learner is driving your car. Expect a premium increase.
Next Steps: Build Confidence Together
Good practice sessions reduce test attempts (and grey hairs). Need a progress check? Our instructors can assess their readiness during a pre-test lesson and suggest focus areas for home practice.
Book a lesson package today, or contact us for tailored advice on supporting your learner driver.