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For many future motorists, learning to drive under the watch of a parent is a no-brainer. You’ve been added to the insurance, you can drive to your heart’s content under their supervision and you can do so technically free of charge. In which case – why would you bother paying for a professional driving instructor?
As with most things, there are pros and cons on both sides of the argument. The most important of which we’ll take a look at now, which may prove useful for those ready to get behind the wheel for the first time.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Parental Driver Tuition
Kicking things off with the positives of parental tuition, learning to drive under the watch of a parent can be advantageous in the following ways:
- Your driving lessons are technically free
- You can drive as often as you like at any time
- You can learn in a car you’re comfortable in
- You may feel less nervous with a parent
For the most part, the benefits of parental driver tuition centre on convenience and affordability. Aside from getting you added to the insurance policy, there’s no other cost involved.
But this by no means makes parental driver tuition a perfect option for learner drivers, who should also consider the following drawbacks:
- Learner insurance can be very expensive
- Your parent isn’t a qualified tutor
- There are no dual controls for safety
- No professional advice or feedback
- Much higher likelihood of an accident
- You may pick up bad habits along the way
- Potential for arguments and upset
Some parents are also reluctant to take on this kind of responsibility in the first place, so don’t be surprised if you encounter a little friction at first!
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Professional Tuition
As for the alternative option, the major benefits of professional driver tuition are as follows:
- The input and advice of a qualified professional
- Higher likelihood of passing your test the first time
- Much lower likelihood of an accident
- The safety and confidence of dual controls
- You’re fully insured to drive their car
- Helpful feedback and advice
- Specialist focus on bad habits or weaknesses
- A calm, patient and professional learning environment
- Advice ahead of your theory test and practical test
Unsurprisingly, there’s only one real downside to professional tuition:
- You have to pay for your lessons
Quality driving lessons provided by an established and reputable tutor have never been particularly cheap, but it’s a price worth paying for what you get out of the deal.
The Best of Both Worlds
Ask any driving instructor or examiner for their opinions on the above and they’ll undoubtedly tell you the same: The best approach of all is to combine the two where possible.
On one hand, you cannot and will not become a safe, confident and licensed driver without a decent amount of time under the supervision of a qualified professional. At the same time, regular practice between lessons to improve your confidence and practice your skills can only be a good thing.
For more information or to discuss the potential benefits of professional driver tuition in more detail, contact a member of the team at Manchester Driver Training today.
