How to Practise Driving with a Supervising Driver Between Lessons

1. Why Is Supervised Driving Practice Important?

Professional driving lessons provide structured instruction, expert feedback and opportunities to develop essential driving skills.

Supervised practice between lessons gives learners additional time to apply those skills in real driving situations.

Benefits of Regular Supervised Driving

• Builds confidence: Repeated practice helps unfamiliar driving tasks become more manageable.
• Improves vehicle control: Learners can develop smoother steering, braking and acceleration.
• Strengthens hazard perception: Exposure to different road conditions helps learners recognise potential dangers.
• Develops decision-making: Learners practise judging gaps, approaching intersections and responding to traffic.
• Reinforces professional instruction: Skills taught during lessons can be practised between appointments.
• Provides varied experience: Learners can gradually encounter different roads, traffic conditions and times of day.

2. Who Can Supervise a Learner Driver in Victoria?

Before beginning private driving practice, both the learner and supervising driver must understand the Victorian requirements.

A supervising driver must hold a current, full Australian or overseas driver licence that permits them to drive the type of vehicle being used.

They must sit in the front passenger seat beside the learner throughout the drive.

A person holding a probationary P1 or P2 licence cannot act as a supervising driver.

Supervising Driver Requirements

• Hold a current, full and appropriate driver licence.
• Carry their driver licence while supervising.
• Sit in the front passenger seat.
• Meet the applicable blood alcohol concentration requirements.
• Follow any restrictions or conditions on their licence.
• Complete or approve required logbook information when applicable.

In Victoria, the general supervising-driver BAC limit is below 0.05, while a zero BAC requirement applies to authorised driving instructors and certain licence conditions.

For safety, avoiding alcohol entirely before supervising is the best approach.

Does the Supervising Driver Need to Be a Parent?

No. A parent, relative, family friend or another suitably licensed person may supervise a learner driver, provided they meet the legal requirements.

3. What Are the Requirements for Learner Drivers in Victoria?

Learner drivers must follow the conditions of their Victorian learner permit whenever they practise driving.

Important Learner Permit Rules

• Valid learner permit: Carry your learner permit or accepted digital permit documentation.
• L plates: Display clearly visible L plates at the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Qualified supervisor: Always drive with a suitable supervising driver seated beside you.
• Zero alcohol: Maintain a blood alcohol concentration of 0.00.
• Mobile device restrictions: Follow strict Victorian portable-device rules. Do not handle or interact with a phone while driving.
• No towing: Learner drivers must not tow a trailer, caravan or another vehicle.
• Licence conditions: Follow any conditions attached to your learner permit.

What About L Plates?

Victorian learner drivers must display L plates that are clearly visible from at least 20 metres away.

Make sure the plates are correctly positioned and do not obstruct the driver's view.

4. Check the Vehicle Before Every Practice Session

The vehicle used for supervised practice must be safe, registered and roadworthy.

Before beginning, check that the vehicle is suitable for the learner's experience and that any applicable insurance policy covers learner driving.

Pre-Drive Vehicle Checklist

Is Learner Driver Insurance Compulsory?

In Victoria, registered vehicles are covered by compulsory Transport Accident Charge arrangements for eligible personal injury claims.

However, this is different from optional motor vehicle insurance covering damage to vehicles or property.

Check with your insurer that the learner is covered, including any excesses, age restrictions or policy conditions.

Do not assume that every comprehensive or third-party property policy automatically provides the same learner-driver coverage.

5. Start by Speaking with Your Driving Instructor

One of the most effective ways to improve private practice is to coordinate with the learner's professional driving instructor.

Ask which skills have already been introduced and what should be practised before the next lesson.

Useful Questions to Ask

• Which driving skills should we focus on?
• What types of roads are suitable for the learner's current ability?
• Are there any habits that need improvement?
• Which manoeuvres can be practised safely?
• Is the learner ready for roundabouts or busier intersections?
• What should we avoid practising independently for now?

Why This Matters

A learner may have been taught a particular steering, braking or observation technique that differs from how their parent originally learned.

Conflicting instructions can create confusion and reduce confidence.

6. Plan Each Practice Session Before Leaving Home

Unstructured driving can provide useful experience, but a simple practice plan often makes learning more productive.

Choose one or two skills to focus on during each drive.

Example Practice Plan

Goal: Improve smooth braking and intersection observation.

Location: Quiet suburban streets with suitable intersections.

Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the learner's ability and concentration.

Activities

• Practise controlled starts.
• Maintain a safe speed.
• Observe intersections early.
• Brake progressively.
• Check mirrors before slowing or turning.
• Review performance after the drive.

Why Short Sessions Can Be Effective

Short, focused sessions allow learners to practise specific skills without becoming unnecessarily tired or overwhelmed.

A learner who completes a successful 20-minute practice session may gain more confidence than one who struggles through a long, stressful drive.

7. Begin in Quiet, Suitable Driving Areas

For beginners, private practice should start in an environment that matches their current skill level.

Quiet residential streets can provide opportunities to develop basic vehicle control with fewer traffic demands.

However, the location must be legal and safe for learner driving.

Skills to Practise First

• Starting and stopping: Move away and stop smoothly.
• Steering: Maintain suitable road position.
• Speed control: Use the accelerator and brake progressively.
• Mirror checks: Develop regular observation habits.
• Signalling: Indicate correctly when required.
• Turning: Practise safe left and right turns.
• Road positioning: Maintain suitable clearance from parked vehicles and kerbs.

Example: Early Practice in Berwick

A learner who has recently started professional lessons may benefit from practising basic turns and controlled stops on suitable quiet streets in Berwick.

The supervising driver should choose roads with good visibility, manageable traffic and appropriate speed limits.

8. Gradually Introduce More Challenging Roads

As the learner becomes more confident, practice sessions should include a wider range of driving situations.

Suggested Learning Progression

Progression should depend on the learner's actual ability and the supervisor's capacity to manage the situation safely.

9. Practise the Skills Taught During Professional Lessons

Private practice is particularly valuable for reinforcing skills the learner already understands.

Good Skills to Repeat

• Smooth acceleration and braking.
• Steering control.
• Mirror and head checks.
• Safe road positioning.
• Left and right turns.
• Intersections and give-way rules.
• Roundabout approaches.
• Safe following distances.
• Parking and reversing.
• Lane changing when appropriate.

Avoid Introducing Complex Manoeuvres Too Early

A learner who has not yet developed basic vehicle control may struggle if asked to perform a difficult reverse parking manoeuvre or merge into fast-moving traffic.

If the learner is unsure how to perform a manoeuvre, ask the driving instructor to demonstrate it during the next professional lesson.

10. How to Give Instructions Without Creating Stress

A supervising driver's communication style can strongly influence a learner's confidence.

Sudden shouting, repeated criticism or unclear directions can distract the learner and make a difficult situation worse.

Effective Supervision Techniques

• Give directions early: Allow sufficient time to prepare for turns and lane changes.
• Use simple instructions: Avoid giving several commands at once.
• Stay calm: Speak clearly and maintain a supportive tone.
• Ask useful questions: Encourage the learner to identify hazards and explain decisions when it is safe to do so.
• Praise progress: Recognise improvements as well as mistakes.

Example of Constructive Feedback

Instead of saying:

"You always brake too late!"

Try:

This helps the learner understand how to improve without feeling unnecessarily criticised.

Avoid Distracting Conversations

Questions and explanations should never interfere with the learner's concentration during a demanding manoeuvre.

11. Agree on Clear Safety Instructions Before Driving

Before starting a session, agree on simple communication procedures.

The learner should understand that an urgent instruction from the supervisor requires immediate attention.

A Useful Safety Agreement

Also agree that:

• The supervisor will provide directions early.
• The learner can ask for clarification.
• Either person can request a break.
• The supervisor may end the session if conditions become unsafe.
• The supervisor will take over driving when necessary, after the vehicle is safely stopped.

Why This Helps

In an unexpected situation, clear communication reduces confusion.

12. Encourage Hazard Perception and Early Observation

Hazard perception is one of the most valuable skills learners can develop during supervised practice.

Rather than focusing only on the vehicle immediately ahead, learners should observe the wider road environment.

What Should Learners Look For?

• Brake lights several vehicles ahead.
• Pedestrians near crossings.
• Cyclists alongside traffic.
• Vehicles reversing from driveways.
• Cars approaching intersections.
• School-zone activity.
• Parked vehicles and opening doors.
• Changes in speed limits.
• Roadworks and lane closures.

Example: Driving Through Dandenong

You're approaching a shopping area where pedestrians are moving near parked vehicles.

The supervisor might ask, when safe:

"What hazards can you see near the parked cars?"

The learner may identify pedestrians, opening doors or reversing vehicles.

This develops awareness and helps the learner anticipate hazards before they become immediate dangers.

13. Use Commentary Driving Carefully

Commentary driving involves briefly identifying important road conditions and potential hazards.

It can help learners develop observation and planning skills.

Example

A learner might say:

This demonstrates awareness of the driving environment.

Benefits

• Encourages active observation.
• Develops hazard anticipation.
• Helps the supervisor understand the learner's thinking.
• Reinforces planning and decision-making.

However, constant talking can become distracting.

14. Practise Different Road Types Around Melbourne

Melbourne provides a wide range of driving environments.

Once the learner is ready, supervised practice should gradually include different road types.

Residential Streets

Practise road positioning, parked-vehicle awareness and low-speed control.

Shopping Areas

Practise pedestrian awareness, traffic lights and speed management.

Roundabouts

Practise observation, gap selection and correct give-way behaviour.

Arterial Roads

Practise lane positioning, following distances and changing traffic conditions.

Multi-Lane Roads

Practise mirror checks, head checks and safe lane changes.

Freeways

When the learner has developed sufficient skills and confidence, practise freeway entry, maintaining appropriate speed, safe following distances and exiting, with suitable supervision.

15. Include Night Driving When the Learner Is Ready

Night driving introduces different visibility challenges.

Learners must recognise hazards with reduced natural light and use headlights correctly.

Night-Driving Skills

• Correct headlight use.
• Adjusting speed to visibility.
• Identifying pedestrians and cyclists.
• Managing glare from approaching headlights.
• Maintaining safe following distances.
• Recognising intersections and road signs.
• Monitoring fatigue and concentration.

Victorian Supervised Driving Hours

Learners under 21 generally need to complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours at night, before obtaining their probationary licence, unless an exemption applies.

Night-driving practice should be introduced when the learner is ready and under suitable conditions.

16. Practise in Different Weather Conditions Safely

Melbourne weather can change quickly.

Learners should gradually gain experience in suitable wet-weather conditions, once they have developed adequate vehicle control.

Wet-Weather Driving Skills

• Reduce speed: Adjust to road and visibility conditions.
• Increase following distance: Allow more room for braking.
• Brake smoothly: Avoid unnecessary sudden movements.
• Use appropriate lights: Improve visibility and comply with road rules.
• Watch for standing water: Avoid driving through water of uncertain depth.
• Observe road surfaces: Be careful around slippery markings and tram tracks.

When Should You Postpone Practice?

Consider postponing a session during severe storms, flooding, dangerous winds, very poor visibility or whenever conditions exceed the learner's ability.

17. Practise Parking and Reversing Between Lessons

Parking is an important practical skill that often improves through repetition.

Once the learner has been shown the correct techniques, supervised practice can help build consistency.

Parking Skills to Practise

• Kerbside parking.
• Parallel parking.
• Reverse parking.
• Parking in marked bays.
• Moving out from a parked position.
• Low-speed steering control.
• Checking mirrors and blind spots.

Example: Parallel Parking

Choose a legal, suitable location with minimal traffic.

Ask the learner to explain the steps demonstrated by their instructor.

Allow time for careful observation and slow, controlled movements.

Stop and reassess if pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles approach.

18. Keep a Record of Supervised Driving Hours

Recording practice is an important part of the learning process.

For Victorian learners under 21, supervised driving hours generally need to be recorded and verified.

The 120-Hour Requirement

These requirements apply alongside the relevant minimum learner permit holding period and other licensing requirements.

Recording Your Hours

Victorian learners can use the myLearners app or an accepted paper learner logbook, subject to current VicRoads requirements.

Supervising drivers should verify entries accurately.

What Should You Record?

• Date of practice.
• Driving duration.
• Day or night driving.
• Supervising driver details.
• Required verification.
• Notes about skills practised, for personal progress tracking.

Important Reminder

Only record genuine supervised driving time.

Do not estimate or exaggerate hours to reach the required total.

19. Common Mistakes Supervising Drivers Should Avoid

20. What Should You Do If the Learner Makes a Mistake?

Mistakes are a normal part of learning.

The supervising driver's response can help the learner improve or make them more anxious.

A Constructive Approach

1. Prioritise safety: Give clear instructions if immediate action is required.
2. Find a safe stopping place: Do not begin a lengthy discussion while the learner is managing traffic.
3. Explain what happened: Focus on the driving situation rather than blaming the learner.
4. Identify an improvement: Discuss what could be done differently next time.
5. Practise again when appropriate: Repeat the skill only when the learner is ready and the conditions are suitable.

Example

A learner approaches a roundabout too quickly.

Rather than becoming angry, the supervisor can discuss how earlier observation and progressive braking would provide more time to assess traffic.

21. Know When to Take a Break or End the Session

Driving practice should not continue when the learner or supervisor is unable to concentrate safely.

Warning Signs

• Repeated errors caused by fatigue.
• Increasing frustration.
• Difficulty following instructions.
• Loss of concentration.
• Unsafe or rushed decisions.
• Anxiety affecting vehicle control.
• Conflict between learner and supervisor.

If these signs appear, find a safe place to stop.

A short break may help, but sometimes ending the session is the better choice.

What If the Supervising Arrangement Is Not Working?

Not every family member is the right supervising driver for every learner.

If regular disagreements make practice stressful, consider another suitably qualified supervisor.

22. How Parents Can Avoid Teaching Outdated Driving Habits

Driving techniques, vehicle technology and road rules may have changed since a parent first obtained their licence.

A supervising driver should be open to learning alongside the learner.

Common Areas to Review

• Current Victorian road rules.
• Mirror and head-check routines.
• Roundabout give-way requirements.
• Lane-changing procedures.
• Safe steering and vehicle control.
• Tram-related road rules.
• Mobile phone and portable-device restrictions.
• Modern vehicle safety systems.

What If Your Technique Differs from the Instructor's?

Ask the learner to explain what their instructor has taught.

If the difference remains unclear, discuss it with the professional instructor rather than giving conflicting instructions.

23. A Sample Weekly Supervised Driving Practice Plan

The following is an example for a learner who has already developed basic vehicle control.

These durations are suggestions, not mandatory requirements.

Adjust the plan to suit the learner's experience, fatigue, confidence and availability.

Night-driving or wet-weather sessions can be introduced when appropriate.

24. How Supervised Practice Helps with the VicRoads Drive Test

The VicRoads Drive Test assesses whether a candidate can demonstrate safe driving skills in real road conditions.

Supervised practice between lessons can help learners become more consistent with these skills.

Important Areas to Develop

• Vehicle control: Smooth steering, braking and acceleration.
• Observation: Appropriate mirror and head checks.
• Speed management: Safe and lawful speeds.
• Road positioning: Correct lane use and suitable clearance.
• Hazard perception: Recognising developing hazards.
• Gap selection: Safe decisions at intersections and roundabouts.
• Parking: Controlled and accurate manoeuvres.
• Decision-making: Responding safely to unfamiliar situations.

Is Completing 120 Hours Enough to Pass?

Not necessarily.

Completing the required supervised driving hours is an important licensing milestone for eligible learners, but it does not automatically mean the learner is ready for the practical driving test.

Driving ability, consistency, observation and safe decision-making remain essential.

25. How DOS Driving School Can Support Supervising Drivers

Professional driving instructors can help learners and their supervising drivers work towards the same goals.

At DOS Driving School, our lessons focus on developing practical driving skills, hazard awareness and confidence on Melbourne roads.

How Professional Instruction Supports Private Practice

• Identifies areas requiring improvement.
• Introduces new skills in a structured way.
• Provides guidance on safe driving techniques.
• Helps learners prepare for more complex traffic.
• Supports consistent driving habits.
• Assesses readiness for the VicRoads Drive Test.

A Practical Approach

This cycle allows learners to introduce skills with their instructor, practise between lessons and return for further guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Make Every Practice Session Count

Supervised driving practice is an important part of becoming a safe and confident driver.

For Melbourne learners, regular practice between professional lessons provides opportunities to strengthen vehicle control, recognise hazards and gain experience in different road environments.

To make each session effective, remember these principles:

1. PREPARE: Check the vehicle, licence conditions and practice plan.
2. PRACTISE: Reinforce skills already taught by the driving instructor.
3. OBSERVE: Develop hazard awareness and safe decision-making.
4. SUPPORT: Communicate calmly and provide constructive feedback.
5. REVIEW: Discuss progress and identify the next skill to improve.