Why “Just Doing the Hours” With Mum or Dad Could Cost More Than You Think
When it comes time for your child to start driving, it’s natural to think, “We’ll just do the hours ourselves — it’ll save money and give us more time together.”
And yes, some time in the car with Mum or Dad is absolutely valuable. But as a professional driving instructor with decades of experience, I can confidently tell you:
There’s a big difference between logging hours and learning skills that actually keep your child safe.
And the cost of skipping professional lessons? It’s more than financial — it can mean bad habits, test-day failure, safety risks, and family stress that no one needs.
🚧 1. Bad Habits Are Passed Down Without Even Knowing
Most parents don’t realise how much driving has changed since they got their license. New road rules, updated testing criteria, different vehicle technology — and let’s be honest, we all pick up a few shortcuts over the years.
When you teach your child based only on how you drive, those habits — good or bad — get passed on. That might include things like:
- Rolling stops instead of full stops
- Incorrect mirror checks
- Speed creeping over the limit
- Poor lane positioning
These might not be things you even notice, but they’re exactly what examiners pick up on during a driving test.
📋 2. It’s Not Just About Passing — It’s About Lifetime Safety
At P-Fection Driving School, I don’t just teach to pass the test — I train students to understand the “why” behind every decision on the road.
That includes:
- Defensive driving techniques
- How to read traffic before it happens
- Situational awareness in heavy or unpredictable traffic
- Motorway merging and safe overtaking
- Risk management on wet, dark, or hilly roads
These are skills that take more than a few drives to learn. And they don’t often come up when you’re just cruising to school or the shops.
😤 3. The Emotional Toll on Parents and Teens
Let’s be honest — teaching your own child to drive can test even the strongest parent-child bond.
- You’re nervous.
- They’re nervous.
- And that tension can lead to arguments, overcorrections, and even reduced confidence.
A good instructor is calm, structured, and emotionally neutral — not personally invested in the outcome of each turn or lane change. That environment makes learning easier, less stressful, and more effective.
Many parents come to me after trying to teach their child themselves, and they’re all saying the same thing:
“I didn’t realise how much pressure it put on both of us. I wish we’d started with a professional from the beginning.”
💸 4. Failed Tests Cost More Than Lessons
Here’s something many people don’t think about:
Failing a driving test is expensive.
You pay for the test, take time off work, and then — worst case — wait weeks to resit. All while your child’s confidence takes a hit.
Students who train with a professional instructor like me have a significantly higher first-time pass rate, because they’ve already:
- Experienced mock tests under real pressure
- Practiced complex test routes
- Had every bad habit corrected before test day
In the long run, you save time, money, and stress.
👨👧 5. You’re Still the Most Important Coach — But You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Let’s be clear — I’m not suggesting parents step back completely. Far from it.
Your support, encouragement, and additional hours on the road are essential. But think of professional instruction as the scaffolding that gives your child the best shot at becoming a confident, safe, and responsible driver.
You don’t have to carry the full load. That’s what I’m here for.
✅ Ready to Set Them Up for Success?
If you want your child to have the safest start on the road — and reduce the emotional (and financial) pressure on yourself — professional driving lessons are one of the best investments you can make.
At P-Fection Driving School, we don’t just train learners — we coach future drivers for life.
🚗 Book your first lesson or mock test with Shane today
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