Learner drivers can have passengers in the car, including babies and children. However, there are some rules you’ll need to follow, which we’ll cover below.
Rules for Learner Drivers Driving Outside of Lessons
As a learner driver, you can only drive outside of your structured driving lessons if you have a qualified driver to supervise you.
This driver should be:
- At least 21.
- Qualified to drive the type of vehicle you’re driving. So, if you’re learning to drive a manual car, the person supervising you should also be qualified to drive a manual.
- They’ll need to have obtained their full driving licence at least three years ago. Plus, this licence will need to have been granted by a country in the EU, or the European Economic Area.
Read our full guide to who can supervise learners.
Can A Learner Drive With a Baby in the Car?
As a learner, you can drive with a baby in the car, or with small children. But there are rules:
- Your qualified supervisor must sit in the front seat.
- Any passengers, including children and babies, must sit in the back.
- If the children are less than 12 years old, or under 135cm tall, they’ll need an appropriate car seat.
There are strict laws around car seats. Babies and small children will need specific types and sizes of car seats depending on their age and their height. Read our full guide to child car seat law. We also have a guide to the very rare occasions when children are allowed to travel without a car seat.
It May be Legal but Should A Learner Drive With a Baby in the Car?
While it’s legal for a learner to drive with passengers, babies can be a huge distraction in the car. If they suddenly start crying, or if they’re sick, you might struggle to focus on the road. Learning to drive is hard enough, and anything that could make it even harder should really be avoided.
Plus, if you’re an inexperienced driver, you’ll have a much greater chance of being involved in an accident than a more qualified driver. Would you really want to put a baby or a small child at risk of an accident?
If it’s absolutely unavoidable that, as a learner, you need to drive with a baby in the car, then it is legal for you to do so but you need to clearly weigh up the risks.
Further Advice For Learners
You’ll find loads of guides to help you understand the rules for learners on our site:
- Can learner drivers drive on the motorway?
- Can learner drivers drive at night?
- Essential learner driver insurance rules.
- Where to put L-plates on your car.
Further Advice For Driving With Children and Babies
You’ll also find lots of guides for staying safe on the road if you’re driving with children or babies:
- Car seat compatibility guide – what to check when buying a car seat.
- The ultimate travelling with kids checklist.
- How to look after children and babies while paying for petrol.
- What to do if your baby hates their car seat.
- How long can a baby stay in their car seat?
At Go Girl, we understand the needs of parents. Find out more about our learner driver insurance and more about the features and benefits of our policies, including child car seat cover.
