For parents and supervisors

Official supervision requirements

• A supervisor must hold a full New Zealand licence for the type of vehicle and have held it for at least 2 years.
• The supervisor sits in the front passenger seat.
• Learners must always have a supervisor. Restricted drivers need one to drive between 10pm and 5am or to carry most passengers.
• Supervisors must be fit to supervise – for example, not affected by alcohol or drugs.

Check the details in the Licence guide and on the NZTA website.

Planning a practice session

Recommended practice – not an official requirement.

1. Agree one or two goals before you start (e.g. roundabouts and signalling).
2. Start somewhere quiet and familiar, then build up to busier or faster roads.
3. Keep sessions short enough that you both stay calm and focused – 30 to 60 minutes is often plenty.
4. Give calm, specific feedback. Praise what went well.
5. Afterwards, record the session in the logbook and note what to practise next.
6. Over time, cover night driving, rain, open roads, motorways and heavy traffic.

Discussion questions

• What does this sign mean, and what should we do?
• Which give-way rule applies at this intersection?
• What hazards can you see right now? What might happen next?
• Is our following distance safe for these conditions?
• Where are the blind spots on this car?
• What would you do if an emergency vehicle came up behind us?

Reviewing progress together

Look at the learner's progress dashboard and logbook together. Use the skills coverage list to spot gaps, and try the practical test checklist before booking a test.

NZTA's Drive website also has free resources for people teaching someone to drive.