Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure the process of learning to drive places increased emphasis on (a) coaching, (b) independent decision-making, (c) hazard awareness and (c) real-world risk management in England.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) already provides a nationally recognised framework for learning to drive through its National Standards and the learning to drive syllabus. These set out the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for safe and responsible driving. The Department has recently consulted on further measures to strengthen the learning process, including an updated and mandated syllabus, a minimum learning period and supervised practice requirements.

The current National Standards and syllabus place strong emphasis on coaching, independent decision-making, hazard awareness and real‑world risk management. These skills are embedded throughout the National Standards and associated learning materials and are assessed through the practical driving test. This approach supports the development of safe, responsible drivers.

There is no requirement for learners to learn to drive with an approved driving instructor.