The 15 in-car sessions of the driving course aren't enough practice on their own. Most of a learner's road time happens with an accompanying rider, usually a parent. Done well, those drives are where confidence is built.
Who can be an accompanying rider
In Québec, the accompanying rider must have held a valid Class 5 licence for at least two years and be able to give help and advice. A probationary licence holder can't do it, and years on a probationary licence don't count toward the two. If both parents qualify, the calmer driver is often the better choice.
Your role: an extra instructor
- Be the role model. The SAAQ notes that parents are their children's first road-safety model. Your teen copies how you drive, phone use and rolling stops included.
- Follow the school's lead. Ask what your teen covered in their last session and practise that, not something new.
- Talk after the drive, not during. In traffic, give short, calm instructions. Save the debrief for when you're parked.
- Name strengths before corrections. One improvement per drive sticks better than ten.
Plan practice drives in stages
- Empty lots and quiet streets: starting, stopping, steering, mirrors.
- Residential neighbourhoods: stop signs, turns, pedestrians, parked cars.
- Busier streets: traffic lights, left turns, lane changes, cyclists.
- Real conditions: rain, dusk, winter, downtown, highway on-ramps.
See our practice guide for where to drive at each stage.
Keep drives short and frequent
Several 20 to 30 minute drives a week beat one long, tense drive. Researchers have found that steady practice spread across the learner period does more than cramming just before the test. Mix in everyday trips: school, groceries, a friend's house.
Rules your teen must know
- Zero alcohol on a learner's or probationary licence, and for every driver under 22.
- Accompanied at all times outside lessons.
- 4 demerit points is the limit on a learner's or probationary licence.
- Phones down. Distraction was a factor in 35% of injury crashes involving drivers aged 16 to 24. Set the rule for both of you.
Source: SAAQ, Young Drivers fact sheet (2022 edition)
A family driving agreement
Write down a few rules together: when the car can be used, phone rules, passengers, and what happens if a rule is broken. Having it on paper makes expectations clear for everyone. The SAAQ's own accompanying-rider guide includes a family contract template.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I have had my licence to supervise my teen?
At least two years with a valid Class 5 licence, and you can't be on a probationary licence.
How much should we practise outside lessons?
As much as you can, spread across different roads, times and weather.
Where can I find the SAAQ's guide for accompanying riders?
The SAAQ publishes it free: Accompanying Rider Guide (PDF).
Partner with Omega
Our certified bilingual instructors teach the in-car sessions; you supply the practice in between. Sherbrooke-NDG (514-908-2580), Guy-Concordia (514-989-2121), or register online.