Learning to drive is exciting, but it can also feel stressful — especially when you’re unsure about the rules. One of the most common questions new drivers ask is:
“Who can sit in the car with me while I’m learning?”
This article explains what are the Learner Driver Passenger Rules in Latvia.
What Is a Learner Driver Permit?
A learner driver permit (issued by CSDD) allows you to practice driving before your driving test.
To get it, you need:
The required legal age for your vehicle category
A medical certificate
Your ID and documents
To visit CSDD or apply online
Once you have this permit, you can legally practice driving but only under the correct supervision.
Who Can Sit With a Learner Driver?
This is where Learner Driver Passenger Rules become important.
Latvia has very strict rules about who can supervise a learner driver.
✔️ Allowed Passenger: Licensed Driving Instructor
This is the main person who can sit with you.
They must have:
A valid driving license
An official instructor license for that category
This is the safest and most recommended option.
✔️ Allowed Passenger: “Lay Instructor” (Non-Professional)
Latvia also allows someone who is not a professional instructor — but only if they meet requirements.
A lay instructor must:
Have at least 3 years of driving experience in the same category (example: 3+ years with a B licence)
Sit in the front passenger seat
Take responsibility during the lesson
This could be your:
Parent
Older sibling
Spouse
Friend
Any trusted driver with enough experience
❌ Not Allowed: Random Friends Riding Along
While Latvia does not outright ban “extra” passengers, training trips are meant only for learning, not for driving around with friends.
Extra passengers can:
Distract you
Slow down your learning
Increase risk
Best practice: Only the instructor or the eligible lay instructor should be with you.
Penalties You Can Face
If you break Learner Driver Passenger Rules, police can:
Fine the learner driver
Fine the supervising driver
Cancel your training session
Ask you to retake certain steps
Driving without the correct supervising passenger is treated as a serious offence.
Safety Rules Every Learner Must Follow
These rules protect both you and your passengers.
1. Seatbelts are required for everyone
No exceptions.
Learner or not — Latvia is strict about seatbelt use.
2. Hands-free only for mobile phones
Even a small distraction can cause a crash.
3. Use daytime running lights
Latvia requires lights all year, even in daytime.
4. Respect speed limits
Beginners often try to match other drivers’ speed.
Don’t.
Stick to:
20 km/h in Residential areas
50 km/h in built-up areas
90 km/h on outside built-up areas
5. Follow the instructor’s commands
They are responsible for your safety and your learning process.
Tips for Learner Drivers
1. Learn with someone patient – If your instructor or lay supervisor shouts or stresses you out, you will learn slower.
2. Avoid driving when tired – Driving requires full focus much more than experienced drivers.
3.Choose safe practice areas
Start in:
- Empty parking lots
- Quiet neighborhoods
- Wide roads
Then move to the city.
4. Don’t rush the process – Learning takes time. Confidence comes with practice.
Understanding Learner Driver Passenger Rules is the first step to becoming a safe and confident driver in Latvia.
Always make sure you have the right supervising passenger, follow safety rules, and avoid distractions. With the right support and a calm learning environment, you’ll be ready for your driving test in no time.
FAQ
1. Who can sit with a learner driver in Latvia?
A learner driver must be supervised by either:
A licensed driving instructor, or
A lay instructor who has at least 3 years of driving experience in the same vehicle category.
These are the only people who should sit in the front passenger seat during training.
2. Can I practice driving alone with a learner permit?
No. You must always have an instructor or an experienced supervisor with you. Driving alone is illegal and can result in fines and permit issues.
3. Can a learner driver drive outside Latvia?
No. A Latvian learner permit is valid only inside Latvia.
4. Can I fail my driving test for breaking learner passenger rules?
Yes. If you break any Learner Driver Passenger Rules, it may:
Delay your test
Result in fines
Affect your training records
Require you to retake training steps
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