It’s estimated that over a quarter of drivers in the UK have a dash cam fitted¹. This can help drivers to cover their backs in the event of an insurance claim, and some motorists report offences directly to the police.

But can these handy devices also double up as a learning tool for instructors? Here we’ll take a look at how an in-car camera system can potentially be helpful to driving instructors. We’ll also look at other advantages and disadvantages of dash cams, and how much you might expect to pay for one.

Can dash cams help learner drivers?

In short, yes. It’s generally regarded that dash cams can be a useful tool in improving pupils’ learning experience. There are a few reasons for this. One is that being able to watch videos back, pause and discuss is really useful for reviewing performance. And if you have a dash cam that connects to your phone or tablet, you can play back driving situations shortly after they’ve occurred.

For instance, a pupil’s view of what happened during a lesson may sometimes be too subjective. Let’s say the pupil makes a mistake, but either doesn’t notice, or doesn’t acknowledge they made an error. Or perhaps they’ve misremembered things. Being able to pull over and play back exactly what happened allows the pupil to see events as they happened, and form a more objective view.

It’s important to note that being able to show the pupil a video of their driving isn’t just for mistakes. You can also play back situations they’ve handled well, or times when they’ve provided good talk-through commentary. This is encouraging, and reinforces positive behaviours.

Dash cams are also useful because it’s helpful to give learners visual cues. As an instructor, you can potentially build up a library of clips for reference, and show them to pupils to help explain driving concepts.

This also allows you to share clips with pupils if desired, meaning they can view them remotely, or repeatedly in their own time.

Are dash cams used during driving tests

Dash cams don’t form part of the driving test in the UK. So while the examiner may use a dash cam for insurance purposes, they can only film outside of the vehicle, and cannot record audio.

Find out more about what you’re allowed to film or record in a driving test at GOV.UK

What are the advantages of dash cams?

In addition to potentially being a useful driving tool, there are other advantages to having one (or more) installed.

Using a dash cam can be reassuring for an ADI if you’re picking up a new pupil from an unfamiliar area, and you don’t yet have the measure of them. Having an extra level of security can help instructors on their own feel safe, and can also be reassuring for the pupil. It may also provide peace of mind for their parents or guardians.

Plus having an in-cockpit camera could provide valuable evidence if the pupil becomes in any way inappropriate or abusive.

In the event that you’re involved in an incident – whether it’s you or your pupil driving – having actual footage can be incredibly helpful for insurance claims. Particularly if the facts are in dispute.

This may be doubly useful if your pupil has an incident involving less scrupulous drivers, who may wish to capitalise on the fact that the driver is a learner.

Some public-spirited motorists use dash cam footage to report motor offences. According to What Car? in 2020, the police in the UK received 35 dash cam video submissions every day².

What are the disadvantages of dash cams?

Using an in-cockpit camera, especially if you record audio, can feel like an invasion of privacy. As such, it’s advisable to get a pupil’s permission before using one.

Not only that, but you should be satisfied that they’re actually comfortable with its use, and that it doesn’t make them feel pressured or negatively affect their performance.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that using video playback as a teaching aid may not work for everyone. Be sure to read the pupil, and get a feel for whether reviewing footage will help them learn. You may decide that you don’t really need to use it.

Is it legal to use a dash cam?

You should think carefully about the privacy implications of installing a dash cam, as you want to stay on the right side of data protection laws. As mentioned, recording a lesson can be intrusive, especially if you’re recording audio, and intend to play back situations from the lesson to other pupils.

For this reason, it’s best practice to get a pupil’s permission before using one, and also permission from a parent or guardian if they’re under 18. It’s also advisable to have in-car cameras and audio switched off by default, and only switch them on when you need them.

It’s also likely that you’ll need to register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). You can find out by using the ICO’s self-assessment form here, which should take about 5 minutes. If you do need to register, you’ll need to pay an annual data protection fee, which is likely to be £40 – or £35 if you pay by direct debit.

How much does a dash cam cost?

Dash cams typically cost anything from £20 to £500 and – as you might expect – vary enormously in quality. As someone using a dash cam in a professional capacity, it’s a good idea to invest in something decent, and premium dash cams start from about £115.

For dependable advice from consumer experts, read the Which? Guide to best-buy dash cams here.

How do I install a dash cam?

Dash cams are nice and simple to install, and come with an adapter to plug into your lighter socket. Front-facing dash cams should be fixed behind the rear-view mirror, and angled so that you get a good view of both lanes ahead. They tend to be fitted with double-sided tape or suction cups.

One of the most important things to remember is that it shouldn’t in any way obstruct your field of vision. If the police find that your dash cam isn’t fitted safely, your footage could be inadmissible in court, and you risk being fined.

The Highway Code states that ‘windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision’³, and Department for Transport guidance states that obstructions should not encroach more than 40mm into the area swept by windscreen wiper blades⁴.