I would just like to make one point from the other side of the fence. I you fly with a FI in whatever capacity, he will be the commander. One simple reason being that if the s!&t does hit the fan, and something does go wrong, however innocent, or unaviodable, he is the one who is held accountable, and who's professional flying integrity is at stake. They are not just an educated passenger. Even if just a check out for insurance purposes, log flight time as P1/us, countersigned to this effect. It adds credit to your log book. One last point. Don't believe someone with more expierience and insight, is just an educated passenger. Very few PPL private hirer's have much more than a basic compertance. They mostly all do have a very high opinion of their abilities though. Be happy to listern, take advice, be thorough and thoughtful in your flying, and be glad to take some constructive instruction. If after gaining your PPL, you have 200hrs P1, 0hrs put, you won't be consolidating and won't be improving.