Learner driver insurance guide

Learning to drive 

Are you gearing up to hit the open road for the first time? Or maybe it’s your teenager who’s learning to drive. Either way, you’ll need to start thinking about car insurance soon. So why not get a head start with this handy learner driver insurance guide.

Learning with family or friends

Practicing with someone you’re comfortable with is a great way to learn. Just remember to follow the DVLA learner driver rules if you’re planning extra practice. Make sure the person you’re learning with is insured on the car too. They also need to be over 21 and have had their licence for at least three years and be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in. For example, you must have a manual car license if you are supervising in a manual car. 

Do learner drivers need insurance?

If you’re learning with a professional driving school, the cost of car insurance is typically covered in the price of lessons. It's best to check this when you book.

If you’re planning to use your own car, or a relative’s car, for extra practice, you will need insurance. Not only is it law, but it will give you peace of mind. Learning to drive can be a nerve-wracking experience, so having the right insurance in place means one less thing for you to worry about.

How does learner driver insurance work?

It offers protection on the road for provisional licence holders. But you must drive with the right supervision – it’s against the law otherwise. 

Your learner driver insurance options include:

• Getting your own car insurance policy; ideal if it’s your own car. Some providers may also offer temporary, short-term cover.
• Becoming a named driver on an existing insurance policy. This works well if you’re learning in someone else’s car.

How much is learner insurance?

Like young driver car insurance, it can be costly. As young and new drivers have less experience, insurers deem them as higher risk. And, unfortunately, the stats back this up.

One in five newly qualified drivers are involved in a collision within their first year of driving. But the Government are trying to do something about this. Their road safety action plan recommends that learner drivers should spend more time practising. They suggest driving on quiet country roads and in the dark. 

For more information about how to practice driving safely, the DVLA has a step-by-step guide to learning to drive. 

How to get cheaper learner driver insurance

Don’t worry, there are things you can do to try and bring the cost of insurance down:

• Learning in your own car with the help of a friend or relative? You’ll need to add them to your policy anyway, and their experience should help bring the cost of the insurance down.
• If you’re learning in someone else’s car, becoming a named driver on their policy might be cheaper than taking out your own insurance. 
• Shop around and compare deals. 
• Be aware that the cost of insurance may increase when you pass your test and receive your full driving license. This is because you will be able to drive unsupervised.

Now you know how learner driver insurance works, you’ll have a better chance of finding a policy that suits you best. 

For more tips on how to cut insurance costs, check out our young drivers’ insurance guide.