How to Get Cheap Learner Driver Insurance

Before you hit the road as a learner driver, it’s crucial to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage. If you plan to practice driving with family or friends outside of your lessons, you’ll need to obtain learner driver insurance.

Due to the higher risk associated with learner drivers, insurance premiums can be relatively expensive. However, there are strategies to secure affordable learner driver insurance. We’ll explore different types of learner driver insurance policies and provide valuable tips to help you find the best deal.

What is learner driver insurance?

Learner driver insurance is designed for those with a provisional license, allowing you to practice driving in your own car or a vehicle belonging to a friend or family member outside of formal lessons. To qualify for an affordable learner driver insurance policy, you must have a valid UK provisional license and be at least 17 years old.

When driving as a learner, you must be accompanied by a qualified driver who is over 21 years old and has held a full driving license for at least three years. Some insurers may have additional requirements, such as specifying that the supervising driver must be over 25 years old.

Do I need learner driver insurance?

If you’re learning with a professional, DVSA-approved driving instructor, their car insurance will cover you during lessons. However, the DVSA encourages learners to practice outside of lessons with family or friends. For this independent practice, you’ll need learner driver insurance.

Whether you’re practicing in a family member’s, friend’s, or your own car, it’s crucial to have the right insurance coverage. Driving uninsured is illegal and can result in a £300 fine, 6 penalty points, or even disqualification from driving.

How long will I need learner insurance for?

Learner driver insurance policies are available in various durations, ranging from short-term coverage of just 2 hours to longer-term plans lasting up to a year. The optimal policy length depends on your individual learning pace and the timeline for your driving test.

Intensive learners who are aiming to complete their training and take the test within a short timeframe may find short-term policies to be the most cost-effective option. This allows them to secure insurance coverage only for the specific period when they need it.

On the other hand, learners who prefer a more gradual approach to learning to drive and don’t have an immediate test date may opt for a longer-term policy. This provides ongoing insurance coverage throughout their learning journey, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

Cheap learner driver insurance policies

If you’re looking to practice driving outside of your lessons, you’ll need to consider one of the following learner driver insurance options.

1. Become a named driver on someone else’s policy

A common choice for learner drivers is to be added as a named driver to a parent or relative’s insurance policy. While convenient, this option isn’t always the most cost-effective. It can significantly increase the primary policyholder’s premium and potentially jeopardize their No Claims Bonus if a claim is made.

2. Short-term insurance policy

If you’re gearing up for your practical driving test or prefer an intensive learning approach, a short-term car insurance policy might be the ideal solution. These policies provide flexible coverage, ranging from a few hours to several months, and are suitable for both personal vehicles and borrowed cars. Unlike traditional named driver policies, short-term insurance won’t impact the No Claims Bonus of the car’s owner and often proves to be a more cost-effective option.

3. Annual insurance policy

Annual policies are typically preferred by learners who own their own car and anticipate a longer learning period. Many insurers offer annual learner insurance policies that can be converted to Young Driver policies after passing the test, ensuring a seamless transition and preventing financial loss.

Insuring your own car

If you’re planning to practice driving in your own car, it’s worth considering the potential costs. Short-term insurance policies for learner drivers can sometimes be more expensive for your own car compared to someone else’s. However, insuring your own car does offer the advantage of building up your No Claims Bonus.

To obtain a quote for learner driver insurance, you’ll typically need to provide the following information:

• Preferred excess amount
• Date of birth
• Postcode
• Length of time holding your provisional license
• Car registration number

Can I get cheap learner driver insurance for my practical test?

If you’re taking your driving test in your instructor’s car, insurance is typically covered as part of your lesson fees. However, if you plan to use your own car, it’s crucial to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage for the duration of the test. Driving without proper insurance is illegal and could result in serious consequences.

A short-term insurance policy can be a suitable option if you only need coverage for the test itself. Alternatively, if you’re practicing with a family member or friend, a named driver or annual policy can provide the necessary coverage. When purchasing insurance, consider the additional time needed for pre-test practice sessions and ensure your policy covers this period.

In addition to insurance, it’s essential to verify that your vehicle meets the DVSA’s specific requirements. Failure to meet these standards could lead to test cancellation and potential financial penalties.

Official DVSA guidelines

To use your own car for your practical driving test, it must meet the following requirements:

Vehicle Requirements:

• Tax and Insurance: The vehicle must be taxed and insured.
• Roadworthiness: It must be roadworthy with a valid MOT certificate (if applicable).
• Warning Lights: No warning lights should be illuminated on the dashboard.
• Tyres: Tyres must be undamaged and have a legal tread depth.
• Smoke-Free: The vehicle must be smoke-free.
• Speed and Speedometer: It must be capable of reaching at least 62 mph and have an mph speedometer.
• Weight: The vehicle must have four wheels and a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kg.

Additional Requirements:

• Interior Rear-View Mirror: An additional interior rear-view mirror must be fitted for the examiner.
• L-Plates: L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Seatbelt and Head Restraint: A seatbelt and head restraint must be available for the examiner.

Prohibited Vehicles:

• BMW Mini Convertible
• Ford KA Convertible
• Toyota iQ
• VW Beetle Convertible

For more detailed information, please refer to the DVSA’s guidelines on using your own car for the practical driving test.

What happens when I pass my driving test?

Short-term insurance policies are designed for provisional license holders, covering you for practice driving and your driving test. However, once you pass your test, your status changes to a fully qualified driver, and the short-term policy becomes invalid. This means you won’t be able to drive the vehicle home after the test.

To avoid this inconvenience, consider obtaining a policy that can be upgraded after passing your test. This typically involves a simple notification to your insurer, who will then transition your coverage to a Young Driver policy.

Alternatively, taking your test in your instructor’s car offers several advantages. You won’t need to worry about meeting the DVSA’s strict vehicle guidelines or obtaining separate insurance for the test. Additionally, your instructor can drive you home after you pass, allowing you to fully enjoy your newly acquired driving status.

Learner driver insurance rules

The learner driver must

• Age: Be at least 17 years old.
• Provisional License: Hold a valid provisional driving license.
• Eyesight: Meet the minimum eyesight requirements, which involve being able to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters, with or without corrective lenses.

The supervisor must

• Age: Be at least 21 years old.
• Driving License: Hold a full UK driving license for the vehicle category being used (manual or automatic).
• License Duration: Have held the license for a minimum of 3 years (excluding any periods of disqualification).
• Eyesight: Meet the legal minimum eyesight standards.
• Unpaid Supervision: Not receive any payment for supervising learners.
• Adherence to Road Rules: Strictly follow all road rules and regulations, including avoiding distractions like mobile phone use and alcohol consumption.

Insurance and vehicle requirements

• Vehicle Insurance: The vehicle must be adequately insured to cover learner drivers.
• Supervisor Age: Some insurers may have specific age requirements for supervisors, often stipulating a minimum age of 25.
• Driving Curfews: Certain insurers may impose restrictions on nighttime driving for learners.
• Vehicle Registration and Maintenance: The vehicle must be properly registered, taxed, and have a valid MOT certificate.
• L-Plates: Learner drivers must display L-plates on the vehicle while practicing.

Keeping track of your progress

While there’s no strict requirement for learners to track their progress, it’s highly recommended. Whether you’re learning with a DVSA-approved instructor or practicing with loved ones, monitoring your improvement can be beneficial.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and self-doubt while learning to drive. When faced with challenges or setbacks, it’s tempting to take a break or even give up entirely. However, by keeping track of your progress, you can gain a clearer perspective on your achievements and identify areas that require further practice. This can serve as a powerful motivator to keep moving forward.

If you’re learning with a driving instructor, they’ll likely maintain their own logbook to track your progress. While you may not have direct access to this, keeping your own records can provide additional motivation and a tangible sense of accomplishment.

Driver’s record for learners

To help you track your driving progress, the DVSA has created a driver’s record. This record is based on a syllabus outlining 24 key driving skills, from dual carriageways to safe positioning.

There are three versions of the record:

1. Learner’s Record: A basic version for you to track your progress in areas like mirrors, signals, and speed control.
2. Instructor’s Record: A detailed version for your instructor to record your progress lesson by lesson. Most instructors have their own logbooks, but you can ask them to use this record as well.
3. Practice Record: A version for you to use when practicing with friends or family.

To fully understand the skills you need to master, take some time to review the detailed breakdown of each competency. This will help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress.

Progress levels

The driver’s record is a valuable tool for both learners and instructors to track progress in key driving skills. It uses a five-level scale to assess development:

1. Introduction: The skill has been initially introduced.
2. Full Instruction: The skill requires full instruction from the instructor.
3. Prompt Required: The skill can be performed with minimal prompting from the instructor.
4. Occasional Prompt: The skill can be performed independently with occasional prompts.
5. Independent Performance: The skill can be performed independently without any prompting.

By consistently recording progress, you can visualize your learning curve and identify areas for improvement. It’s important to remember that slight fluctuations in performance are normal, especially when lessons are spaced out or short in duration.

As you near the end of your driving lessons or course, you should feel confident in your ability to perform all the competencies listed in your driver’s record. If you’re unsure about your progress, consider that your instructor’s assessment may be more lenient than your own self-evaluation. If your instructor believes you’re ready for the driving test, it’s likely that you are.

How to get a cheap learner driver insurance deal

As a learner driver, you’ll likely face higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk associated with inexperience. However, there are strategies to help you find affordable insurance options:

• Learner Driver Insurance: Many insurers offer specific policies designed for learner drivers. These policies often have lower premiums compared to standard car insurance.
• Named Driver Insurance: Adding yourself as a named driver to an existing family or friend’s policy can be a more cost-effective option.
• Black Box Insurance: Consider black box insurance, which uses a device installed in your car to track your driving behavior. If you demonstrate safe driving habits, you may qualify for lower premiums.
• Compare Quotes: Use comparison websites to compare quotes from different insurers and find the most competitive rates.

By exploring these options and being a responsible driver, you can find affordable insurance coverage while learning to drive.

Consider the duration of your policy carefully

It’s crucial to carefully consider the duration of your learner driver insurance policy. While short-term policies may seem more affordable initially, they can become more expensive in the long run if you need to extend your learning period. Conversely, a long-term policy might be unnecessary if your test date is imminent.

To make an informed decision, it’s advisable to wait until you’ve started your driving lessons and have a specific test date in mind. This will help you accurately estimate the required insurance coverage.

Consider the level of cover you need

If you own a car and are seeking learner driver insurance, you’ll need to consider the level of coverage you require. Here are the three primary types of insurance coverage:

1. Third-Party Only: This is the minimum legal requirement and covers damage to other people’s property or injuries caused by your actions.
2. Third-Party, Fire, and Theft: In addition to third-party liability, this coverage protects against damage caused by fire or theft of your vehicle.
3. Fully Comprehensive: This is the most comprehensive coverage, protecting against damage to both your own and other people’s vehicles in accidents, as well as fire and theft.

The appropriate level of coverage depends on your specific needs and budget. Generally, higher levels of coverage offer greater protection but come with higher premiums.

Compare plans and shop around

To secure the most competitive and appropriate learner driver insurance policy, it’s essential to engage in comprehensive price comparison. Insurance providers utilize varying calculation methods, leading to potential cost discrepancies despite seemingly similar coverage options. Several reputable comparison websites can facilitate this process, including MoneySuperMarket, Confused.com, Compare The Market, and Go Compare. Alternatively, direct quotes from providers like Axa can be obtained.

It’s crucial to meticulously review the policy details to ensure the coverage aligns with your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to seek clarification regarding any unclear clauses. By taking these proactive steps, you’ll be well-positioned to secure learner driver insurance that offers optimal protection at a cost-effective rate.

Add another driver to your policy

To potentially lower insurance costs, you can consider adding a more experienced driver to your car insurance policy. However, this additional driver should not be the primary driver and must possess a full driving license and their own separate insurance policy. Keep in mind that adding an additional driver, especially one with a less-than-perfect driving history, could lead to higher insurance premiums.

Pick the right car and cut costs

The make and model of your car can significantly impact your insurance premiums. If you have the flexibility to choose, selecting a vehicle with lower insurance costs can be beneficial, especially for young drivers. Admiral’s research identified the 10 most affordable cars to insure for provisional license holders under the age of 25 (as of May 2023).

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Look into paying a higher excess to reduce premiums

An excess is the amount you’re responsible for paying in the event of an insurance claim. Choosing a higher excess can often lead to lower insurance premiums. However, it’s important to weigh the potential cost savings against your financial situation. Ensure that you can comfortably afford to pay the excess in case of a claim.

 Avoid customising your car

Before customizing your vehicle, consider the potential impact on your insurance costs. Modifications, whether for performance or appearance, can significantly increase insurance premiums. Research from MoneySuperMarket highlights the potential cost implications of various car modifications.

Car Modifications and Insurance

It’s crucial to ensure that any modifications made to your vehicle comply with DVSA guidelines. Failure to adhere to these regulations could result in the cancellation of your driving test, without the possibility of a refund.

While some modifications, such as alarms, immobilisers, and parking sensors, can potentially lower your insurance premiums by reducing the risk of theft and damage, it’s essential to consult with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements and potential discounts. Additionally, securing your vehicle in a garage or driveway can further reduce insurance costs.

Take an intensive course

If you’re taking sporadic driving lessons, you’ll likely need an annual learner driver insurance policy to practice outside of lessons. However, if you opt for a more intensive course, such as our RD2SuccessFastTrack courses, you may only need short-term insurance coverage.

Our RD2SuccessFastTrack courses offer flexible options, ranging from intensive to semi-intensive, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your specific needs. Additionally, our fast-track practical tests can significantly reduce waiting times. With our beginner 48-hour course, you could progress from novice to confident driver in as little as three weeks.

To explore our course offerings and pricing, visit our course prices page or our driving courses overview. If you have some prior driving experience but need a personalized recommendation, use our course recommender tool. To proceed, call us at 0742 914 4805 or book online.

For newly qualified drivers aged 17 to 25, it’s important to note that you’ll be categorized as a “young driver” by insurance companies, which may impact your insurance premiums.

Learner Driver Insurance FAQs

Why is learner driver insurance so expensive?

Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premium rates, including safety statistics and accident rates. Given that young drivers are statistically more prone to accidents, they often face higher insurance premiums.

Do I really need learner driver insurance? 

If you’re solely relying on professional driving lessons, you won’t need to worry about additional insurance coverage. However, if you plan to practice driving outside of lessons with a supervising driver, it’s crucial to have appropriate insurance in place. This will protect you financially in case of an accident.

Would adding another driver to my policy help me save money? 

Whether adding an experienced driver to your insurance policy will lower your premium depends on various factors. Some insurance providers may offer discounts if the additional driver has a clean driving record. However, if the driver has a history of accidents or traffic violations, it could potentially increase your premium.

Should I look into a black box policy? 

Black box insurance, also known as telematics insurance, utilizes a device installed in your car to monitor various driving behaviors, including speed, braking, and acceleration. By demonstrating safe driving habits, you can potentially lower your insurance premiums.

Would it be more cost-effective to opt for a higher excess?

Opting for a higher excess on your car insurance policy can often lead to lower premiums. However, it’s important to carefully consider the potential financial implications. In the event of an insurance claim, you’ll be responsible for paying the chosen excess amount. While a higher excess may reduce your monthly premiums, ensure that you have the financial capacity to cover the excess in case of an accident.

Will taking a Pass Plus course once I’ve passed help with my New Driver insurance?

As discussed in our guide to Pass Plus courses, completing a Pass Plus course post-driving test can potentially reduce the cost of your new driver insurance. However, it’s advisable to compare quotes from multiple insurers to secure the most favorable deal.

Can I drive my own car?

Yes, with the right insurance policy, you can drive your own car as a learner driver. You can opt for a short-term or annual learner driver insurance policy. Some insurers even allow you to start building up a No Claims Bonus from the beginning. For cost-effectiveness, consider choosing an insurer that offers the option to upgrade your learner insurance to a young driver policy once you’ve passed your test.

Can I drive at any time, day or night?

The specific restrictions on driving times for learner drivers can vary depending on your insurance policy. Some insurers may impose curfews, such as limiting driving hours between 6 AM and midnight. However, other policies may not have such limitations.

It’s important to note that you will need a supervising driver, so early morning practice sessions may not be feasible.

Can anyone supervise me?

Typically, your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a full driving license for a minimum of 3 years. However, some insurance providers may have more specific age restrictions, often requiring the supervisor to be between 25 and 75 years old.