Learner driver insurance

Learner cover in plain English

Learner driver insurance is the cover you need to legally practise driving on UK roads before you pass your test. It applies while you hold a provisional licence and are supervised by a qualified driver, or when you are taking private practice alongside paid lessons. You can either be added to an existing policy or buy a standalone learner policy for your practice sessions.

In practical terms, this insurance solves three problems. First, it keeps you legal whenever you drive under supervision. Second, it protects the supervising car owner from financial risk if something goes wrong. Third, it can shield a main driver’s no-claims bonus when set up as separate cover. Many learners practise in a parent’s or friend’s car, so the way the policy is arranged makes a real difference to cost and risk.

Costs vary by duration and location. Short policies can be bought for a day, a week, a month, or up to a year. Buying more days in one go typically reduces the average daily price. For example, a six-day policy can work out significantly cheaper per day than a one-day policy. If you expect a long wait for a test, plan for that too. The UK has seen a record test backlog in 2025, which can extend the time you remain on a provisional licence.

This guide explains what is covered, who benefits, typical prices, and how to choose safely. We will keep the language clear and the expectations realistic so you can make decisions with confidence.

Insurance can offer real financial protection, but only when you understand what is covered - and where the gaps are.

Key takeaway: choose the duration that matches your practice plan to control the average daily cost.

What is covered and how it works day to day

Most learner policies cover you to drive a specific car while supervised, typically for social, domestic and pleasure use. This includes practising on public roads and travelling to and from lessons or test centres when accompanied as required. Depending on the insurer, you can choose third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive. Comprehensive usually includes accidental damage to the insured car during supervised practice.

Standalone learner policies are separate from the car owner’s main insurance. If you need to make a claim, it usually does not affect the main driver’s no-claims bonus. If you are added as a named learner on an existing policy, any claim may impact that policyholder’s no-claims record.

There are important limitations. You cannot drive alone at any time on a provisional licence. Commuting or business use is not covered unless your policy specifically states it. Most policies will not cover driving outside the UK, cars over a certain age or value, or practice on private land without public access if insurance is not required. If you take your practical test, some policies cover the test itself with the examiner present, but you must check this.

If an accident happens, claim steps are straightforward: make sure everyone is safe, collect details, report to the insurer promptly, and follow their repair or total loss process. Excesses apply, and telematics policies may have additional rules about device activation and driving behaviour.

Who benefits and when it may not be needed

Learner insurance is most useful for 17 to 24-year-olds practising regularly in a family or friend’s car. It suits learners who want flexibility to drive between lessons, especially if a supervisor is readily available. It also helps households protect the main driver’s no-claims discount by using a standalone policy.

If you only ever drive your instructor’s dual-controlled car, you may not need separate cover because the instructor’s policy usually includes learners. Likewise, if practice will be very occasional, a short-term policy may be more cost effective than being added to an annual policy. Those with motoring convictions, non-UK residency, or cars that do not meet age or value rules may struggle to obtain cover and should check eligibility first.

Choosing your cover level and extras

1. Basic short-term cover
   • Best for a few practice sessions over days or weeks.
   • Choose one day, a weekend, or multi-day blocks. Buying more days together often reduces the per-day cost. Suitable if your test is soon or your practice is irregular.
2. Rolling monthly learner cover
   • Designed for steady practice over several months.
   • Monthly rates vary, and a mid-length period can offer better value per month than very short terms. Useful during the test backlog when timelines are uncertain.
3. Annual learner policy with telematics
   • Ideal for regular practice over many months.
   • A telematics device or app monitors driving behaviour. Safer driving can help control premiums and may include curfews or minimum activation requirements.
4. Being added to an existing policy
   • Simple to arrange with the current insurer.
   • Can be expensive for young learners and may affect the policyholder’s no-claims bonus if there is a claim. Consider this if practice will be frequent and your insurer’s rates are competitive.
5. Useful add-ons to consider
   • Test day cover, breakdown assistance, legal expenses, courtesy car, and personal accident cover. Only select extras you genuinely need to keep costs manageable.

What it costs and what shapes the price

Prices are examples, not guarantees. Insurers rate individually based on risk, vehicle, postcode and your declared details.

Can you get it and what insurers ask for

To qualify, you usually need a valid UK provisional driving licence, to be a permanent UK resident, and to drive a UK-registered vehicle that meets age and condition limits. Many insurers set an upper car age threshold, often under 40 years. You must drive under the correct supervision at all times, display L-plates, and follow any telematics rules if your policy includes them.

Insurers may ask for licence details, your address history, the supervising driver’s details, car registration, estimated mileage, and where the vehicle is kept. Common reasons for decline include undisclosed motoring convictions, non-eligible vehicles, previous policy cancellations, or incorrect supervision arrangements. Check the policy schedule and certificate for exact permissions before you drive.

From quote to claim - the simple path

1. Gather car, licence, and supervisor details before starting a quote.
2. Compare short-term, monthly, and annual options against your practice plan.
3. Choose cover level and add-ons you will genuinely use.
4. Confirm supervision rules, mileage, and permitted uses match your needs.
5. Buy online and set your start date to align with practice.
6. Activate telematics or app immediately if required by your policy.
7. Keep proof of insurance handy and display L-plates correctly.
8. If there is an incident, report it promptly and follow insurer guidance.

Clear advantages and honest drawbacks

Avoid surprises before you purchase

Read the policy wording carefully. Check the permitted use, any curfews, and whether test day is included. Confirm the compulsory and voluntary excesses and how windscreen or theft claims are handled. Look for limits on car value and driver age, plus mileage caps and garaging requirements. If you are added to an existing policy, understand how a claim could affect the policyholder’s renewal price. For telematics, note activation deadlines and device return rules. Keep copies of your insurance certificate and make sure your supervisor meets age and licence conditions.

Alternatives that might fit better

1. Driving instructor lessons only
   • If all practice is with a dual-controlled instructor car, separate learner insurance is typically unnecessary.
2. Named driver on a parent’s policy
   • Consider if you practise daily and your insurer offers competitive rates, accepting possible NCB impact.
3. Young driver insurance after passing
   • Once you pass, you will need a full-driver policy. Telematics can help control first-year costs.
4. Car club membership or short-term hire with lessons
   • For very occasional practice, structured sessions may be simpler than arranging your own cover.

Common questions, clear answers

Q: Can more than half of learners find affordable quotes? A: Many learners can find annual quotes under roughly £684, provided they meet eligibility criteria such as a clean record, UK residency, and a suitable car. Prices still vary by location and vehicle.

Q: Is learner insurance mandatory when practising with a parent? A: Yes. You must be insured every time you drive, even with supervision. This can be via a standalone learner policy or by being added to the car owner’s existing insurance.

Q: Will a standalone learner policy protect the car owner’s no-claims bonus? A: Typically yes. Because the learner policy is separate, a claim is made on that policy rather than the owner’s. Always check the insurer’s wording to confirm how claims are treated.

Q: How do regional differences affect cost? A: Urban areas usually cost more due to higher traffic and claims frequency. London and large cities often price higher than rural regions. Your exact postcode rating influences the premium.

Q: Are short-term policies cheaper overall? A: They can be if you only need a few days. Buying longer blocks usually lowers the per-day rate. If you will practise for months, monthly or annual policies may work out better value.

Q: Can I use learner insurance for my practical test? A: Some policies include cover for the test with the examiner present, provided supervision rules are met. Do not assume this is automatic. Check your documents before test day.

Q: What happens to costs after I pass? A: First-year premiums can still be high, but market data shows recent reductions. Telematics full-driver policies may help manage costs while you build experience and a no-claims record.

Ready to compare your options

If learner insurance suits your situation, map out your expected practice time and choose a duration that matches. Compare short-term, monthly, and annual telematics options side by side. Take your time, read the small print, and only buy when you are comfortable with the cover and cost.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms, eligibility, and prices vary by insurer. Always read the full policy wording, endorsements, and key facts document before purchasing or driving.