Learner Driver Insurance
Learning to drive is a crucial milestone, but practising outside formal lessons requires proper insurance. Learner driver insurance provides legal cover for provisional licence holders whilst protecting the vehicle owner's no-claims discount.
Key Facts
Legal Requirement
All drivers on UK roads must be insured. Driving without insurance is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Supervisor Rules
Learners must be accompanied by someone over 21 who has held a full UK licence for at least 3 years.
L-Plates Required
Red L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle at all times.
Why Learner Insurance Matters
Learner driver insurance provides several crucial benefits for new drivers and their families:
Legal Compliance
Ensures learners can practise outside of formal lessons whilst meeting all legal requirements.
Financial Protection
Covers the cost of damage in accidents, protecting both the learner and vehicle owner.
No-Claims Protection
Keeps learner cover separate from the main policy, protecting the owner's no-claims discount.
Flexible Options
Choose from daily, weekly, monthly, or annual policies to suit your practice schedule.
Types of Learner Insurance
Short-Term Cover
Flexible policies lasting from a single day to several months. Perfect for intensive practice before your test.
MOST FLEXIBLE
Annual Policies
Full year of cover for learners practising regularly. Can often be converted once you pass your test.
BEST VALUE
Named Driver
Being added to a family policy. May increase premiums and can affect the no-claims bonus if you crash.
LESS FLEXIBLE
Telematics-Based
Policies using black box or app tracking. Build a safe driving record to reduce future premiums.
BUILDS NCB
Legal Requirements
Under UK law, learner drivers must meet specific requirements to practise legally:
Hold a Provisional Licence
A valid provisional driving licence issued by the DVLA is required before you can start learning.
Be Supervised at All Times
Your supervisor must be over 21 and have held a full UK driving licence for at least three years.
Display L-Plates
Red L-plates (D-plates in Wales) must be clearly visible on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Have Valid Insurance
You must be covered by insurance—either as a named driver or through a specialist learner policy.
Vehicle Roadworthy
The car must have valid MOT, road tax, and be in safe, roadworthy condition.
Case Studies
The Weekend Learner
Ella, 18, takes formal lessons during the week but wants extra practice with her mum on weekends. Her mum arranges a 3-month learner driver policy on the family car. This allows Ella to drive legally without affecting her mum's no-claims bonus, accelerating her progress significantly.
Preparing for the Test
James has his practical test in two weeks. His dad arranges 7-day learner insurance so they can practise manoeuvres every evening. This short-term policy is cost-effective and ensures full compliance with the law.
The Telematics Approach
A 20-year-old in Birmingham opted for a telematics-based learner policy. Over three months, the insurer tracked his driving habits and provided feedback. When he passed his test, he used this positive record to secure a more affordable young driver policy.
The Named Driver Lesson
A family in Bristol added their son as a named driver rather than taking out separate learner insurance. When he was involved in a minor accident, the family's main policy was affected, increasing premiums for several years—highlighting the value of keeping learner cover separate.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Driving Unsupervised
Learners must always be accompanied. Driving alone invalidates insurance and is illegal.
Exceeding Policy Limits
Some policies restrict night driving or motorway use. Know your cover limits.
Not Declaring Learner Status
Failing to disclose you're a learner can invalidate any insurance claim.
Assuming Parental Cover
Many standard policies don't automatically cover learners—always check.
Practical Tips
Compare policies—look at learner-specific options from multiple providers.
Short-term for tests—consider weekly cover if practising just before your test.
Carry your licence—always have your provisional licence with you when driving.
Vary your practice—drive in different conditions: rain, darkness, busy roads.
Check upgrade options—many insurers offer discounts when you pass your test.
Consider telematics—build a safe driving record before you pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a learner drive without insurance if supervised?
No. Insurance is always legally required, regardless of supervision. Driving without insurance is a criminal offence.
Will my accident affect my parent's no-claims bonus?
Not if you have a standalone learner policy. This is one of the main advantages of separate learner insurance.
Can learners drive on motorways?
Yes, but only with an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car. Regular supervision doesn't qualify for motorway driving.
Is short-term insurance more expensive?
Per day, yes. But it can be cheaper overall if you only need cover for a few weeks before your test.
Can learners build a no-claims bonus?
Some insurers allow learners to start building NCB with annual learner policies, especially telematics-based ones.
What if the learner has a conviction?
Specialist convicted driver insurance may be required. See our Convicted Driver Insurance guide.
Can learners use their own car?
Yes, learner insurance can cover owned vehicles as well as borrowed ones.
What if the learner fails their test?
Policies can often be extended until the next attempt, or you can purchase additional short-term cover.
Related Guides
Explore more insurance options for new and young drivers.