Learner driver insurance: what to check
Check who is covered, which car can be used and what happens to your cover when you pass.
On this page
Before private practice, check that the insurance covers you driving that particular car as a learner. Permission from the owner is not the same as insurance cover.
Whose policy covers you?
You may be covered on the car owner’s policy or have a separate learner policy. If it is your own car, you need your own insurance. Check the official private-practice guidance and ask the insurer to confirm your arrangements.
Questions to ask before paying
- Does the policy cover the exact driver and vehicle?
- What restrictions apply to the supervising driver?
- Does it cover a practical test in this car?
- What excess would you pay after a claim?
- When does the cover start and end?
- What must you do when you pass?
After passing
Do not assume learner cover lets you drive home alone. Arrange cover that permits unsupervised driving before doing so. Read your policy and confirm any uncertainty with the insurer.
Compare more than the headline price
Ask for the full terms, not just a quote. A cheaper premium may come with restrictions or an excess that does not suit you. This is a checklist, not a recommendation of a particular policy.
See GOV.UK’s vehicle insurance guidance and our guide to supervising a learner.
Karine Nicolson
The DTC team — sharing practical guidance for learners, families and customers throughout the learning journey.
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