What is learner driver car insurance?

Learner driver insurance – also called provisional driver insurance – means learner drivers can practice outside of their regular driving lessons. It provides cover if you’re learning to drive in your own car or someone else’s car, while under the supervision of an experienced driver. If you’re driving someone else’s car, it will also protect their no claims discount (NCD) if you have an accident.

Do learner drivers need insurance?

Yes, anyone driving on the roads in the UK must have insurance. If you’re a learner driver, you’ll need both insurance and a provisional driving licence.

Most driving schools include insurance in the cost of their lessons. But if you want to practice driving outside your lessons – either in your own car or someone else’s – you must be insured to do so.

Who is eligible for learner driver insurance?

To be eligible for learner driver insurance in the UK, you’ll need to:

• Have a valid provisional driving licence
• Be aged between 17 and 35 (this will depend on the policy)
• Be a permanent UK resident
• Have no driving convictions

The vehicle you use must also have a current MOT.

How does car insurance for learner drivers work?

Learner driver car insurance enables you to drive someone else’s car, or your own car, before you pass your driving test. You must have a provisional licence and be aged over 17. There are also some additional requirements you’ll need to adhere to, including:

• You must be supervised by a qualified instructor, or a friend or relative over the age of 21 who passed their driving test at least three years ago
• You must have L plates on (D in Wales) every time you practice
• The car you’re in must be roadworthy and taxed
• You can practice with as many passengers in the car as it can legally carry

Once you’ve passed your test, you’ll need to set up car insurance as a new driver.

What does learner driver insurance typically cover?

Depending on the type of cover you choose, you’ll typically be covered for:

• Taking your driving test in your own vehicle
• Legal liability if you damage someone else’s car or injure another person
• Medical expenses if you’re injured or one of your passengers is
• Theft or damage to your car
• Repairs or replacement if you write the car off

You likely won’t be covered for:

• Driving without a qualified driver. You must drive with someone over 21 who passed their test at least three years ago
• Driving without a provisional licence
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Depending on the policy you choose, you may also be restricted to a certain number of miles

How much is learner driver insurance?

The cost of learner driver insurance will depend on the type of insurance you choose, as well as where you live. But, on average, 51% of drivers with a provisional licence paid £921.48* when purchasing car insurance through Asda Money. **

*Based on premiums sold for the period 01 Jan-28 Feb 2025, 51% of customers with a provisional licence paid £921.48 or less for their insurance.

**The car insurance comparison service is provided by Vast Visibility Limited.

How can I get a cheap learner driver insurance quote?

There are a variety of things you can do to try and reduce the cost of your learner driver insurance.

Choose the right car

Some models of car are cheaper to insure than others. Typically, the cheapest cars to insure for learner drivers are those that fall into the lower car insurance groups. The lower the car insurance group, the lower the cost of insurance.

Consider black box or telematics insurance

With black box insurance, you’ll have a small device fitted into your car – or through an app – that monitors your driving habits, such as how fast you go, how you steer, and your mileage. If you can prove you’re a safe driver, you might pay less for your car insurance when you renew.

Share your car with a named driver

Adding an experienced named driver to your policy may reduce the cost of your insurance. The insurer will look at both drivers and create a price based on you sharing the car. Just be mindful that the other driver will actually need to drive the car – if not, this could be classed as fronting which is a type of insurance fraud.

Pay a higher voluntary excess

This is the amount you contribute to a car insurance claim. By choosing to pay a higher voluntary excess, you may get a cheaper premium.