Learner driver insurance

Learner driver insurance, also called provisional insurance, covers you while you practise driving in your own or a friend’s or family members car with a supervisor.

A standalone learner policy is separate from the car owner main policy, which can help protect their no-claims discount (NCD) if you have an accident.

You can get learner driver insurance as either annual or temporary cover. Temporary learner insurance can be useful if you want insurance for a couple of days or a few hours, or to get some last-minute practice before your test.

Yes, anyone driving in the UK is legally required to have car insurance. You’ll also need a valid UK provisional driving licence.

Most professional driving schools include insurance in the cost of lessons. But if you want to practise in your own car, or someone else’s, you’ll need your own insurance.

If you want to have driving lessons with a driving instructor in your own car, make sure your learner insurance covers this. Not all policies do.

If you’re shopping around for a good deal on learner driver insurance, Compare the Market offers quotes for drivers aged 17 and over.

If you’re going to be practising with one friend or family member in particular, you can be added as a named driver on their policy.

This allows you to drive their vehicle while supervised, although it may increase their premium. 

Unlike learner driver insurance, if you have an accident as a named driver it will affect the car owner’s no-claims discount.

Yes, learner driver insurance will cover you to you take your test in your own car.

However, you won’t be insured from the moment you pass. You’ll need to take out car insurance for a new driver to legally drive again.

Just bear in mind that this will likely cost you more than learner insurance. That’s because providers see new drivers as high risk because of their lack of experience.

What if I fail my test?

If you fail your test, you should still be covered to keep practising. But check to make sure that’s the case. If you timed your learner insurance to end on the day of your test, you’ll have to extend it.

Most professional driving instructors will allow you to take your driving test in their car, which should be fully insured for that purpose.

You can take your driving test at any time of the year. GOV.UK statistics from 2026 show that the monthly pass rate is roughly 50% between January and June.

People seem to be ever so slightly more successful during the summer months, which could be linked to better driving conditions in some parts of the UK.

Alongside professional lessons, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recommends getting as much private practice as possible before attempting your driving test.

Learner drivers are encouraged to delay their driving test and give themselves more time if they don’t feel ready to pass.

The DVSA’s Ready to Pass? campaign provides useful advice and tips on increasing your chances of passing your test. This includes help and guidance on learning vital skills, managing your nerves and taking mock tests.

You’ll need to check whether you and the car meet the typical eligibility requirements for learner insurance (eligibility can vary among insurance providers).