Learning to drive in your parents’ car

What insurance will I need to learn to drive in my parents’ car?

You have a few options for car insurance if you want to learn to drive or practise in your parents’ car:

• Being added as a named driver to your parents’ policy

• Taking out a car insurance policy in your own name

• Buying a short-term policy to cover you until you pass your test.

Let’s look at each of these in a little more detail so you can decide which is right for you.

Become a named driver on your parents’ policy

You can ask your mum or dad to add you as a named driver on their existing car insurance policy as this will allow you to drive their car.

It’s important to know that adding you as a named driver could significantly increase the cost of your parents’ car insurance. The insurance provider will take all drivers’ information into account and set a price based on you sharing the car.

Get your own insurance policy

Another option is to take out learner driver car insurance. This allows you to learn to drive in any car, as long as you’re being supervised by someone who is at least 21 years old and who has held a full licence for at least three years.

Buying car insurance in your own name lets you practise in your parents’ car without risking their no claims bonus if you have an accident. It’s often more expensive than being a named driver on someone else’s policy, though.

Buy a short-term car insurance policy

Some insurance providers offer fully comprehensive short-term policies that are suitable for learners. Temporary car insurance covers you for a specified period, typically from one day to one month.

This can be a good option if you’re only looking to practise in your parents’ car in the run-up to your test date. But it will usually work out more expensive than annual cover when compared as a daily rate.

What are the rules to learn to drive in my parents’ car?

Before driving off for the first time in your parents’ car, you’ll need to make sure of the following:

• You must be at least 17 years old (or 16 if you receive the mobility part of personal independence payment at the enhanced rate) and hold a provisional driving licence.

• Your parents’ car must be roadworthy, and have a current MOT and valid road tax.

• The car will need to display red L plates (L or D plates if you’re in Wales) when you’re driving – and they’ll need to be on the front and rear of the car.

• You must be insured to drive your parents’ car as a named driver or have your own insurance that covers driving your parents’ car.

Pros and cons of learning to drive with parents

There are many benefits to learning to drive with your mum or dad but, equally, it can cause tension in your relationship if someone loses their patience… Think about the pros and cons before getting behind the wheel of their car.

Advantages:

• You may feel more comfortable learning to drive with somebody you know well.

• There’s more flexibility to suit your schedule. You can go for a drive when you’re both available, instead of having to wait for a pre-arranged lesson with an instructor.

• Learning with your parents can save you money, although it could be a false economy if you keep failing your test.

Disadvantages:

• Your parents’ car won’t be fitted with dual controls like a driving school car, so you need to be extra careful.

• Your parents might have picked up bad driving habits over the years, which they could pass on to you.

• They might not be up to speed with the latest traffic laws, so could unwittingly give you wrong information.

What are the benefits of using a driving school or an instructor?

While driving lessons with an instructor can be very expensive, they do have several advantages over learning with a parent:

• A qualified instructor will have taken tough practical and theory tests. They’re also regularly assessed to make sure they can offer a high standard of tuition.

• They’ll know exactly what you’ll be examined on in the practical and theory tests, and will be able to tailor your lessons to get you to the required standard efficiently.

• They won’t teach you any bad habits that could unwittingly trip you up in the test itself.

• They’ll have the insurance side of things covered.

• They’re likely be more patient and a lot less terrified than your parents.

As a compromise, many learners choose to have lessons with an approved instructor, then practise with a parent to hone the skills learned. But it’s really up to you how you choose to play it.

How can I get a good deal on learner driver car insurance?

Compare learner driver car insurance quotes or become a named driver on your parents’ policy. Just remember that your parents have to be the ones to change their insurance if they’re happy to add you.

Start a quote with us today and we’ll compare policies from a variety of insurance providers so you can find one that suits you, at a price you can afford.