At a glance
Learner driver insurance policies usually end when you pass your test
It’s important to inform your insurance provider as soon as you pass
You may be able to upgrade your learner cover, or you can shop around for a new full-driver policy
As a new driver, your premiums may be high, but can drop as you gain experience and build a no-claims bonus.
How long is learner driver insurance valid for?
Most learner driver insurance policies are only valid while you’re a provisional licence holder and driving under supervision.
Once you pass your test, you’re no longer a learner, so your cover will typically end immediately.
If you keep driving without updating your policy, you could be uninsured – even if you still have time left on it.
Get a quoteWhat should I do once I pass my driving test?
The first step after passing your test is to contact your insurance provider. Your driving status has changed, so your risk profile changes, too.
Your provider will ask for details, such as the date you passed and your provisional licence number. Some providers may offer a partial refund if your learner policy ends early.
If you're using your own car for the test, you’ll need someone to drive you home from the test centre, such as a parent or your instructor. If you’re using your driving instructor’s car, they'll take you home after the test.
What are my car insurance options as a newly qualified driver?
Once you’ve passed your test, you typically have three choices:
1. Upgrade your existing policy
If your insurance provider allows, you could convert your learner cover to a standard car insurance policy.
This might be convenient if you’re happy with your current provider, but it may not be the cheapest option.
2. Cancel and take out new cover
Some people choose to cancel their learner policy and shop around for a full-driver policy.
By shopping around, you'll be able to get a full view of the deals available to you, and potentially secure a lower price.
Start a car insurance quote3. Use your policy until it expires (but check first)
It's not very common, but some specialist 'learner and new driver' insurance policies continue after you've passed your test, so you may be able to keep using your cover until it expires.
If you think this might be the case with your cover, contact your provider to double-check before getting behind the wheel.
How does passing my driving test affect my future car insurance quotes?
Now that you’ve passed your test, you’ll move into a new category as a newly qualified driver.
This means your premium will probably be high at first, but it should fall over time as you build up driving experience and a no-claims bonus.
Here are a few tips to help keep your insurance costs down:
Choose a car in a lower insurance group
Add an experienced driver as a named driver (if appropriate)
Drive safely and build your no-claims discount.
Compare car insurance quotes with us to find a policy that suits your new driving status.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t notify my insurance provider that I passed my test?
You’re legally obligated to tell your insurance provider once you’ve passed your test. If you don’t, you’ll invalidate your car insurance and could incur extra charges due to not driving with the correct insurance in place.
Will my learner driver policy automatically change?
Some learner driver policies automatically upgrade to a full-driver policy when you pass, but most end as soon as you become a qualified driver, meaning you’ll need to find a new policy.
Check your policy documents or speak to your provider to find out which scenario applies to you.
What type of car insurance do I need as a new driver?
When choosing new driver insurance, you’ll need to decide between three levels of cover:
Third-party only is the legal minimum, covering injury or damage you cause to others but not your own car.
Third-party, fire and theft adds protection if your car is stolen or damaged by fire
Comprehensive cover includes the above plus cover for any injuries you sustain and damage to your vehicle. Despite being the highest level of protection, it can sometimes be the cheapest option for new drivers – depending on the provider.
Will my car insurance premium automatically go down when I pass my test?
Not usually. In fact, your premium may stay the same or go up after you pass.
When you’re a learner, you’re always driving under supervision, so insurance providers often see that as slightly lower risk. Once you’re fully qualified, you can drive alone, which increases your level of responsibility and potential risk.
As you gain experience and build up a no-claims discount, your premium should start to fall over time.
Will passing my test first time make me a lower-risk driver?
Not necessarily. While passing your test first time can show that you’re a confident and capable driver, insurance providers don’t usually take that into account when setting premiums.
Providers are more interested in your overall driving experience, age, claims history and the type of car you drive.
Over time, if you build up a good driving record without accidents or claims, your risk level will naturally go down, and your insurance costs could follow. So, the best way to prove that you’re a low-risk driver is by staying safe on the road and keeping a clean driving record.
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With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
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