Young Driver Insurance

Passing your driving test is an important phase in life.

Unfortunately learning to drive can be a costly business.

A provisional licence will set you back £50 for a start. Depending on where you live, an hour's driving tuition will cost between £20 and £30 per hour and you'll probably need a few dozen of these. Getting tested will cost you in the region of £100 - if you pass first time.
Estimates vary but it's quite likely that the average learner driver will end up spending well in excess of £1,000 in pursuit of their driving licence. That's a lot of money when you are 17.

Using a family members car is an excellent way to get some crucial practice hours under your belt so it's not surprising that more and more learner drivers take up the option of learner driver insurance. Learner driver insurance allows the learner to hold their own insurance policy, freeing them up to get the valuable practise they need without risking the owners policy, no claims bonus, excess and premiums.

It can still be an expensive business though, so following our guide to cheaper learner driver insurance can help you to get out on the road without breaking the bank.

If you're lucky enough to have the choice and a car of your own, make sure you choose a car in a low insurance group. It's obvious and basic, but it's also the single most important thing you can do to get the premium down. The BMWs, Audis and Porsches will have to wait I am afraid, for now small is beautiful.

If you are lucky enough to get a car of your own, resist the temptation to modify it. Non-standard parts like alloys and spoilers can actually make the car less stable to drive and are not looked on favourably by insurers.

It pays to opt for the highest excess you think you could reasonably afford. Increasing the excess on your policy reduces the exposure of your insurer, you simply pay more of any damage incurred and the insurer pays less. It's another simple, basic step that can significantly reduce the cost of your policy so think carefully about your excess.

Finally - ask an expert.

Insuring a learner driver is more complex than standard driver insurance, the risks are higher and the rating factors more complicated. You need a competitive policy that's uniquely tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. It pays to take your business to a specialist broker who can guide you through the intricacies of cheap young driver insurance.

Learning to drive does not have to cost the earth if you take a few sensible precautions and speak to the right people. Getting learner driver insurance is a great way to gain the practice, confidence and skills you need to pass your test first time so follow these simple steps and best of luck!