It’s unfortunate to think that some learner drivers are getting points on their licence and in trouble with the law before they’ve even passed their driving test. From learner drivers driving without insurance to failing to display their L-plates, landing into trouble with the law in the learner driver stage can have severe consequences in the future. We’ve mapped out all you need to know to keep playing by the rules as a learner driver, so you don’t end up making the same mistakes.  

Learners driving without insurance

It’s a legal requirement for all drivers on the road in the UK to be insured, and that includes learner drivers. It’s actually pretty easy to get insured as a learner – so why are 25,000 learners driving without insurance? According to the Motor Insurer’ Bureau (MIB), an estimate of 25,000 learner drivers are using the roads without valid car insurance. The MIB, with assistance from the police, helpline suggests that around 25,000 unqualified drivers are on the roads without the right cover. Any situation where a learner was found to be uninsured, would usually end in vehicle seizure, receiving 6 points on their driving licence, a £300 fine and further penalties.   [caption id="attachment_13743" align="aligncenter" ] Image: West Midlands Police[/caption]

Different insurance options for learner drivers

If you’re planning to practice outside of your driving lessons, you’ll need to be insured. There are several different options. You can get:

• Added onto a family member, or a friend’s, annual insurance as a named driver.
• You can get short-term learner insurance which acts as a top-up policy if you’re practising on a borrowed car.
• You can get short-term learner insurance on a car you own.
• You can get an annual learner policy on a car you own.

Important: All of these options will require you to have a supervising driver with you at all times. Different insurance policies will have different acceptance criteria. To read about which of these options are the most cost-effective, click here  

Other rules to remember as a learner driver

 

• You must be accompanied by a supervising driver who is over 21 and has a full licence, held for at least 3 years (other insurance companies may require additional criteria).
• You must display L-plates in clear view when driving as a learner driver.
• You must own a provisional licence.

For the full details, please visit the official government website here.  

---

Nobody wants to start learning to drive on the wrong foot, so make sure you’re clued up and aren’t at risk of driving uninsured. InsureLearnerDriver provides cover with flexible options, so you can find cover that suits you. We cover:

• Learners who want to practice in a borrowed car (from 1-140 days cover available).
• Learners who want to practice in their own car (from 28-140 days).
• Learners who want an annual policy.

Interested? Start the process by getting a quote to see how much it could cost you.

For more tips on staying safe on the roads, or for regular driving test tips, follow us on social media: InsureLearnerDriver Facebook | InsureLearnerDriver Twitter | InsureLearnerDriver Instagram