Is provisional driving insurance necessary?

Learning to drive? This can be an exciting yet stressful time, but you must always make sure that you have insurance in place when behind the wheel in case there is an accident and this is even if you are practicing in an empty car park.

Provisional driving insurance – also known as learner driver insurance – will be key when practicing and this post will look at when you need this type of cover.

What is provisional license car insurance?

Provisional license car insurance is for those learning to drive with a provisional license. It is a type of cover that offers financial protection in the event of an incident and works in the same manner as regular car insurance.

Is it always necessary?

You always need to have insurance in place when learning to drive, but this does not always have to be provisional license car insurance. If you are taking a lesson with an approved driving school/instructor then they will have insurance in place for you.

Additionally, if you are practicing in someone else’s car then you could ask them to add you to their insurance as a named driver. In all other situations, you will need to arrange provisional license car insurance for protection while learning to drive.

This includes taking a lesson in your own car, practicing in your own car under supervision or practicing in someone else’s car if you are not a named driver on their insurance policy.

Who can supervise learners?

Following this, being able to practice between lessons is key for mastering skills and building confidence. In addition to having insurance, you also need to be supervised by someone else whenever practicing. This person must be over 21 and have held their full license for at least 3 years.

They must also be qualified to drive the type of vehicle that you are learning in – this means that they cannot supervise if you are learning manual transmission and they hold an automatic license.

What are the costs & what is covered?

As with any type of insurance, costs can vary based on many different factors and it is always a good idea to shop around to get the best deal and there are three levels available (just like regular car insurance).

The most basic form is third party and this will cover damage to another person’s car or property and injuring someone. Third party, fire and theft covers the same along with cover against theft and damage by fire. Comprehensive, meanwhile, covers all of the above along with protection for damage to your own car and injuries to you.

Hopefully, this post will be informative and help you to gain a better understanding of provisional license car insurance and when it is needed while learning to drive.