Our Guide to Learner Driver insurance explains the basics and helps you compare the different cover options for those learning to drive, but there are still some misunderstandings about the policy. Keep reading to find answers to some more specific questions on Learner Driver Insurance, and check our FAQs for the more common questions!

Can I take out learner driver insurance on my own car?

As a learner driver, if you’d like to take out learner insurance on your own car, you can with our Black Box Insurance - an annual policy that covers you from provisional to full licence with no mid-term premium increase when you pass your test. 

Our two other learner policies - Short Term Learner Insurance and Named Young Driver Insurance can’t be taken out on a young driver’s own car and must be taken out on a family member or friend’s car.

Where can learner drivers practise their driving skills?

Learners can practise their driving on any A to C road except motorways, learner drivers can only drive on motorways during a lesson with an instructor, in a car with dual controls. They must be accompanied by a supervising driver that meets the requirements, or a licenced driving instructor during a driving lesson. 

What are the vehicle requirements?

Whether you’re practising in a family member or friend’s car, or your own car, the vehicle must:

• Be registered with the DVLA
• Have up-to-date vehicle tax
• Have a current MOT certificate (for cars over 4 years old)
• Be roadworthy
• Have L plates, in the correct size, displayed in the front and back of the car

What happens if you get caught driving without learner insurance?

As stated on Gov.uk, driving on a road or in a public place without a valid insurance policy is a crime for both full and provisional licence holders. So, learners could face a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 penalty points, potentially increasing to an unlimited fine and/or being disqualified from driving if the case goes to court. 

Who is responsible if a learner driver crashes?

Learner drivers practising are still held to the same accountability as full licence holders, which means they’re responsible for following the same laws.

Learner driver insurance covers the supervising driver to take over in the event of a medical emergency if needed, until the end of the session. 

Rules for supervising drivers

A full licence holder, even when sitting in the passenger seat teaching a learner to driver, is still held to the same laws they would be if they were behind the wheel. A quick reminder of them: 

• Not using their phone at any time whilst supervising the learner
• Being physically fit to drive, and prepared to take over if needed
• Not being on any medication that could cause drowsiness and affect their driving and thinking
• Having appropriate eyewear or contact lenses if needed, as they would when driving

Does the passenger of a learner have to be insured on the car?

The person supervising a learner driver doesn’t necessarily need to be the main driver or the person insured on the car. They simply need to meet the requirements set for those supervising learner drivers: 

• Have a valid licence to drive the car they are teaching the learner on
• Be over the age of 21 (at Marmalade, we ask they’re 25 or over)
• Have held a full driving licence for at least 3 consecutive years 

The person who owns the car will need their own insurance on the car separate to the learner’s. Learner driver insurance acts as a secondary insurance, which sits next to the main insurance.