learner car insurance Archives

Should You Learn to Drive?

27 November 2025 11:38 Comments Off

Asking yourself, should I learn how to drive? It’s a big moment. For decades, getting a licence was seen as a guaranteed milestone of adulthood. But recently, there’s been a shift in the number of people learning to drive, especially at the typical ages of 17 to 18.

If you’re hesitating, you aren’t alone. Our recent survey of 2,000 Brits* revealed that 23% of 18-to-30-year-olds in the UK don’t have a driving licence. Whether it’s the cost of lessons, the cost of learner driver insurance, anxiety about the test, or simply being happy relying on lifts, there are plenty of valid reasons why you might be hitting the brakes on learning.

However, our survey also revealed that 90% of people under 30 still view learning to drive as a rite of passage. So, when should you learn to drive, and is it really worth the effort? Let’s look at the facts, the barriers, why getting behind the wheel might still be one of the best decisions you make, and how temporary insurance can help.

There is a lot of chatter around why Gen Z doesn’t want to drive, the answer is usually down to three main factors: cost, confidence, and environmental concerns.

According to our survey, a massive 47% of young people say they aren’t driving because they would struggle to pay for lessons. It’s a fair point – learning isn’t cheap. It’s not just the cost of learning, though. 13% of Gen Z also said they haven’t learnt because they wouldn’t be able to afford the upkeep of a car. When you add in the worry about running costs, it’s easy to see why many stick to public transport or Uber, rather than taking on the financial burden of driving.

Confidence is another huge barrier:

27% of under-30s we spoke to are adamant they wouldn’t pass the theory test
20% feel they have no chance of passing the practical exam.
13% of respondents said they are simply too nervous to get behind the wheel
13% are too anxious to drive on motorways
7% would feel too self-conscious to park in front of people.

The younger generation has many valid concerns about the roads, which makes learning to drive a much lower priority for them.

We are also seeing a shift in environmental priorities. Our research highlights that 13% of 18-to-29-year-olds feel there are already too many cars on the road and prefer not to add to the traffic. For this environmentally conscious group, sticking to public transport is a proactive choice to help reduce congestion.

These are all completely normal feelings and valid choices. But should you let them stop you from learning to drive?

Is It Worth Learning to Drive?

Despite the costs and the nerves, the short answer is yes. When you ask yourself whether it’s worth learning to drive, you have to look beyond the cost of lessons and the time it takes to learn to drive, and think about the lifestyle it unlocks. It’s about more than just getting from A to B; it’s about having options and giving you freedom.

Our research found that not driving has caused 71% of young people to miss out on important milestones. Of those surveyed, 39% said they’ve missed out on things in life because they can’t drive. But beyond the stats, here is why getting your licence is such a game-changer:

Total Independence: When you rely on others for lifts, your freedom is restricted. 33% of people we surveyed admitted they couldn’t travel when they wanted to. Driving means you can go where you want, when you want – no more checking train schedules or hoping a friend is free.
Career Opportunities: Many jobs now require a full driving licence, even if they aren’t typical driving jobs. Being able to drive opens up roles that are further afield or require travel, giving you a competitive edge over candidates who rely on public transport.
Adventures and Memories: 46% of young people have missed out on road trips with friends because they couldn’t drive. Being the one behind the wheel lets you explore off the beaten track (something 33% felt they missed out on) and create memories that just don’t happen on a bus.
Handling Emergencies: Life is unpredictable. Being able to drive means you can help in a crisis, whether that’s getting a sick pet to the vet or helping a family member get to the hospital quickly. It’s a life skill that provides you and those around you with security.
Simple Convenience: From doing a big food shop without struggling on the bus to moving house or helping a mate pick up furniture, driving makes the practical side of adult life significantly easier.
Family Connection: 37% of respondents struggled to attend family gatherings. A car bridges that gap, making it easier to visit relatives and friends who might live in areas with poor transport links.

So, are there any benefits to driving? Clearly a lot. It ensures you aren’t the one left behind, boosts your employability, and gives you the ultimate freedom to live life on your own terms. You’ll be amazed at how much freer you feel once you can drive.

Once you’ve learnt to drive, you don’t even need your own car to enjoy the benefits of a full licence. With temporary car insurance, you can borrow someone else’s car easily – meaning you can still experience the freedom learning to drive gives you, without needing your own car.

If you’ve decided to go for it, your next question is likely: when can you start learning to drive? To keep things simple, here are the key legal milestones you need to know:

15 years and 9 months: You can apply for your provisional driving licence.
17 years old: You can legally start learning to drive a car on public roads.
16 years old: You can start driving a year early if you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Once you are old enough to learn to drive, it’s important to remember a few key points, though:

Learner drivers can never drive alone.
Whenever driving outside of lessons with an approved driving instructor, learners must be supervised by someone who meets specific criteria.
Learners must be insured for practice sessions.

While you can technically start the moment you turn 17, when do most people actually learn? Historically, most learners got behind the wheel as soon as they were legally allowed to. It was often seen as the next logical step after finishing school or starting college. For many, turning 17 meant booking that first lesson right away to gain independence from their parents.

However, trends are changing. As our survey shows, many young people are now waiting longer. The rise of Uber, the high cost of living, and the expense of running a car mean the rush to drive at 17 isn’t as intense as it used to be.

Knowing when you can learn to drive is the easy part – deciding when is the right time for you to learn is what matters most.

Can You Be Too Old to Learn to Drive?

There’s a common myth that if you haven’t passed your test by your early twenties, you’ve missed your chance to learn. If you find yourself wondering if 25, 30, 45 or even 60 is too old to learn to drive, rest assured that the answer is a firm no. There is no upper age limit, and waiting until you’re older can actually work in your favour.

Learning as an older adult often means you have more patience and a better understanding of risk than a teenager. You’re less likely to succumb to peer pressure and more likely to take the learning process seriously. Plus, you probably have more financial independence, making the cost of lessons and insurance easier to manage without relying on parents.

As an older learner, you’ll be able to decide whether learning automatic or manual is better for you, too. You won’t be tied to whatever family car is available to you, or be heavily influenced by your parents. You can make your own decision. Your increased independence can make learning to drive easier and safer as you get older.

Whether you are doing it for a new job, a growing family, or just personal freedom, the best age to start learning is simply when you feel ready.

If costs and fears are getting in the way of you getting a full licence, you might be tempted to give up learning to drive. But even if learning is too expensive or feels too scary, there are ways to make it manageable.

Tackling the Cost: Driving lessons are an investment, but you can reduce the overall cost by getting private practice outside of your professional lessons. Temporary insurance is one of the cheapest ways to insure learner drivers for practice sessions like these. You only pay for the cover when you actually need it for sessions. So, you can still learn to drive without purely relying on paid-for lessons and forking out loads on insurance. Practising with a parent or friend helps you master the basics without paying an instructor’s hourly rate for every single mile.

Building Confidence: If nerves are holding you back, remember that confidence comes from experience. The more time you spend behind the wheel, the more in control you’ll feel. It’s not about being fearless; it’s about having the experience to handle whatever the road throws at you. To help build driving confidence, try these tips:

Start small: Begin in quiet areas like empty car parks before tackling busy roads.
Practice in different conditions: Don’t just drive on sunny days; try driving in the rain or at dusk with a supervisor to broaden your experience in a safe environment.
Know your vehicle: Spending time sitting in the car, learning the controls without moving, can reduce anxiety.

If gears are the issue, consider learning automatic. Removing the clutch from the equation can make learning feel much less overwhelming.

Is a Driving Course Worth It?

If you’ve decided you should learn to drive, you might be wondering if a driving course is worth it? Intensive courses promise a quick pass, but they require a big upfront cost and a lot of pressure. Before booking one, consider if cramming 30+ hours into a couple of weeks suits your learning style, or if you need time to let new skills sink in.

Remember, a formal course isn’t the only way to learn. In fact, our survey shows that 10% of drivers have never had a professional lesson, choosing to learn entirely with parents or friends instead. A further 33% opted for a middle ground, taking just a few instructor lessons alongside private practice.

Modern learners are also finding new ways to prepare. We found that 38% of under-30s use TikTok and YouTube videos to help them learn, compared to just 24% of 30-44-year-olds.

Ultimately, the best route is the one that builds your confidence. For the majority (58%), that means lots of professional lessons, but don’t feel you have to follow a strict template if a mix of private practice and digital learning works better for you.

We know that one of the biggest hurdles is the cost of insurance for private practice. Many parents worry about how much it costs to add a learner driver to their insurance, fearing it will hike up their premium or risk their No Claims Discount.

This is where we can help. Temporary learner driver insurance is designed to be flexible and affordable. You can get cover from just one hour up to six months at a time. It sits as a separate policy, meaning if you do have a minor bump while practising, the car owner’s main insurance policy – and their No Claims Discount – is completely unaffected. Plus, you only pay for the time you need, whether that’s a weekend session or a few hours before your test.

Our short-term cover ensures you are legal, safe, and building those crucial skills without breaking the bank.

Ready to Learn?

So, is it worth learning to drive a car? We think so. The freedom to travel, the convenience, and the life skills you gain are invaluable. It’s normal to be nervous and to worry about the cost, but with practice sessions outside of lessons and flexible insurance, those barriers are much lower than they seem.

If you are ready to get some extra hours in, behind the wheel, with learner practice insurance, we’re here to help. Get a quote for temporary learner insurance in minutes and start your journey to passing your test today. Check out our temporary insurance app too; you can get insured in just a few taps, making learning to drive easier than ever.

*This survey of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by GoShorty and conducted by Perspectus Global during November 2025.  

Can A Learner Driver Drive Alone?

11:21 Leave a Comment

Learning to drive is one of the most exciting milestones you’ll tackle. It’s natural to crave the freedom of the open road and want to get behind the wheel as soon as possible. But can a learner driver drive alone? The short answer is no.

We know there’s been a lot of confusion recently, with social media posts and fake news circulating that suggest learners can drive solo under certain conditions. We want to clear that up straight away. Driving alone on a provisional licence is illegal in the UK, and the consequences simply aren’t worth the risk.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why you can’t drive unsupervised, the penalties if you’re caught, and the legal ways you can get that vital extra practice with learner insurance to help you pass your test.

You might have seen videos on platforms like TikTok claiming that if you’ve had 20 hours of lessons or if you’ve passed your theory test, you’re allowed to drive alone. These claims are completely false.

UK law is very strict on this. Until you’ve passed your practical driving test and hold a full, valid driving licence, you must always be supervised. It doesn’t matter if you’re just popping to the shops or driving yourself to your driving test – driving with a provisional licence alone is against the law.

Following bad advice from social media could land you with a criminal record before you’ve even passed. It’s always best to check the official rules rather than relying on viral videos.

Since you can’t be on the road on your own, you must have a supervisor in the passenger seat at all times if you only have a provisional licence. This isn’t just about having someone with you; they need to meet specific legal requirements regarding their age and how long they’ve held their licence.

If your passenger doesn’t meet these strict criteria, the law treats it exactly the same as if you were driving entirely alone. You could still face fines and points even with someone next to you.

For the full breakdown of exactly who is legal to supervise you, check out our guide on who can sit with a learner driver.

You might assume that motorway driving offers a loophole or that it requires different rules. While learners can access motorways, the rules are actually stricter than on normal roads. You certainly cannot drive alone on them, and you can’t even drive with friends or family members.

To stay on the right side of the law, you need to be with a professional instructor in a dual-controlled car. If you want to understand where you can and can’t practice, read our article on are learner drivers allowed on the motorway.

What Happens If A Learner Driver Is Caught Driving Alone UK?

If you’re caught driving on a provisional licence alone, the police will treat it as a serious offence. You are effectively driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

The penalties can be severe and can impact your driving future for years to come. You could face:

A fine of up to £1,000.
Up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence.
A potential driving ban.

It’s important to remember that points you get as a learner carry over to your full licence. Under the New Drivers Act, if you get 6 or more points within two years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked. This means if you get 6 points for driving alone now, you could lose your full licence the moment you pass your test.

For a deeper dive into how this works, take a look at our points on a provisional licence guide.

Can The Police Seize My Car for Driving Alone?

If you’re stopped for driving without a supervisor, the police have the power to seize the vehicle you are driving. This applies even if it’s your parents’ car. Reclaiming a seized vehicle is expensive and stressful, and in some cases, the car could even be crushed. You’ll also need to take out specific impound release insurance to recover the car.

The rules around driving alone with a provisional licence are there for everyone’s safety, so don’t risk your car or your licence for a quick solo trip.

Is Driving With A Provisional Licence A Criminal Offence?

Driving with a provisional licence is perfectly legal – as long as you follow the rules. It only becomes an offence if you break the conditions attached to it, such as driving unsupervised.

If you drive alone, you are technically driving “otherwise than in accordance with a licence”. This is a motoring offence that can lead to a criminal record.

Crucially, driving alone usually invalidates your insurance, too. Most learner driver insurance policies – and even standard policies with a learner added – are only valid if you are being properly supervised.

Driving without insurance is a serious offence and carries its own set of penalties, including an unlimited fine and points that stay on your licence for years.

Remember, to legally drive on a provisional licence, you can’t drive alone, and you need to be insured. If you’re unsure about the requirements, it’s worth reading our guide on when learner drivers need insurance.

We know that getting extra practice outside of professional lessons is one of the best ways to pass your test faster. The DVSA actually recommends it. You just need to do it the right way.

Instead of risking driving alone, ask a friend or family member who meets the criteria to supervise you. To make this easy and affordable, you can use temporary learner driver insurance.

Temporary cover is perfect for this because:

It’s flexible: You can get cover from 1 hour to 6 months.
It protects the owner’s No Claims Bonus: If you have a bump while practising, the car owner’s annual policy isn’t affected.
It’s fast: You can get a quote in minutes.

Many people wonder what’s the best way to insure a learner driver, and for short-term practice, a temporary policy is often much cheaper and easier than being added to an annual policy. If you are considering the alternative, you can compare how much it costs to add a learner driver to your insurance versus a short-term top-up.

Common Questions About Driving on a Provisional Licence

You can drive without a licence or insurance on private land only if there is absolutely no public access. However, many areas people think are private (like supermarket car parks or industrial estates) are actually accessible to the public and therefore subject to road traffic laws. If the public can access it, you need a supervisor, a licence, and insurance. Plus, you should ask yourself whether it is safe to drive alone. Just because it’s private land doesn’t mean you can’t get hurt if you’re driving dangerously without supervision.

No. Even if your test is tomorrow, or you’re driving to the test centre, you must be accompanied by an instructor or supervisor. You’re a learner, and your provisional licence rules apply until the moment you pass the practical test.

In the UK, we refer to it as a provisional licence rather than a permit. Driving without one (or driving alone with one) carries the same risks: fines, points, and vehicle seizure. You must have your provisional licence in your possession to legally drive a car, so you should never forget to take it out with you on lessons and practice sessions.

Don’t Risk It – Get Covered and Get Supervised

The rules around driving alone with a provisional licence are clear: don’t do it. The potential fines, points, and risk of losing your car far outweigh the benefit of a solo drive before you’re qualified.

But don’t let that stop you from getting behind the wheel. Practice is key to passing your test. Grab a qualified supervisor, arrange flexible insurance, and get those miles in legally.

If you’re ready to practice, we can help you get on the road safely and quickly. Download the GoShorty app or get a quote online today.

When is the Best Time for Your Driving Test?

12 November 2025 17:28 Comments Off

Planning your driving test isn’t just about convenience – the timing could make a real difference to your chances of passing. We’ve crunched the latest DVSA data to uncover the best and worst months for passing your practical car test. Below, we explain how seasonal trends might affect your test day, how 2025 is shaping up so far, and what you can do to be fully prepared – including making sure you’re covered with the right learner driver insurance.

Looking at the official DVSA figures from January 2024 to September 2025, some interesting patterns have emerged so far.

Pass rates have increased year-on-year in every month from January to September.
August 2025 has had the highest monthly pass rate so far at 50.7%, compared to 49.2% in 2024.
February and March 2024 had the lowest overall pass rates, at 46.8% and 46.9%, respectively.
The highest monthly average across both years was in August (50%)

These figures promisingly show that pass rates are improving in 2025. Whether this is down to better preparation, improved instruction, or more test-ready candidates, the upward trend is reassuring if you’re looking to book your test this year.

Whilst seasonal factors can affect monthly pass rates, it’s important to remember that how prepared you are for your test is the most important factor. The government’s Ready to Pass campaign advises that to be well prepared for your test, you should have undertaken at least 45 hours of lessons with an instructor and 22 hours of practice sessions with a supervisor.

As a result of COVID, there was a massive backlog of driving tests, making it nearly impossible to book one. The BBC reported that average waiting times were at 22 weeks back in April. There are many reasons for this, including people booking tests as soon as they can (even before they’re ready), and a lack of driving examiners. The high demand also created a problem with bots and resellers exploiting the booking system, taking advantage of learners by securing test slots and reselling them at inflated prices.

Whilst pass rates have been lower over the past few years, it’s reassuring to see them improve from 2025 – a clear indication that more and more are going into their tests ready, rather than rushing. Hopefully, this means waiting times will start improving as well.

The Best (and Worst) Months for Your Driving Test

There will always be a range of individual and environmental factors affecting the probability that you’ll pass your driving test. Anything from a lack of sleep to bad weather or even other drivers behaving badly can throw you off on test day. Knowing you’ve booked your driving test for a month where a high number of learners pass can provide peace of mind – especially if you’re a nervous driver! If you’re looking to book your test strategically, we’ve broken down the data.

Best Months to Take Your Test (2024 – 2025 Averages):

Summer and milder months are associated with higher pass rates. There are countless reasons why this may be; roads can be quieter at peak times in summer, and better visibility and road conditions are always going to make life a bit easier.

August – 50% pass rate.
July – 49.6% pass rate.
April – 49.3% pass rate.
September – 49.2% pass rate.

Interestingly, though, looking at all of the data for just 2024, December actually comes out on top with a pass rate of 49.3% (the highest seen for 2024). October and November also had strong pass rates in 2024 (48.6%); they were actually tied for the 4th-best months to pass. Despite the dark nights and wet, icy weather conditions, even the winter months resulted in a lot of passes last year. Will 2025 follow a similar pattern?

Worst Months to Take Your Test (2024-2025 Averages):

The small percentage difference between the best and worst months may not be huge, but if you’re looking for months to avoid, these may be them. Lower average pass rates are typically seen over the first three months of the year.

February – 47.8% pass rate.
March – 48% pass rate.
January – 48.1% pass rate.

This isn’t particularly surprising when you think just how dark it is, how bad the weather can be, and how moods can be lower. This means driving conditions are worse, and nerves can be a lot higher – not a great combination.

Don’t fret if you’ve already got a test booked for early 2026; the pass rates from 2025 already show a better story than 2024. If you’re well prepared for your test, winter weather and January blues won’t stand in the way of a pass. January 2025 pass rates were 1.7% higher than 2024, February was 2%, and March was 2.1% higher.

Why Does Timing Matter?

Your driving ability is the biggest influence on your result on test day – but seasonal conditions can clearly make a difference:

Winter tests often come with rain, ice, and poor visibility – all of which can increase pressure on new drivers. Given that there are significantly more driving accidents recorded over the winter months, it’s clear that winter driving conditions affect drivers of all experience levels – not just learners.

Spring and summer bring lighter evenings, better weather and often quieter roads during school holidays, increasing the opportunity for learners to practice their driving and easing test conditions.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t pass in winter, but if you’re particularly nervous or don’t feel confident driving in difficult weather, holding off until the summer months may give you a slight edge.

How to Prepare for Your Driving Test

Whenever you decide to book your driving test, proper preparation is key so you can get behind the wheel feeling as confident as possible. With average waiting times for a practical test still over 20 weeks, consistent practice is more vital than ever to ensure you don’t lose confidence or forget essential skills during the wait.

Outside of your lessons, you should get in as many practice sessions as possible. Temporary learner insurance is one of the best ways to insure learners. It means you can get covered whenever you can have a session and protect the car owner’s no-claims.

Need a Car for Your Test?

If you’re not using your instructor’s car, you’ll need to make sure the vehicle you bring is roadworthy, insured, and meets DVSA rules. We’ve covered everything you need to know in our guide to taking your driving test in your own car.

To legally drive yourself to your test centre (with a supervisor), and carry out your test, you’ll also need insurance. We offer driving test insurance that covers you for just the time you need – whether that’s an hour, a day, or a full weekend of prep.

Booking and Planning Your Driving Test

Now you know the best and worst months for taking your test, it’s time to think about actually booking it.

Getting a test can still be a long process due to high demand. In a move to combat third-party reselling, the DVSA is now restricting test bookings to only learner drivers themselves and is limiting the number of times you can change a test. This means that, hopefully, getting hold of a test will be easier, as tests won’t be bought up to sell on. It also means you should only book your test when you know you’re ready, as you may not be able to keep changing it, as you can now.

Book early – popular dates, like during the summer holidays, get snapped up quickly. New tests are released at 6 am, so it’s best to try then.
Pick a time that suits you – many learners prefer morning slots when roads are quieter, others prefer to spend the morning practising before taking their test and opt for an afternoon slot.
Factor in local conditions – check for school holidays, rush hours or roadworks in your area so you’re not surprised during your test.

Based on the data, summer and end-of-year months may give you the best shot at passing, especially August and July. Avoiding January to March may help you dodge tougher driving conditions and historically lower pass rates – but if you’re well prepared and ready for your test, the month you choose shouldn’t impact your outcome.

The most important thing is that you’re ready to take your test. Build your skills, practise regularly, and make sure you’re covered every time you get behind the wheel. Since the average waiting time is still over 20 weeks, temporary learner cover can act as your essential bridge, keeping your skills sharp without the expense of constant lessons. With the right support and insurance, you’ll be in the best position to pass – whichever month your test falls in. Get a Learner insurance quote today, or check out our temporary insurance app – get covered instantly whenever you’ve got time to practice.

Points on a Provisional Licence: What Learner Drivers Need to Know

30 October 2025 11:52 Comments Off

Getting your provisional licence is the first big step towards becoming a fully qualified driver. But even before you pass your test, you can still get penalty points – and they stay with you long after your L-plates come off. In fact, thousands of learners get points each year for offences like speeding, driving unsupervised, or driving uninsured. Yes, learners do need insurance. Check you’ve got the right learner insurance in place to avoid serious points on your provisional.

Here we’ll explain how points on a provisional licence work, what offences are most common, and how many points you can get before it affects your chances of passing your test – or even leads to a ban.

We’ll also share new DVLA data revealing how many learner drivers already have points, and what that tells us about the risks young drivers are taking.

Yep, as a learner, you can get points on your licence just like anyone else on the road. A provisional licence works like any other licence when it comes to endorsements and penalties. If you break the law behind the wheel, you can be fined, get penalty points on your record, or even be banned from driving completely.

This applies whether you’re:

Practising with a friend or family member
Driving in a lesson with an instructor

Points on a provisional licence stay on your record, and if you pass your test while points are still active, they carry over to your full licence.

What Offences Can Learners Get Points For?

The most common learner driver offences are the same as full licence holders – but they tend to happen because new drivers don’t yet fully understand the rules, or mistakenly think they’re not enforceable while still learning.

According to 2024 DVLA data, the most common learner licence offences include:

Driving without insurance (IN10) – 22,704 offences
Speeding on public roads (SP30) – 17,502 offences
Driving outside the terms of your licence (LC20) – 9,974 offences
Failure to provide driver details (MS90) – 3,748 offences
Speeding on a motorway (SP50) – 3,094 offences

Beyond these top offences, there are several other common mistakes that can lead to penalty points for learners:

Driving Without Proper Supervision

By law, learner drivers must be supervised by an approved instructor or another driver who has held a full driving licence for at least three years and is over 21, whenever they are behind the wheel. If a learner is caught driving alone, they could face serious penalties:

Up to six penalty points on your provisional licence (which will carry over once you pass)
A fine of up to £1,000
Your learner insurance will be invalidated, increasing future premiums
A possible temporary driving ban if you already have points
A lasting mark on your driving record

Driving Without L Plates

Learner drivers must display L plates at all times when practising, and they must be the correct size and colour. Failing to do so can result in up to six penalty points on your provisional licence, as well as a fine. It’s a simple rule – but one that’s easy to overlook. In Wales, you must display D plates instead.

Driving on a Motorway Without an Instructor

Learners can only drive on a motorway with an approved driving instructor (ADI) in a dual‑control car. Learners driving on a motorway without meeting these conditions can expect three penalty points and a £100 fine.

Driving Without Insurance

This is the most common cause for points on a provisional licence. All drivers – including learners – must have valid insurance before driving. It’s a serious offence to drive uninsured and could lead to:

Eight penalty points or more
An unlimited fine
A possible driving ban

It’s so easy to get temporary learner insurance, there’s no excuse to drive without it. Our learner cover is a simple, flexible way to get insured for practice sessions without risking the car owner’s no‑claims discount, or points on your licence before you’ve even passed your test.

Speeding as a Learner

Speeding remains one of the most common learner offences. The minimum penalty is three points and a £100 fine, but the consequences can be more severe. Learners caught speeding may face delays in booking or taking their driving test, and those with multiple offences risk being disqualified before even earning a full licence.

How Many Points Can a Learner Driver Get?

Learners can receive penalty points just like fully qualified drivers – and those points don’t disappear when you pass your test. They carry over to your full licence and can seriously affect your ability to keep it.

You can get up to 11 points on your provisional licence – but if you hit 12 or more, you risk an immediate driving ban, even before passing your test.
If you have 6 or more points as a learner, you can still take your test, but you’ll be under pressure as a new driver.
After passing, you’ll enter a two-year probation period under the New Driver Act.
If you receive 6 or more points during that period (including points carried over), your licence will be revoked – and you’ll have to start again from scratch.

In short, getting points on your provisional licence can make life much harder down the line. It’s worth driving carefully now, because any mistake could cost you your licence later.

And it’s not just your licence that’s affected. Any points you pick up as a learner can also push up the cost of your insurance – both while you’re still learning and after you’ve passed. Penalty points or a driving ban on your record can make insurance more expensive, and in some cases, harder to get. It can make the already high cost of learning to drive or getting insured as a new driver even more difficult to manage

How Many Learners Already Have Points?

Recent DVLA data obtained via Freedom of Information requests reveals just how many provisional licence holders already have penalty points – and in some cases, even driving bans – before they’ve passed their test.

Over 57,000 learner drivers currently have points on their provisional licence
80% of them are men
More than 7,000 male learners under 21 have points – compared to just 806 females in the same age group
344 male learners have already been banned under the totting-up rule (12 or more points), versus 59 female learners
Among learners aged 21-64, 47,529 have active points, compared to 7,758 under 21 and 1,748 over 65

This data shows that many learners are racking up offences early – far more than you might expect. It’s a clear reminder of how important it is to take your legal responsibilities seriously from the start. Driving recklessly, practising unsupervised or ignoring licence restrictions can have serious, long-lasting consequences – even before you’ve earned your full licence.

Can I Still Drive if I Have 6 or More Points?

Yes, but with conditions. If you already have 6 points on your provisional, you can still take lessons, practise with supervision, and sit your test – as long as your licence is still valid.

But once you pass, you’re walking a very fine line. If you pick up just one more offence during your probation period (first two years of holding your licence), the DVLA can revoke your full licence. You’ll have to reapply for a provisional licence and retake both the theory and practical tests.

How Long Do Points Stay on a Provisional Licence?

The length of time points stay on your licence is the same for provisional licences as it is for full licences. Points remain active for 4 years, and some – like driving without insurance – can stay on your record for up to 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence.

These points carry over to your full licence once you pass your test, so they can still impact your:

Car insurance premiums
Job prospects (for roles requiring driving)
Ability to drive abroad

How to Avoid Points as a Learner

The best way to protect yourself is to understand the rules and stay insured whenever you’re driving. That means:

Having the right insurance in place whenever you’re behind the wheel – outside of lessons with an instructor.
Having the right supervisor by your side – check the learner supervision rules here
Making sure the car you’re driving is roadworthy, taxed, and displaying L plates
Following the rules of the road and driving safely

Temporary insurance lets you get behind the wheel of a friend or family member’s car without affecting their policy and no-claims discount, and you can choose cover from just one hour to six months – ideal for supervised practice sessions.

Provisional Doesn’t Mean Exempt

Having a provisional licence doesn’t give you a free pass. If anything, it means you need to be even more cautious. Too many learners – especially young men – are putting themselves and others at risk by misunderstanding the law. With the right knowledge, the right cover, and the right attitude, you can start your driving journey safely and legally, without racking up points on your provisional licence.

Need insurance before your next lesson or practice session? Download our temporary insurance app and get learner insurance today.

Who Can Supervise a Learner Driver? Rules, Requirements & Insurance Explained

15 October 2025 17:53 Comments Off

Supervising a learner driver and helping them to get road-ready is a big responsibility – but it can also be one of the most rewarding things you do. If you’re a parent, older sibling, or trusted friend offering extra practice between lessons, it’s a great way to boost their confidence and help them prepare for their test.

We offer learner driver insurance that allows for plenty of vital driving practice sessions – as long as you have the right supervisor beside you. Did you know that the average learner requires 45 hours of driving lessons and 22 hours of driving practice with a supervisor?

But before you jump in the passenger seat, you need to know the rules. From legal age limits to insurance technicalities, there’s more to learner driver supervision than just keeping your eyes on the road. If you don’t meet the DVSA criteria, or the right cover isn’t in place, you could both face serious consequences – including fines and penalty points before they’ve even passed.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – including who can supervise a learner driver, what the rules for supervising are, and what insurance is required for supervisors.

Who Can Supervise a Learner Driver in the UK?

To legally supervise a learner driver in the UK, the supervisor must:

Be aged 21 or over
Have held a full UK, EU or EEA driving licence for at least 3 years
Have a valid licence
Be qualified to drive the type of vehicle being used (e.g. manual vs automatic)
Sit in the front passenger seat throughout the session

These are not just guidelines – they are legal requirements. If the person supervising doesn’t meet all of these criteria, the learner could receive up to six penalty points (yes, you can receive points on a provisional licence) and a fine of up to £1,000 for driving without proper supervision.

What Are the Rules for Supervising a Learner Driver?

When you supervise a learner driver, the law expects you to behave as if you were driving yourself. That means you must be sober, alert, and fully engaged in what’s happening on the road.

You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs – the same legal limits apply to you as they would behind the wheel.
No using mobile phones or being distracted – even if you’re not the one driving.
Both the supervisor and the learner must wear seatbelts.
You must remain in the front passenger seat for the entire session.
Supervisors are expected to help learners manage speed, anticipate hazards and navigate safely.

In fact, the supervisor can receive up to 6 penalty points on their licence as well as a £200 fine if caught on their mobile phone. If caught over the legal alcohol limits while supervising a learner driver, the supervising person could face charges, fines, and even lose their driving licence entirely. It’s also illegal for the person supervising to fall asleep while they are with a learner driver – this is not your opportunity to nap, no matter how confident you are in the learner’s capabilities!

Being a good supervisor isn’t just about ticking legal boxes – it means providing calm, constructive guidance that helps learners gain confidence in real-world driving conditions. Think of it more like co-driving than simply riding along.

Can Anyone Accompany a Learner Driver?

Only those who meet the supervision requirements above can act as the legal supervisor. That means not just anyone can take a learner out for a practice drive.

However, other passengers are allowed in the car with a learner, as long as an appropriate supervisor is present and sitting in the front seat. Younger siblings, friends or housemates can come along for the ride, but they must avoid distracting the learner.

Do I Need Insurance to Supervise a Learner Driver?

Yes, if you’re supervising a learner, you could need to take over and drive the car at any point; you must be insured to do so. This might be to swap seats halfway through a session, get the learner home safely, or simply take over if they feel overwhelmed.

There are a few ways to make sure you’re covered as a supervisor:

Be a named driver on the vehicle’s existing policy
Have your own insurance that covers you to drive that car
Use a temporary car insurance policy for just the time you’ll be driving

Don’t assume you’re covered just because you’re supervising. If you take over the wheel without insurance, you could face serious penalties.

As for the learner, they must always have valid learner driver insurance before getting behind the wheel.

One of the best ways to insure a learner for supervised practice sessions is with temporary cover. This protects the car owner’s no-claims discount and makes supervision sessions far more flexible.

Whether you need insurance as a supervisor or as a learner, our temporary insurance app can help you get covered in minutes, whenever you have time for a practice session.

How to Be a Good Driving Supervisor

Supervising a learner isn’t just about sitting in the passenger seat. You’re there to support, guide and react calmly when needed – and that takes patience, confidence and a bit of planning. Here’s how to make the most of every practice session and provide valuable experience for the learner in your life:

Get up to scratch on the Highway Code so you can impart correct, up-to-date information to the learner.
Consider talking to the learner’s driving instructor before your practice session, so they can give you an honest idea of where the learner’s up to and what they need to work on – there’s no point trying to show them how to parallel park before they’re comfortable changing gears.
Start with quieter roads – avoid busy junctions or high-speed roads until the learner has built confidence – remember learner drivers can’t go on motorways during practice sessions, no matter how confident they are. They can only go on motorways with qualified driving instructors in dual-control cars.

Plan your route in advance so you’re not making stressful decisions on the move.
Stay calm and avoid overreacting – a raised voice or sudden movements can rattle the learner and make the session a very negative experience.
Give clear instructions with enough time to act, e.g. “You’ll need to turn left at the next traffic lights” rather than “turn left here” with no warning.
Talk them through what’s ahead – hazards, signs, pedestrian crossings, and other road users – ask them questions to help them learn the rules of the road.
Keep mobile phones out of reach and minimise any distractions (from music or passengers).
Discuss the session afterwards – what went well, what they found difficult, and what to focus on next time.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our guide to learning to drive in winter includes extra tips for handling tougher road conditions.

What Car Can Be Used to Supervise a Learner?

You don’t need a dual-control car to supervise a learner, but the vehicle you use must meet a few legal and practical requirements:

It must be road legal, with a valid MOT, tax and insurance
It must display L plates (or D plates in Wales) on the front and rear of the car
It should be suitable for a learner – nothing too powerful or difficult to handle
It must match the type of gearbox the learner is learning in (manual or automatic)

You can supervise in your own car or in someone else’s, as long as the learner is properly insured when they’re behind the wheel.

Final Checks Before You Set Off on a Supervised Practice Session

Before heading out for a driving practice session, it’s worth running through a few quick final checks:

The learner has their provisional licence with them
Their insurance is active and covers the vehicle and time period
The learner is aged 17 or over
The learner meets the minimum eyesight standard
L plates are fitted clearly to the front and back of the car
The car is taxed, MOT’d and roadworthy
You, as the supervisor, meet all the legal requirements and have your licence with you

If you’re using learner practice insurance or temporary insurance for the supervisor, everything can be sorted in minutes online or via the GoShorty app – download it today. Once you’ve ticked those boxes, you’re ready to start building up those valuable hours on the road – safely and legally.

What is the Best Way to Insure a Learner Driver?

11 September 2025 11:59 Leave a Comment

If you’re helping someone learn to drive, one big question comes up quickly: what’s the best (and cheapest) way to get them insured?

With driving costs rising and more learner drivers relying on supervised practice sessions outside of regular driving lessons, choosing the best and cheapest type of learner driver insurance is more important than ever. From adding them to your own policy to taking out temporary learner insurance, this guide explains the options clearly to help you make an informed decision based on cost, flexibility, and how often they’ll be behind the wheel.

Learning to drive isn’t cheap. According to The Guardian, learners pay anywhere between £25 and £45 per hour for lessons, with the average learner needing up to 45 hours of these sessions; the total cost of just lessons ends up being around £1,575. Once you factor in test costs and licence costs, the total is even higher. That’s before you even consider insurance.

The government’s Ready to Pass campaign advises that outside of lessons, learners need 22 hours of practice sessions, with an appropriate learner driver supervisor. These sessions are what you must have learner insurance in place for. With costs already high for learning to drive, it’s easy to see why many families are looking for the cheapest and most flexible insurance options for learners, to help bring rising costs down…

Main Options for Insuring a Learner Driver

There are three main ways to get learner driver insurance:

1. Add Them to Someone Else’s Policy (e.g. Parent or Guardian)

You can often add a learner to an existing policy – usually a parent’s or whoever’s car is being used to practice in. It might seem convenient, but there are drawbacks.

While this can work if the learner is only using one car and driving often, it tends to raise the primary driver’s premium and can affect the owner’s no-claims bonus if the learner has an accident. Plus, not all insurers allow provisional licence holders to be added, and some will charge admin fees for adding and removing drivers during the policy term.

Meaning this can be quite a costly and inconvenient option, it also locks you into only using one car which could limit how much practice you can get in.

2. Take Out an Annual Learner Policy

This is a full annual policy in the learner’s name, covering either their own car or a parent’s car. While it gives them independence and builds their own policy history, it’s often the most expensive route – especially for learners only managing to fit in practice sessions a couple of days a month. If you do take this option, you’ll likely want to ensure whoever is supervising the learner is insured too, just in case they need to take over driving at any point.

Taking this option can also result in additional costs, as you’ll need to cancel these policies once you pass, which can trigger cancellation fees.

3. Use Temporary Learner Driver Insurance

Temporary learner insurance is by far the most flexible and affordable option for learners looking to get insured for some practice sessions outside of their lessons.

It covers learners to drive a specific car – usually a parent’s – for a short time, such as a few hours, days, or weeks. What makes this the best way to insure a learner driver is:

It’s a separate, standalone policy, so the main driver’s no-claims bonus is protected.
You can get insured instantly, for exactly how long you need for your practice session, so you aren’t paying for insurance when you don’t need it.
You’ll have comprehensive cover, providing you with extra peace of mind on the road.
You’ll be able to take policies out on different cars, not be tied to one, meaning you won’t have to rely on just one car to get your practice sessions in.

With us, you can take out temporary learner driver insurance from just 1 hour up to 6 months at a time – and it’s so easy to take out a new one whenever you need – it makes getting insured for driving practice so much easier.

So… What’s the Cheapest Way to Insure a Learner Driver?

In most cases, temporary learner insurance is the cheapest way to insure a learner driver – especially if they’re only driving a few times a week or in the lead up to their test.

You only pay for the time they actually need cover, and you don’t risk affecting anyone else’s no-claims history.

Opting for Learner insurance with us means:

You can get insured for one hour of practice for prices as low as £19.14
Policies are available instantly online, with no long-term commitment
You can get insured on a borrowed car, which is ideal for learners without their own vehicle

In comparison, adding a learner to an existing policy can increase annual premiums by hundreds of pounds – even if you only end up driving it a couple of times.

What to Consider When Choosing a Learner Driver Policy

Every learner is different, and the best option depends on their situation. Here’s what to think about before deciding on the best learner insurance:

How often will they be practising? If they’re driving regularly in the same car, adding them to an annual policy might make sense. But if it’s only occasional weekend driving and sporadic practice sessions, short-term learner insurance will be the cheaper option.
Do they have access to their own car? If they’re insured to drive their own car, an annual learner policy might be needed as the car will need to be consistently insured by someone. However, if they’re borrowing a parent’s or partner’s vehicle, temporary cover is a more flexible and overall better option.
Are you worried about protecting your no-claims bonus? Temporary policies are completely separate from the main driver’s insurance, which means if the learner has an accident, it won’t affect your no-claims discount. This is a significant benefit of temporary insurance, which makes letting a learner drive your car far less stressful.

Why Temporary Insurance is the Best & Cheapest Way to Insure a Learner

With a temporary learner insurance policy from us you’ll benefit from:

Being able to get a quote in under 2 minutes – making getting a last minute practice session in a breeze.
Flexible durations from one hour up to six months – so you can get insured for exactly how long you need.
Easily being able to get insured on a parent’s, family member’s or friend’s car, so you don’t need to be tied to using one car for your practice sessions.
Avoiding increasing anyone else’s premium or risking their no claims.
Comprehensive cover, meaning you can have extra peace of mind whilst learning to drive.

Our policies are also perfect for getting insured for your driving test if you’re using your own car – so we can help you on every step of your learning journey.

Get a Quote and Start Practising…

Insuring a learner doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. While every situation is different, temporary learner insurance often offers the best mix of value, safety and simplicity – and with GoShorty, you can get insured in minutes. If you’re still comparing options, get a quick learner driver quote now to see how cheap it could be for you to get insured as a learner.

Adding a Learner Driver to Your Insurance Guide

31 October 2024 09:01 Leave a Comment

Practising outside of lessons is essential for passing a driving test, and with the high costs of learning to drive, finding the cheapest way to insure a learner driver has never been so important. Adding a learner driver to your insurance is a very common practice in the UK, but how much does adding a learner to your insurance cost, and are there better, cheaper options available, like temporary learner insurance…

Should You Add a Learner Driver to Your Insurance?

If a learner is practising in your car outside of lessons they need to be insured. There are two common approaches for doing this…

Adding the Learner to an Annual Policy: This means the learner will be consistently insured on your car.
Temporary Learner Driver Insurance: Short-term cover that lets you insure a car only when it’s needed for practice.

Below, we outline the pros and cons of adding a learner to an annual policy to help you make the right choice for you.

The Pros of Adding a Learner

Convenience: Once the learner is added, they can practise anytime with a supervisor. Midnight craving for a milkshake? You and your supervisor can just hop in the car.

Provides the Learner with the Same Level of Cover as You: Adding a learner to your policy ensures they receive the same level of cover as you. If your policy is comprehensive, you can have peace of mind knowing your car remains protected while they’re behind the wheel.

The Cons of Adding a Learner

Risk to No-Claims Discount: Adding an inexperienced driver increases accident risk, which could affect your no-claims bonus.

Lengthy Process: Adding a learner typically involves calling your insurance provider to adjust your policy.

Limited Flexibility: You pay for continuous cover, even if practice sessions are infrequent, which can be costly and a waste of money.

How Much Does it Cost to Add a Learner to Your Insurance?

Cost is often the biggest concern when insuring a learner driver. Unfortunately, learners and new drivers typically face higher premiums, so adding them to your insurance can increase your annual costs. Insurers consider provisional drivers high-risk, your annual premiums for adding a learner to your policy could increase by hundreds annually or in some cases even over £1,000—a significant expense if they’re only practising once a week. Additionally, if the learner has an accident while practising in your car and a claim is needed, your no-claims discount may be at risk.

A cost-saving alternative to adding a learner to your annual policy is short-term learner insurance. Temporary learner driver insurance, like ours, means you only pay for cover when the car is actually being used for practice, and your no-claims discount remains protected.

Why Temporary Learner Insurance is a Great Alternative

Temporary learner insurance offers a flexible and more affordable way for learners to practise driving. Key benefits include:

Pay-As-You-Go: Only pay for the time used, ideal for sporadic practice sessions.
Protects No-Claims Bonus: In case of an accident, the vehicle owner’s no-claims bonus remains intact.
Lower Ongoing Costs: Temporary policies are typically more economical than adding a learner to a long-term policy. For an accurate comparison, using a cost calculator can help determine the best value (spoiler: it’s usually temporary insurance).

Temporary Learner Insurance Options

GoShorty’s temporary insurance provides flexible, affordable insurance options for learners:

Hourly Learner Insurance: Ideal for quick, last-minute practice sessions, providing flexibility for learners and their supervisors. An hour of learner insurance starts from £15.01.
Daily Learner Insurance: Great for extended sessions, allowing learners to work on skills in-depth. One day of learner insurance starts from £20.09.
Monthly Learner Insurance: Best for regular practice or in the run up to your test, prices for four-weeks of cover start from £56.46, making comprehensive cover and consistent practising sessions far more affordable for learners.

Ensuring your learner driver is adequately insured is essential for their safety and your peace of mind. Temporary learner car insurance is not only affordable but provides comprehensive cover, and protects the car owner’s no claims discount – making it an excellent and cheaper alternative to adding a learner to your insurance. Get a quote in under two minutes to find the best solution for you and the learner driver in your life.

Dad’s Taxi Service? Survey Reveals Brits’ Parental Driving Preferences

3 June 2024 15:49 Comments Off

A recent survey* of 2,000 Brits revealed that they feel twice as confident in their Dad’s driving abilities than their Mum’s – with 17 percent trusting their Dad to drive them around versus only 8 percent preferring their Mum behind the wheel. Is this indicative of the wider social stereotype that men are better drivers than women drivers? Perhaps it’s simply that female drivers are held to an unfair standard when it comes to driving… especially by their kids.

98 percent of British men claim to be ‘confident’ drivers.
Over a third (36 percent) of Brits have asked their Dad for a lift late at night in the past year.
49 percent of learner drivers prefer to practise driving with their Dad.

We’ll delve into the implications of the survey data* below, to explore why the label of ‘bad driver’ is so often gendered.

Which Parent Do Brits Prefer to Ask for Lifts From?

Many of us will remember being chauffeured throughout childhood and beyond – from asking our parents ‘are we nearly there yet?’ five minutes into the big summer holiday drive, to the more mundane school run. But as we ‘age out’ of relying entirely on our parents to transport us around – once we’re old enough to navigate public transport solo, or our older mates have begun to pass their driving tests – often the most common travel we undertake with our parents is that of the late-night lift.

Essentially, once you’re legally allowed to partake in British pub culture, your parent’s taxi service really comes into its own when the long walk home following last orders doesn’t look all that appealing.

Our survey found that a fifth (20 percent) of respondents said they’ve asked their Dad for a lift at least 5 times so far this year – and over a third (36 percent) have asked their Dad for a lift late at night. Of those in need of a late-night lift, the majority were female – reinforcing that women travelling after dark feel greater concern for their safety than men do – preferring to pester their Dad for a lift than walk or opt for public transport.

Surprisingly, almost a fifth of 35 – 44 year olds (24 percent) have asked their Dad for between 2 – 5 lifts in the last year – suggesting that a parent’s job is never over. 35 percent of respondents (parents themselves) admitted to asking their own Dad for a lift up to 5 times in the last year alone – proving that Dad’s taxi service is a family business, through and through…or that Brits never really grow up. We’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

Which Parent Do Learners Prefer to Practise With?

Our survey found that as well as preferring to ask Dad for a lift, Brits also prefer to have their Dad supervise them as a learner driver. Almost half (49 percent) of learners opted to have their dad accompany them on driving practice sessions, compared to only 21 percent choosing their Mum as an instructor. Does this mean young drivers find their Dads are calmer when it comes to teaching them to drive, or that they simply can’t face having their skills critiqued by their mums when still learning?

Interestingly, we do know from our own internal data that those taking out temporary learner insurance are far more likely to be male (79 percent) than female (21 percent), so could it just mean that men prefer having practice sessions outside of their lessons, and for them they choose Dad?

Preferred Passengers: Mums Vs. Dads

Whilst Brits might prefer Dad’s taxis for lifts – when it comes to which parent we prefer to ferry around, our survey reveals Mum is the preferred passenger, with only 7 percent claiming to feel confident driving their Dad around.

This might correlate with the fact that we know dads are the preferred driving supervisor for learners. Would you still want to drive your instructor around after you’ve passed? Probably not.

Who Are the Most Confident Drivers?

We asked our Founder and Managing Director Andy Moody about driving stereotypes. He said: “Our survey found that three times more women than men claim that they’re ‘not confident’ in their driving ability. Combine that with the fact that there’s such a disparity between the confidence we feel in the driving of our Dads versus our Mums and it certainly looks like some outdated attitudes towards gender and motoring – namely, the sexist idea that men are better drivers than women still prevails. Could it be that these stereotypes in turn are damaging the confidence of female drivers on the roads today?”

Are Women Safer Drivers?

Examining our internal data, we found that women are 15 percent less likely to be involved in a road accident than men are – including both learners and fully licensed drivers – suggesting women are actually significantly safer drivers than their male counterparts, despite feeling less than confident behind the wheel – and often being perceived as the worse drivers.

Whilst Dads might be the go-to when your local cabbie isn’t picking up, there’s nothing to suggest Mums aren’t just as reliable behind the wheel. Survey respondents saying they prefer their Mums to their Dads as passengers might actually reinforce the idea that Mums are more conscientious road users, able to impart their wisdom from the passenger seat more effectively than Dads – even if you think he’s the better driver.

*The research was conducted by Censuswide, sampling 2,052 drivers aged 17+ in the UK. The data was collected between 14.05.2024 – 20.05.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

Learner Insurance Cost Guide

30 May 2024 12:42 Leave a Comment

If you’re about to start learning to drive, you may be asking yourself: how much is learner insurance? When it comes to getting insured as a learner, there are a few options available at different price points and with different levels of flexibility. The best type of learner insurance depends on your needs, learners can consider traditional long-term insurance, black-box insurance, getting added to another driver’s insurance as a named driver, or the more flexible temporary learner insurance option. Learn about the cost of provisional insurance here, to help you make the best choice.

**How Much is Learner Insurance?**

The more traditional options that offer long-term coverage allow learners constant access to a vehicle, as long as they are supervised. However, these long-term policies can often be costly, sometimes accompanied by restrictions that end up costing you more in the long run.

Temporary insurance offers learner drivers a much more flexible option. Short-term provisional insurance allows drivers to choose from daily, weekly, or even monthly policy options. This makes it a great option for learners trying to get in some extra practice outside of lessons, without having to commit to long-term policies.

The table below shows the low costs you can get temporary learner insurance from. There are many factors that affect the price of insurance so the exact quote you get will differ.

**Find Learner Insurance Prices From*…**

Duration	Hours	Days	Weeks
1	£15.01	£20.09	£44.38
2	£15.38	£25.38	£51.94
3	£16.83	£28.79	£55.55
4	£18.98	£32.90	£56.46

*Based on minimum retail prices charged between March’23 to Feb’24

Starting as cheap as £15.01 for one hour, or £20.09 for one day of insurance, short-term insurance provides learners with an affordable, flexible option.

On top of the low cost of temporary provisional insurance, it’s also quick and easy to get covered. Learners looking to practice can get a quote and be insured in under two minutes.

This means you can be on the road learning valuable driving skills without having to wait around speaking to insurers.

Temporary insurance is a quick, flexible, and affordable option for learner drivers, whilst the more traditional method of adding a learner to insurance could be costly and unnecessary.

Adding a learner driver as a named driver on an already existing policy could cost an average of £1300 a month! Compare this to the potential £56.46 cost for four weeks of temporary insurance (this is based on average minium prices, individual quote will differ), and the difference is staggering. This type of insurance also risks the original driver’s premiums increasing and it puts their no-claims bonus at risk, whilst a temporary learner policy wouldn’t impact these areas.

With more traditional learner insurance approaches like this, you also risk paying for more time than you need. You may end up paying for a year of insurance, but only use the car for a month’s worth of practice. This is another advantage of temporary insurance, as it allows learners to cover themselves just for the time necessary.

Temporary insurance presents learners with a safe, flexible, and affordable option to getting insured. Our quick service lets learners get to practicing quickly, without having to go back and forth with insurers or break the bank. Get a quote in under two minutes to see how easy it can be to get insured, so you can focus on passing your test!

Should You Learn Automatic or Manual?

23 April 2024 09:59 Comments Off

If you’re about to begin to learn to drive and need some guidance on whether to choose a manual or automatic car, or feel confused about if it’s better to learn in a manual or automatic – we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you decide which type will be best for you to learn in. Whichever you choose, our temporary learner driver insurance is always here for you to bank all the extra practice you need.

Is It Better to Learn Automatic or Manual?

There are pros and cons to learning in both automatic and manual cars. Depending on your personal preferences, you should be able to deduce which car type will suit you best. And whilst there’s no definitive answer to whether learning in an automatic or manual car is better per se, there are certainly compelling arguments to be made in favour of each, and a whole host of motoring attitudes to contend with, to boot.

Is Learning to Drive Automatic Easier Than Manual?

Typically, learning in an automatic car is regarded to be easier than learning to drive in a manual car. In an automatic car, learners don’t have to worry about clutch control – and certainly won’t have to contend with stalling on hill starts – which can alleviate a lot of anxiety for driving beginners. If you suspect you might feel a bit overwhelmed behind the wheel, you could consider learning in an automatic for this reason alone. Although road sense, steering and parallel parking (sorry) remains the same across both automatic and manual – not having to learn clutch control does make it technically easier to learn in an automatic car. It’s also worth mentioning that there’s no shame in choosing to learn in either type of car – there’ll always be negative connotations to both, but learning in an automatic doesn’t make you lazy, and learning in a manual doesn’t make you a superior driver to other road users!

How Long Does it Take to Learn to Drive Automatic Vs Manual?

Everyone learns to drive at a different rate, so there isn’t one hard and fast rule for how long it will take you to learn in an automatic or a manual car.

There’s no set amount of lessons or practice time you need to have before you take your test. However, it’s widely recommended to have 45 hours of driving lessons combined with 22 hours of driving practice with a supervisor. How much practice you need to feel ready for your test is entirely subjective though, everyone is different.

If you are looking for a quicker way to learn to drive – automatic can be a good option as it takes away the need to learn clutch control – allowing you to focus more on all the other elements of driving.

Pros & Cons of Learning to Drive Automatic

With more and more automatic cars on the roads these days, you’ll need to weigh up whether you stick to learning to drive manual or opt for an automatic licence.

Pros include:

No clutch control necessary

Automatic cars select the gears for you, meaning you don’t need to use a clutch or learn clutch control, which people sometimes struggle with. Not having to learn clutch control might also mean you need fewer lessons, and are able to pass your test quicker.

Plus, stalling in an automatic car is rare – even on tricky hill starts – and the ride feels less jerky all round. Drives on winding countryside roads or inching forwards in heavy traffic are also easier because there’s no need to constantly switch gears, lessening the stopping and starting.

Less to worry about for nervous drivers

A nervous learner has far less to focus on driving an automatic car (no clutch pedal or gear stick to contend with), which can lessen the pressure they might feel driving.

Inclusivity

People with physical disabilities or medical conditions which restrict their movement might prefer to choose an automatic car to learn in, as they require less physical operation.

Quicker reaction times

In an automatic car you can brake without needing to adjust the clutch – which can improve your reaction times in difficult situations on the road.

More automatic cars becoming available

As popularity for automatic cars continues to rise, and demand for manual cars has declined, many car makers have been phasing out manufacturing manual cars entirely, in favour of making more automatic vehicles. Learners today should consider that there’s a good chance they’ll end up driving an automatic car in the future – and could maybe skip the manual lessons altogether.

Cons include:

Your licence doesn’t cover manual vehicles

If you know you’re only ever going to drive an automatic car, don’t worry. But if for whatever reason you find yourself wanting or needing to drive a manual car, you’ll need to take another test.

Switching from manual to automatic can be a big change

Learners are unlikely to get bored behind the wheel whatever type you choose – being assessed on everything from checking your mirrors, blind spot and road position constantly doesn’t allow for laziness – but drivers making the switch from manual to automatic (once they’ve passed) might find the driving experience less stimulating overall. Of course, whether you’re driving an automatic or a manual, you should be actively engaged behind the wheel – but bear in mind that there’s definitely a big difference between the two, and adjusting to not using a clutch can be tricky.

Higher Costs

Although there isn’t a huge disparity in the cost of automatic and manual cars, the mechanical complexity of automatic transmission systems and technology can sometimes contribute to a higher price. Those learning automatic might have to pay more to buy a car once they’ve passed, and can even face higher insurance premiums, too.

Pros & Cons of Learning to Drive Manual

Learning to drive in a manual car might be the traditional approach, but it’s still worth weighing up the pros and cons before you book your lessons.

Pros include:

Your licence covers automatic vehicles

If you learn and pass your test in a manual car, you’re legally allowed to drive an automatic vehicle as well, without any further examination or paperwork. You’ll be able to borrow a friend’s car, even an automatic one (with the correct insurance), or hire an automatic car, using your manual licence.

Greater control of the vehicle

If you prefer a more interactive driving experience, driving a manual car entails greater control of the vehicle – you’re not relying on the automatic transmission to make your decisions for you – and necessitates a particularly active role behind the wheel. As operating the gears gives you direct control over the engine, driving a manual can feel reassuring in difficult road conditions or instances where you’d prefer to manage every aspect of the vehicle.

Cons include:

Requires more coordination

Getting used to using all of your limbs separately to nail clutch control, steering, and indicating can be really difficult for some learners – and even significantly hinder their progress.

Stopping and starting

Most drivers will agree that they hate sitting in traffic, but tackling traffic in a manual car can be especially frustrating – as there’s typically a lot of stopping and starting, requiring diligent clutch control and hyper-vigilance behind the wheel. For many learners, constantly stopping and starting can feel daunting, and distract them from other important lessons.

Automatic vs. Manual – Is Popularity Changing?

Whilst historically, learning to drive a manual was the norm – it seems the tables are turning… We see that 35 percent of all our temporary learner policies are for automatic cars nowadays, they are becoming the more popular option for many learner drivers. Interestingly we are also seeing the assumption that most learners are 17-18 being flipped on its head – 51 percent of our learner policies are for over 25-year-olds! Is learning to drive an automatic the obvious choice for older learners looking to pass quickly – or is it just becoming the more sensible option?

Whilst the debate between manual and automatic cars doesn’t look likely to be resolved anytime soon, data from the DVSA does suggest a couple of things it’s worth bearing in mind before you choose which you’d rather learn in. They found that the average pass rate for automatic driving tests between 2022 and 2023 was 42 percent – whereas the average pass rate for manual tests was 48 percent. It’s worth bearing in mind that unrecorded factors like anxiety play a part in these test outcomes – like, nervous drivers being more likely to choose automatic (as the perceived easier option), or more automatic tests being taken in urban areas (with more challenging routes than rural ones).

Despite a lower pass rate for automatic tests, our partners, PassMeFast, report that demand for driving lessons in automatic cars has risen by 89 percent from 2019 to 2023 – reflecting the greater demand for electric and hybrid vehicles that can be seen across the motoring industry. There have also been a few instances of celebrities opting to learn in automatic vehicles – with footballer Phil Foden’s automatic pass and singer Jade Thirwall’s celebrations garnering national media coverage recently – potentially swaying younger learners (or fans) to choose automatic.

It does seem certain that learning to drive in 10 or 20 years will look significantly different from how it looks today – with plenty of prospective motorists more than happy to skip those clutch control lessons…

When it comes to deciding which type of car to learn to drive in, we’d recommend making your own pro and con list, taking into consideration any personal factors that might influence your decision. You’ll undoubtedly face challenges in both manual and automatic cars, but that’s a natural part of the learning process!

Whichever you choose, make sure you’re getting plenty of practice in, with our temporary learner driver insurance.

Learning to Drive in Winter: Tests & Lessons Guide

11 January 2024 09:34 Comments Off

So it’s time to pass your test we hear? Well, it’s hard enough at the best of times, but in today’s learning environment you’re fighting just to get a teacher, then a test date, and then the all-important pass or fail. It might seem like everything is geared towards making life difficult for those learning to drive and taking lessons – but we’re on hand to help.

As winter wraps its chilly embrace around us, the journey towards obtaining a driver’s licence becomes even more of a challenge, with roads ranging from slippery ice to aquaplaning wet. Driving test pass rates decline throughout winter and with a substantial backlog of learners eager to hit the road, waiting for the summer sun isn’t an option.

Fear not, for GoShorty is here to guide you through the intricacies of driving lessons in winter as well as tests. We’re also available to cover all your learner insurance needs. In this comprehensive manual, we’ll explore the considerations, tips, and invaluable insights to equip you for a successful journey on the frosty roads.

So, let’s dive into the winter driving mastery guide and turn the challenges of the season into stepping stones towards your driving licence.

Understanding Driving Challenges in Winter

Embarking on the journey to obtain a driver’s licence during the winter season adds an extra layer of complexity to an already transformative experience. Winter comes with unique challenges for both driving lessons and tests. In this chilly landscape, the skills acquired during lessons and tested during assessments are not only a testament to driving proficiency but also an assurance of safety on frosty roads. We have plenty of winter driving tips to help you be prepared for what to expect…

Navigating Icy Roads

Winter introduces the peril of icy roads, turning routine drives into what feels like shark-infested waters. In your lessons, learn the art of controlled braking and steering to navigate safely on icy surfaces. A driving test in the snow is not unheard of. One thing that can’t really be taught is knowing how to control a skid (always turn into it). Your natural reactions will tell you otherwise, though!

Driving in the Dark

The winter months usher in longer nights, requiring learners to adapt to reduced visibility or driving with headlights. Discover tips for driving in the dark, emphasising the importance of well-maintained lights, effective scanning, and defensive driving. You can practise this fairly easily in all months of the year, you’ll just have to make sure your instructor is still awake if you’re driving during the summer months!

Adapting to Unpredictable Weather

It’s often joked that the UK can see all four seasons in a single day. Who are we kidding, we can often see all four seasons in a single drive! Winter weather can be precarious and change at a moment’s notice, transforming a clear day into torrential rain in the blink of an eye. Lessons in all weather conditions will prepare you to handle sudden changes in road surfaces and visibility.

Vehicle Maintenance in the Cold

Cold weather can impact your vehicle’s performance. Gain insights into winter vehicle maintenance, ensuring your car is in top condition for your lessons and tests. P.S. Knowing all this will definitely help if you haven’t conquered your theory test yet.

Road Safety Protocols

As winter alters road conditions, understanding safety protocols becomes paramount. Your lessons will focus on adapting your driving style to different surfaces, such as icy patches, wet roads, and snow-covered lanes.

Tips for Winter Driving Lessons

Choose Optimal Lesson Times

Schedule your lessons during daylight hours to maximise visibility and once you’ve refined your abilities, you can test them in the dark. It’s wise to avoid extreme weather conditions to ensure a safe and effective learning experience, but be sure to practice in adverse conditions as you progress (under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor, of course).

Mastering Vehicle Control

Winter conditions demand heightened vehicle control. Focus on honing skills like controlled braking, steering on slippery surfaces, and maintaining a safe following distance. Don’t forget to give vehicles in front plenty of space, braking times are extended on wet roads.

Emergency Manoeuvres

Equip yourself with the knowledge of emergency manoeuvres, including skid control and recovery. These skills will prove invaluable when navigating unexpected situations on winter roads.

Extra Practice

It’s important to get as much driving practice in as possible before your test. In winter, when driving tests can be even more stressful than usual, this is even more important. To safely practice driving you will need learner driver insurance, and an appropriate driving supervisor in the car with you. Our temporary learner insurance options range from the usual short-term policies we offer, all the way up to six months of learner insurance. So you can practice your driving and get ready for your test whatever the season.

**Tips for Winter Driving Tests**

Preparation is Key

Approach your winter driving test with thorough preparation. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges winter poses and practice relevant manoeuvres in various weather conditions. Know where your lights are (and how to turn the correct ones on). Lucky you if your car is new enough to do it automatically, but make sure it’s set up correctly! Same goes for wipers, you don’t want to be thrown on your test by struggling to get your wipers working during a sudden downpour.

Familiarise Yourself with the Test Routes

Adhere strictly to speed limits, know where there are roads that have quick braking zones and roundabout exits that drop from 40 to 20mph. Practice the tricky junctions, know the giveaway spots and once you’ve done all this, you just need to turn up on time!

Master the Manoeuvres

You’re going to be asked to do at least one of the stated manoeuvres – practice, practice, practice! They are tricky when you have to do them in winter conditions, so make sure you’re comfortable and work on the ones you struggle with most.

Stay Calm Under Pressure

Winter driving tests might throw unexpected challenges your way. Stay calm under pressure, apply the skills you’ve learned, and communicate effectively with the examiner. You’ve got this!

Alright, buckle up, winter learners! Learning to drive and conquering that test during the frosty season is no small feat, but with a dash of determination and a sprinkle of savvy, you’ll be cruising through the challenges like a seasoned pro.
From gracefully gliding on icy roads to mastering the art of emergency manoeuvres, the season’s winter wonderland becomes your training ground. Optimal lesson times? Think daylight to show off your skills, saving the dark for the victory lap. And hey, understanding weather reports is your secret weapon. So, embrace the chill, conquer those roads, ace that winter test, and remember, GoShorty’s got your back when you’re ready to hit the road regarding all your temporary insurance needs.

Taking Your Driving Test in Your Own Car

6 November 2023 17:24 Comments Off

Getting through your driving test in your very own car is possible, and easy to do thanks to our temporary learner driver insurance.

With booking a driving test these days feeling as difficult as securing front-row concert tickets to your favourite artist, and driving instructors juggling schedules like seasoned circus performers, it might feel like you’re having to get the stars to align just to swap out that learner’s licence for the real thing.

The prospect of taking your driving test in your own vehicle could be a game-changer for all learners out there. Bid farewell to the stresses of aligning schedules with busy instructors and embrace the freedom of acing your driving test in the comfort and familiarity of your own vehicle. Easy!

We’ve detailed this comprehensive guide to completing a driving test in your own – or somebody you know’s car – ensuring you’re fully covered and compliant with the DVLA’s specifications every step of the way.

You know all about driving practice insurance, but ensuring you have the right driving test insurance is equally important. It’s the secret sauce that ensures your journey to driving success remains smooth and hassle-free.

So if you finally get a test date but your instructor’s car isn’t available, don’t worry – with our driving test insurance you can go ahead with that gold-dust test date, by using your own car.

What Insurance is Needed for Taking Your Driving Test in Your Own Car?

Dreaming of cruising into your driving test in the comfort of your own car? Or perhaps a relative has helped you practise all this time and you would find it more comfortable to complete your test in the car you’re most used to. We get it, and we’ve got you covered!

Taking your driving test in a car of your choosing could be your golden ticket to that prized pass; but as with everything, there’s some rules to follow.

Insurance for driving tests can be confusing, but here at GoShorty, we offer our support making sure you’re fully-equipped to tackle the test behind a trusted set of wheels.

So, “What kind of insurance do I need to take my driving test?” we hear you ask. Our temporary learner driving insurance is of course the answer! Whether you’re 17 or 74 we’ll cover you, with a super low excess, and comprehensive cover. Our temporary learner insurance for a day is perfect for your test day, covering you for some practice beforehand, the actual test and the victory drive back home!

What Criteria Your Car Needs to Meet to Be Used for a Driving Test

If you don’t have a car but you’re looking at purchasing one as soon as you pass, this may be your sign to make that exciting milestone purchase prior to your test. It goes without saying that it helps to get plenty of practice in the car you plan on using on your driving test to give you the best chance of passing. And with our learner driver insurance, you can do just that – your dreams of freedom right at your fingertips!

Consider yourself a car novice? No worries, we’ve done the research for you and highlighted the best cars for new drivers. Equally, you can also check out what the most popular cars to learn to drive in are for inspiration.

Whether it is a new car, one you are borrowing or a car you have been practising in already, it needs to meet certain criteria in order for it to be test worthy.

A few things to note, in order to take a test in your car, you’ll need to have the following:

No warning lights on the vehicle
No tyre damage, or space saving tyres
Be roadworthy
Have L-plates fitted
A working speedometer
Be clean and tidy, not smelling of smoke
Have an interior mirror fitted for the assessor

Unfortunately, if your car doesn’t meet the DVLA criteria, your assessor has the right to cancel your test, something you definitely want to avoid.

Why You Might Want to Take a Test in a Car That Isn’t Your Instructor’s

Let’s break down why you shouldn’t delay your test just because your instructor is unavailable.

Imagine the disappointment when trying to borrow your instructor’s car for a spontaneous test that’s just become available on a week’s notice, only to find their schedules swamped with other commitments. Having your own car could be the answer, allowing you to take a test at your convenience.

Taking your test in a private vehicle not only has the potential to save you headaches but also your wallet! Say goodbye to the additional costs associated with booking your instructor and their car for your test, and save those additional pennies for perhaps a set of wheels of your own?

Should you have a generous family member or friend who is kind enough to lend you their car whilst you earn your driving stripes, you will need to look at the costs of adding a learner driver to their insurance, you will find temporary learner insurance is the best option in that scenario.

The Benefits of Taking Your Test in Your Own Car

Taking your test in your own car offers a multitude of advantages. You’re already familiar with every aspect of your vehicle after all your driving practice, from the positioning of the mirrors to the precise way it handles corners, giving you that extra edge when manoeuvring those tricky turns and nail-biting parallel parks.

You would have been practising in this car outside of lessons and the safety of your instructors dual controls – so you should be extra confident in your solo driving abilities in your own vehicle.

And as long as you have had enough lessons and practice and are ready, you will be fine to take your test in your own car, just make sure you are comfortable with all the controls.

Driving tests are always a nerve racking experience, but not being able to use your instructors shouldn’t be seen as a cause for more nerves!

In a nutshell, mastering your driving test in your own car is within easy reach, and with the right driving test insurance in hand, you can navigate this journey with confidence and ease. So, rev up your engines and get ready to conquer the roads with the assurance that GoShorty has your back, every step of the way.

“Can I use my own car for a driving test?”. With GoShorty, the answer is always yes. Get a quote today!

Tag Archive: learner car insurance

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