learner car insurance Archives

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.

When is The Best Time for Your Driving Test?

15 July 2024 09:45 Comments Off

Learning to drive can be an arduous process, but it’s all worth it when you finally get to upgrade from your provisional licence. After investing so much time in driving lessons and practice sessions (we have temporary learner insurance perfect for covering you for those), you want to have the best chance possible at actually passing your test.

It turns out that choosing the best time of day and time of year to take your driving test can help you get an advantage on the day. Whether you’re learning to drive automatic or manual these might just be the best times for a driving test…

**How Long to Practise Before Your Driving Test?**

Before booking your test, you need to learn to drive! It’s no good booking a test and hoping you’ll be ready. It’s recommended that learners need around 45 hours of driving lessons with an instructor, alongside 22 hours of practice outside of lessons.

For learners looking to practise outside of lessons, practice insurance provides an easy, flexible means of getting coverage for this period, and can be one of the best ways to insure a learner.

After you’ve had enough hours of learning, you should be ready for your driving test, but your instructor will be able to advise.

**How Long is the Wait for a Driving Test?**

Government data tells us that the average wait time in the UK for a driving test was at 18.8 weeks at the end of 2023. Since then work has been done to bring waiting times down to around 15 weeks, however, in some areas like London, the wait time for a driving test may still be over 20 weeks.

With waiting times being so long, it’s good to book ahead if you and your instructor agree you’ll be ready in four months time – start looking for a test sooner rather than later.

Knowing this will allow you to plan accordingly, and allow you to pick the best day and time for you.

**Best Time of Year to Take a Test**

DVSA data reveals April (50.12%), August (49.28%) and July (49.28%) to be the months with the highest pass rates in the UK. May, September and June all follow these months too, telling us that colder winter months are the worst times to take your test.

Due to better weather, the warmer months of the year are the best time to book your test. Learning to drive in winter can be difficult due to the bad weather, which could either make roads more dangerous or get your test and lessons postponed altogether. To avoid your test getting cancelled or having to take a test in harsh conditions, aim to book your test in the warmer months of the year. The last thing you want is to wait over four months to get a test and it be cancelled on the morning due to winter fog!

Things to Consider if Your Test is in Summer

Driving in hot weather still presents its hazards. Although pass rates are higher during summer or spring, there are a few things you should know before you head to the test centre. Being aware of these hot weather driving tips could be the difference between you failing or passing your test!

Wear The Correct Footwear

You should wear non-restrictive footwear when driving, meaning flip-flops are not a good choice when getting behind the wheel. Even if the weather is hot, you should wear a pair of shoes or trainers. Flip-flops could get caught under the pedals and make you lose control of the vehicle. Not only could this cause you to fail your test, but you could land yourself with a hefty fine if caught not in control of the vehicle.

Don’t Drink While Driving

We all know we shouldn’t drink alcohol and drive, but you also shouldn’t take a sip from your bottle of water while operating a vehicle. You should stay hydrated when driving on a hot day, but do not do this when your vehicle is moving. Doing this can take your concentration away from the road, potentially leading to you losing control of the vehicle. Again, this could cause you to fail your test.

Be Wary of Hay Fever Medication

Hay fever can be an impairing ailment. While you can drive with hay fever, it’s important you know when you’re not fit to drive. If your symptoms are bad enough to impair your driving ability, don’t risk taking your test on that day.

Also, ensure you don’t take drowsy antihistamines before your test, or any time you’re getting behind the wheel. Drowsiness can lead to you losing concentration and control of the vehicle. This is dangerous to yourself and other drivers, and would ultimately cause you to fail your test.

The Best Time of Day to Take a Test

Now we know warmer months are the best time of year to aim for, what time of day is best for your test?

You should aim to avoid rush hour periods, usually 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm, these are the hours when roads will be the busiest. Busy roads leave less room for you on the road, creating a tighter, more stressful situation for you on test day. You might want to take your test first thing to get it out of the way, but it’s worth remembering the roads could be busy.

So there you have it the best times for your driving test. It can’t always be possible to pick the perfect time though, as long as you have had enough lessons and are ready for your test, any time of year should be good for you. If it helps your confidence, try to avoid rush hour periods too. If you find yourself having to take your test in your own car to get your ideal slot, then our driving test insurance will cover you.

During your test, make sure you are in control of the vehicle at all times, wear the correct footwear, stay focused and don’t get distracted.

Learner drivers should take advantage of temporary learner insurance before taking their test. Secure insurance from one hour up to one month, so you can get all the practice you need before heading to the test centre. Get a quote now in under two minutes so you can see just how easy it is to get insured with GoShorty.

What Happens if a Learner is Driving Alone?

13 June 2024 13:56 Leave a Comment

Upon receiving your provisional licence, you’ll likely have some questions about the various rules associated with practising to drive – for instance, can a learner driver drive alone? Why not? And what actually happens if a learner driver is caught driving alone?

When learning to drive it’s important to drive responsibly to avoid getting points on your provisional or invalidating your learner insurance. Our learner guides are here to help you drive responsibly as you work towards passing your test.

In short, you cannot drive alone with a provisional licence, and it’s crucial that learners are aware of this vital rule of the road. The fact that a provisional licence does not allow learners to drive alone might seem obvious, but it catches people out every year. You can only drive on your own when you have passed your driving test, be that for an automatic or manual licence, and purchased the correct learner car insurance.

If you’re caught driving without the correct supervision, you’ll be subject to various penalties before you’ve even taken your practical test. Whether you’re practising in your own car (lucky you!), or borrowing a parent’s car for practice, you’ll always need insurance and a supervisor.

We have a whole guide explaining who can supervise a learner driver, so you can be sure you’ll never be caught out driving alone or without the correct supervision.

The consequences of driving on a provisional licence without a qualified driver supervising you are serious – with costly associated penalties. Often, learners caught driving alone will face an immediate driving disqualification, and the owner of the vehicle they’re using will also face legal repercussions if they knowingly allowed you to drive the vehicle alone with only a provisional licence. We’ve listed the most common results of a learner driving a vehicle alone below.

1. Your insurance will be invalidated.

Getting caught whilst driving alone on a provisional licence will invalidate your insurance policy instantly – irrespective of whether you’ve previously purchased a learner driver insurance policy. And that in itself is another cause for penalties, as you should never drive without a valid insurance policy. It’s also worth bearing in mind that should you be in an accident whilst driving alone as a learner, you won’t be able to make a claim without valid insurance.

Being caught driving alone as a learner will also make it extremely difficult to get cover in the future, as you’ll be regarded as a risk by insurers. Those willing to deal with you will likely charge an expensive annual premium. From an insurance perspective, being caught driving alone represents a costly mistake that you’ll be living with for years.

2. You will receive penalty points on your licence.

You can receive up to six points on your provisional licence if you’re caught driving alone as a learner. These points remain on your licence even once you’ve passed your practical test, but in some cases, you can be disqualified from driving entirely.

Penalty points will remain on your licence for four years before being removed by the relevant authorities. More serious offences can result in penalty points or endorsements remaining on your licence for up to eleven years.

3. A substantial fine will be issued.

If you’re caught driving alone as a learner, you’ll be issued a £1,000 fine.

4. You could receive a driving ban.

Once you pass your test, if you have 6 points on your licence from driving alone, they will roll over to your full driving licence. Should you accumulate twelve or more penalty points on your licence, you’ll be taken to court and will likely be disqualified from driving.

5. There will be a permanent mark on your driving record.

Getting caught driving alone on a provisional licence will result in you receiving a permanent mark on your driving record, which will increase the cost you can expect to pay for insurance.

The penalties learners face if they’re caught driving alone are significant enough to put the vast majority of prospective drivers off getting behind the wheel unsupervised, but there are a number of other important rules that provisional licence holders should familiarise themselves with too.

What are Other Provisional Licence Rules?

There are a whole host of other concerns for learners undertaking driving practice outside of being properly supervised. We’ve listed some of the most important to know below.

Always display your L plates.

Learner drivers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland must display L plates on any vehicle in which they are learning to drive. In Wales, D plates can also be used. These plates must be the correct size and colour. If they don’t meet the legal specifications, you may be fined and receive penalty points on your licence.

Don’t drive on the motorway without an approved driving instructor.

If you’re wondering whether a learner can drive on the motorway, the short answer is no unless you are with an approved driving instructor (ADI) in a dual-controlled car. In Northern Ireland however, learners aren’t allowed on the motorway at all.

Only Drive With the Correct Insurance.

You will always need driving practice insurance when having sessions outside of lessons. If you’re having a lesson with an approved driving instructor then you don’t need to worry about insurance as they are required to have that in place. If you are taking your test in your own car, you will also be required to have driving test insurance in place.

Always Have Your Provisional Licence With You Whilst Driving.

When going for your driving lessons or a practice session, you should always have your provisional licence with you in case you get pulled over. If you don’t have it with you, you and your supervising driver could be fined and receive penalty points on your licence.

Our temporary learner insurance options allow you to easily get covered whenever you’re having a driving practice session. So explore our learner insurance options, follow the rules of the road, and never drive alone and you’ll be on the road with your full licence in no time!

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!

Points on a Provisional Licence Guide

28 May 2024 11:48 Comments Off

Learning to drive is an exciting time, but learner drivers must understand that their driving behaviours still have consequences even if they haven’t passed their test yet. In case you didn’t know, you can accumulate points on a provisional licence. Points accumulated during this period will carry over to a full driving licence once a learner has passed a test too, meaning it’s important that learners follow the rules of the road and drive safely whilst learning.

Failure to follow the rules may lead to points on your provisional, which will then stay on your record when you pass your test. Fines can also be issued to learner drivers, or in extreme cases, you may receive a driving ban before you’ve even passed your test!

Can You Get Points on a Provisional Licence?

You can get points on a provisional licence, just like you can on a full one. There are a number of reasons why learner drivers can receive points on their licence and even fines. Some causes are as expected, such as speeding, but there are a few specific rules for learner drivers only, let’s take a look at these.

Driving Without Proper Supervision

By law, learner drivers are required to be supervised by either an instructor or another driver who has held a valid driving licence for at least three years. If a learner is caught driving alone it can lead to a number of potential punishments:

Your learner insurance policy will be invalidated, and any future policies you take out are likely to have higher premiums as a result of your actions too.
You can receive up to six penalty points on your provisional licence. The points will carry over to your full licence once you pass too.
You can face a substantial fine of £1,000.
A potential temporary driving ban if enough points are accumulated, which will have long-term impact on future insurance premiums.
A permanent mark on your driving record.

Driving Without L Plates

In the UK, learner drivers must display L plates at all times. They need to be the correct size and colour too; failure to follow this rule can result in up to six penalty points placed on your provisional licence.

Driving on a Motorway Without an Instructor

To drive on a motorway, learners must be with their ADI (approved driving instructor) in a car with dual controls. Breaking this rule can land learners with three penalty points and a £100 fine.

Driving Without Insurance

All drivers need insurance, including learners! Driving without insurance is a serious offence, potentially leading to an unlimited fine, eight penalty points or even a ban from driving. There are plenty of ways to insure learners if you only need to insure a car to practise for a few days we have daily learner insurance options.

Speeding as a Learner

Speeding is an offence for all drivers, but for learners, you could face even more consequences. The minimum penalty for this offence is three points on your licence and a £100 fine. But learner drivers should know speeding may also cause a delay in taking your driving test, meaning you’ll have to wait longer to get your full licence.

What Happens if You Get Points on Your Provisional Licence?

Points that are accumulated on your provisional licence WILL carry over to your full driver’s licence.

Learners and qualified drivers alike should avoid accumulating points. If a driver has only had their licence for less than two years and has six or more points, your licence can be revoked! This means driving carefully in the first few years of your driving life is vital, otherwise, you risk setting yourself back, costing you time and money.

Penalty points can last on your record from four to 11 years depending on the offence!

How Many Points Can You Get on Your Provisional Licence?

Learner drivers can gain up to 11 points on their licence and still take their test, but that doesn’t mean they should. Accumulating points on your provisional licence means you put yourself at risk of a driving ban, even once you have your full licence.

In the first two years of driving after passing your test, drivers cannot surpass six points on their licence, otherwise, they could have their licence revoked. Penalty points on a provisional licence will set you up negatively for when you pass your test, as you’ll have to be extra careful not to get any more points during the probation period.

Also, accumulating points or having previous driving bans will impact the cost of insurance for you. This means it’ll be more expensive to get insured as a new driver due to having a poor record, and with insurance premiums at an all-time high, this is something all drivers will want to avoid.

If there is anything to take away from this, it’s that driving carefully and within the rules of the road is the most important thing a driver should do whether you have a provisional licence or a full one. As a learner, mistakes will happen naturally, but by taking care on the road and following simple protocols such as having supervision, being insured and displaying L plates, you’ll be able to keep your record clean as you work towards passing your test.

Fortunately for learner drivers, our flexible temporary learner insurance provides a great option for practising outside of lessons. Choose from daily, weekly or monthly options so you can get those extra practice hours in outside of lessons and get your full licence in no time!

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!

The UK’s Most Popular Learner Cars

8 August 2023 16:03 Comments Off

It’s hard to deny that Brits love their cars. Maybe that’s why there are over 40 million of them on our roads. Plenty of us could spend hours arguing over which is the best – or at least our favourites – so we thought we’d find out the real answer for ourselves.

Learner drivers often face a host of problems when getting behind the wheel. From finding the best car insurance to finding the right vehicle for them to practise in.

Practical driving pass rates are steadily dropping year on year. But, this year alone another 1.3 million drivers will be eager to get behind the wheel and do their best to secure their licence. So it’s more important than ever for learners to find the car perfect for getting temporary learner cover on and of course practising in…

**What Makes A Popular Learner Car?**

The best learner cars have a few things in common. They’re reliable, sturdy and guaranteed to start in the morning – even after a few dicey emergency stops or a missed gear or two.

Smaller cars are usually more popular as they have less powerful engines, so allow learners a bit of leeway, especially when it comes to narrow streets and tight parking spots. Anything that can help a learner avoid a bashed door or bumped bumper is high on the list of wants.

**What Is The Most Popular Car To Learn To Drive In?**

We set out to discover which cars are the most popular to learn to drive in, across the UK. After diving into our internal data, looking into the cars most commonly covered using temporary learner insurance, one car came out on top.

According to our data, it seems that learner drivers up and down the country find it hard to beat the Ford Fiesta. One in ten UK learners choose the Fiesta to get some well-needed practice in, before trying their hand at the practical driving test – making them the most popular learner car on the market.

But it’s not just learners that are fans. Our previous survey on driving behaviours and attitudes revealed that 22% of UK motorists think Ford drivers are the politest on the road, beating other popular brands like Vauxhall and Volkswagen to the title.

So learning to drive in the popular Ford Fiesta might just mean you turn into a particularly polite road user too – great news!

Which Learner Cars are Popular and Where?

Ford Fiestas are popular learner cars all over the UK, but our research has shown a clear North / South divide with regard to other practice cars.

Northerners seem to be especially fond of the Fiesta, with 33% of learners in the North West choosing it as their preferred car to insure for driving practice. Liverpudlians were the model’s biggest fans, with 18% of learners in the region choosing the classic model to motor around in.

Down South it’s a slightly different story. While 8% of the UK put Vauxhall Corsas at the top of their list of popular learner cars, in London 18% of learners are opting for the versatile car – a huge increase on the national average. Scottish learners are also Corsa fans, with 9% of aspiring drivers getting insured on the iconic Vauxhall.

Interestingly, the Midlands showed split results – with 15% of learners getting covered on the Fiesta, whilst another 15% were taking out insurance on a Corsa.

While there are some clear favourites, the most popular cars to insure for learner practice is still a hotly contested race, nationwide.

In Wales, the Mercedes A-Class was a clear favourite, beating the Corsa, Fiesta, and Nissan Micra. Sadly, the Volkswagen Polo didn’t crack the top five and instead was narrowly beaten by the Golf, Toyota Aygo and even the larger Nissan Juke. Learner cars are getting fancy these days!

**What Do Learners Need To Consider Before Taking Their Test?**

Finding the right car is just one piece of the puzzle. From discovering the right instructor for you, to passing your theory exam and getting the right car insurance for practising, costs can quickly add up.

Since the pandemic, learners are facing longer and longer waiting times for tests, so it’s important that every driver heads into their exam, happy and confident. So, being able to get all the practice that you can, to make sure you do your very best is crucial.

Before passing your test, being added to someone else’s annual policy can become expensive, making it difficult for learners to practise on a schedule that works for them. Even new drivers can be stuck with pricey long-term policies that lack flexibility. That’s why car insurance for learner drivers can offer you flexibility to save costs and just get insured when you want to practice.

GoShorty offers comprehensive learner cover for as little as one hour to 28 days. Our quick and easy quoting process allows learner drivers can get behind the wheel in as little as 90 seconds. Take a look at our learner policies and find a deal to suit both your wallet and lifestyle.

Tag Archive: learner car insurance

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