2,473
WELCOME
LEARNING
TO DRIVE is an exciting but nervous time for teenagers and their parents. If anything, it can be harder on mum and dad, as the chances are you’ll foot the bill for lessons, insurance and maybe even a first car. Then there’s the worry of using the family wheels for practice as your child gets to grips with the basics of driving. Even the closest parent-child relationship can be put under strain with a teenager behind the wheel and mum or dad in the passenger seat...
Any parent wants to support their child in learning to drive safely and effectively. That’s where the Learning to Drive – The Parent’s Guide comes in. We’ll show you how to help your child become a safe and responsible driver. From choosing the right instructor to making the most of practice to finding affordable insurance cover, this guide is full of practical advice.
So, good luck to you and your learner driver. Here’s to making the start of their driving career a safe and happy one.
David Motton Editor
Publisher: James Evans
Editor: David Motton
Commercial director: Richard Storrs
Art director: Caroline Creighton-Metcalf
WORTH OVER
2,473 PRIZES £51,518
BUYING... HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT FIRST CAR FOR YOUR CHILD PAGE 28
OWNING... SIMPLE TIPS TO SAVE MONEY AND AVOID HASSLE PAGE 34
6 LEARNING
Your child is about to start their driving career. We’ll help you to support them, with advice on choosing an instructor and helping with practice between lessons.
16 THE TESTS
You probably took one test when you learned to drive. Now learners must pass a theory test as well as the practical test. Here’s what you need to know...
22 INSURANCE
Insuring a young driver is expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable. We’ll talk you through learner driver insurance and the advantages of telematics.
28 CAR BUYING
Nobody forgets their first car. Whether you and your child plan to buy new or used, we’ll help you pick a safe and reliable firsttime buy.
34 OWNING
Passing the driving tests is just the start. There’s a lot for a new driver to learn about running a car on a tight budget. We’re here to help.
THE ROAD TO YOUR CHILD’S DRIVING
Your child is starting on one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys of their life. Nothing beats the thrill and freedom of having a full driving licence, but there are plenty of steps along the road first. Over the next few pages we’ll talk you through them.
4 4
UNDER-17 1 1
3 3 DRIVING
2 2
1 UNDER-17 DRIVING
Is their 17th birthday still a few months away? Or maybe it’s years off? Your child can still get behind the wheel, just not on the road. There are loads of young driver schemes all over the country from the likes of youngdriver.eu and under17carclub.co.uk which put younger teenagers in the driving seat on private land. The best schemes place a strong emphasis on road safety as well as car control. Sign up, and your child will be better prepared when they do get on the road.
LICENCE
6 6
5 5
2 THEIR PROVISIONAL LICENCE
Nobody can jump straight into a car on their 17th birthday without having a provisional licence first. Don’t wait until the big day – your child can apply long before they turn 17. It’s easy to make an online application if they have a Government Gateway ID or otherwise fill out a D1 form which can be collected from the Post Office. Turn the page for more on applying for a provisional licence.
3 FIND AN INSTRUCTOR
If you want to give your child the best chance of passing first time, you’ll want to find a really good instructor. Practising with relatives is important, but it’s no substitute for expert instruction from a professional. Turn to page 10 to find out more.
4 THEORY TEST
Before your child can take their practical test they have to pass the theory test. There are two parts, one with multiplechoice questions and one assessing their ability to spot hazards. Want to know more? Turn to page 16.
5 PRACTICAL TEST
Has your child passed the theory test? Well done, but there’s still another hoop to jump through before they have their full licence: the practical test. This takes place on the public road with an examiner in the passenger seat and will last around 40 minutes. We’ll talk you through the practical test in more detail on page 18.
6 NEXT STEPS
Passing the practical test isn’t the end of the road – it’s the beginning. Drivers never stop learning, and post-test training such as the Pass Plus scheme can really help guide young drivers through their first months on the road.
Drivers can learn on the road once they are 17, so long as they have a provisional licence
TOP TIP
Driving a car on private land can teach your child the basics of car control and introduce them to the rules of the road. But when they turn 17 and start lessons on public roads, they’ll need to build up experience before their test.
APPLYING FOR A
PROVISIONAL LICENCE
AS WATERSHED MOMENTS in a teenager’s life go, the 17th birthday has to be right up there. Forget cards and presents or a night out with friends – what they’re probably more excited about is finally being able get behind the wheel of a car on the public road.
To make sure their licence arrives in time for their birthday, it’s possible to apply several months in advance. However, regardless of when it arrives they can’t get behind the wheel until they are 17. Just as importantly, even if they’ve applied for their licence in good time but it fails to arrive before the big day, they can’t start driving until the licence turns up. However, as it should take just one week to arrive if you apply online, or three weeks by post, allowing two months should be more than enough time.
Applying for a provisional driving licence is simplicity itself. Just have your child complete the relevant application form. The one they need is called a D1 form and should be available from most post offices. They’ll also need to hand over the fee. At the time of writing it’s £43, but you can check the current cost by logging on to gov.uk/driving-licence-fees.
Your child doesn’t have to apply for their provisional driving licence through the post though. The online service at gov.uk/ apply-first-provisional-driving-licence is quick and easy. What’s more, it’s cheaper than a postal application, saving £9 at the time of writing. That’s not a huge amount but every penny counts when learning to drive is so expensive.
Learning to drive for THE DISABLED
Having a disability need not be a barrier to learning to drive. There are many modifications and adaptations that can make driving possible.
If your child receives the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) then they can apply for a licence at 16, not 17.
UNDER-17 DRIVING
Although your child can’t legally drive on public roads until they are 17, on private land they can drive at any age. As a result, in recent years there’s been an explosion in under-17 driving opportunities. By starting young they’ll know how a car works when they reach 17, and should be better able to learn about the rules of the road if they can already control a car.
The biggest under-17 driving scheme is Young Driver (youngdriver.eu), launched in 2009 and available at around 60 sites across the UK. Marketing director, Sue Stait, says: “We’re teaching those who are not legally able to be on the road yet, but they get a massive boost when they can control a car safely and can tackle a manoeuvre that even parents might struggle with.”
Some other schemes are listed below.
A-Star Driving School, Surrey a-star-driving-school.co.uk
Castle Combe Startline, Wiltshire, castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Cats Eyes Driving School, Devon, South Wales, catseyesdrivingschool.co.uk
DriveB4Uturn17, Surrey, West Sussex, driveb4uturn17.co.uk
Drive Safe, Lincolnshire, under17-drivinglessons.co.uk
Driving Ambition, Northamptonshire, drivingambitionbrackley.info
Gold Driving Academy, Dorset, golddriving.co.uk
Pro Scot, Fife, pro-scot.com
Safe4Life Driver Training, West Midlands, safe4lifedrivertraining.co.uk
Under 17 Car Club, Various locations, under17-carclub.co.uk
FIND THE PERFECT
INSTRUCTOR
AS THE PARENT of a learner driver it is really important you find the right driving instructor. To help you find the ideal person to teach your teenager, the DVSA has improved its ‘find driving schools, lessons and instructors’ service.
You can now search the database of more than 26,000 approved instructors by the grade awarded to them by the DVSA. Instructors can add links to their website or Facebook page. This will help you find more detailed information, whether the instructor provides a photo
GO BY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION– ask other parents what they think of their child’s instructor.
for security, whether they provide lessons for learners with a special need, the instructor’s availability/ working pattern and the price of lessons.
To find the best driving instructor for your child go to www.gov.uk/find-drivingschools-and-lessons
ASK THE DRIVING SCHOOL THESE QUESTIONS
1 Is the instructor fully qualified (an ADI)?
2 If they are a PDI (an instructor who is still in training) will I pay less?
3 If I sign up for a course and my child doesn’t get on with the instructor, can we change to another?
4 Will my child get the same instructor and car for each of their lessons?
5 How long is each lesson? Can we choose 60, 90 or 120-minute sessions?
6 Is the instructor CRB checked? Are all the school’s instructors checked in this way?
7 Are there apps or online tools included in the price of lessons?
8 Will my child have help with passing both parts of the theory test?
9 Do you offer post-test training to improve my child’s skills after passing?
HACK EVERY LESSON GET THE MOST FROM
You’re paying a lot for an expert to teach your child to drive, so be sure they make the most of their time. Here’s how:
● REST UP
Always encourage a good night’s rest before a lesson. A big night out with their mates before a morning lesson isn’t a good idea –they need to be fully alert and sober.
● FUEL UP
Ask your learner to eat and drink before the lesson to boost their energy levels and keep them high.
● GO LONG
When you book lessons, think about 90-minute or two-hour sessions. Your child will have more time to get into a rhythm than if the lesson lasts an hour.
● LISTEN UP...
The instructor knows what they are talking about, so encourage your child to concentrate hard on what they say and do.
Practise driving in between lessons to reinforce what has been learned. But make sure you stay below the level of difficulty your child has reached with the instructor.
● ... BUT ASK QUESTIONS
If your child doesn’t understand what the instructor is asking them to do, they should say so. Asking questions helps plug gaps in their driving knowledge.
To find out more about driving lessons, visit firstcar.co.uk.
Why do thousands of parents go with Veygo?
Veygo can work out cheaper.
If you’re only occasionally using your car for driving practice, short-term cover could work out cheaper than putting your child on your existing policy. And, there are no admin fees.
Veygo is there for you as long as you need it.
We know there are no guarantees in life, so we have a subscription offer to give you rolling cover as long as you need.
Cancel anytime, with no fees – just like your favourite TV streaming service.
Veygo protects your no claims bonus.
Our flexible car insurance policies run alongside your existing car insurance policy so your no claims bonus won’t be affected if a claim is made.
Veygo can be used for your child’s driving test.
Please bear in mind that the car needs to meet certain legal requirements, which can be found at GOV.UK, and they may be asked to take a copy of their certificate of insurance with them.
Important: If they pass their test, this insurance will no longer be valid. This means they won’t be able to drive home from the test centre. But you can get a quote for our temporary cover if you continue sharing the car.
PARENTAL CONTROL
Unless you are a qualified ADI, then you are almost certainly not the best person to teach your child to drive. But that doesn’t mean you won’t play an important role in helping your teenager to become a safe and responsible driver. Time spent practising between professional lessons can reinforce what your child has been learning. This is best done by working as a team with the instructor, and doing your best not to pass on any bad habits you may have developed. Try following these tips:
1 Parents should read a current copy of The Highway Code and work with their child on the theory exam.
2 Plan before you set out. Choose a suitable area and route, and know what you want to achieve before you get behind the wheel.
3 Use quiet roads until your child is confident, especially in traffic.
4 Stay below the level they’ve reached with their driving instructor.
5 Avoid carrying passengers – they’re a potential distraction.
6 Work with a professional instructor who tells you what your child is being taught and what techniques are being used. Then you won’t give conflicting advice.
7
A learner driver is not ready for all the challenges of the road, so you must be aware of the hazards around you. Constantly anticipate other road users and be ready to spot trouble your child has missed.
8 Be sparing with your comments, but problems must be identified while still fresh in the memory. Confidence needs to be built first, though, so don’t forget to praise good driving.
9
Keep calm – shouting won’t help. And don’t get angry if they find constructive criticism hard to take.
10 Make learning enjoyable. You need to keep your cool so that you both enjoy the process. You and your teenager shouldn’t dread getting into the car.
MOTORWAYS
Although motorways are statistically our safest roads, learner drivers haven’t been allowed on them. That all changed a few years back. Learners now have the green light to get to grips with motorway driving before they have passed their practical test.
Will I be able to drive on the motorway with my learner?
No. The rules allow learners onto the motorway, but only in cars with dual-controls and accompanied by an approved driving instructor. So you won’t be able to practise on motorways with your child between professional driving lessons.
Is motorway driving now compulsory for all learner drivers?
There is no requirement for your child to drive
on the motorway if they don’t want to. Depending on where you live it may be impractical. It will be up to you, your child and their instructor to decide whether to drive on the motorway.
Why were the rules changed?
In the words of Road Safety Minister, Andrew Jones: “To allow learner drivers to take lessons on motorways will enable novice drivers to experience the broadest possible range of driving experiences in a supportive environment, helping them to be better, safer drivers.”
TEACHING GOOD HABITS
Learning to drive doesn’t start when your child is 17. It doesn’t even start a few months before, if you book your son or daughter an under-17 driving course. You’re teaching children how to drive from a very early age through the example you set. If they see you checking text messages on the move, gambling at amber lights, or cutting up other drivers, can you really expect them to behave safely and responsibly when they get behind the wheel?
THE THEORY TEST
BEFORE YOUR CHILD can take their practical test they must pass the theory test. Book via the official website at gov.uk/booktheory-test. There are third-party websites through which you can book, but they charge extra fees on top of the £23 cost of the test. However, third-party websites often offer unlimited retests for free. With a pass rate of 44% for the theory test, there’s a good chance of having to retake, so you could save cash. Just check any terms and conditions.
To take the test your child will need to go to a
suitable centre where they’ll be allocated a booth with a computer, along with instructions on how to use it. They will work their way through both parts of the test (multiple-choice questions then the hazard perception section) before being given the results for both tests at the end of the session. To give your learner driver the best chance of passing, encourage them to take the theory test seriously –they won’t be able to bluff their way through it.
To find out more about the theory test visit firstcar.co.uk.
GET SOME HELP
There’s a stack of aids to help your child get through their theory test. The apps here are a good start. The official theory test questions aren’t published anywhere, but the DVSA does publish The Official DVSA Theory Test for Car Drivers, and a similar title for motorcyclists. These feature hundreds of official revision questions, plus case studies on every topic, along with info to help understand and remember the theory. There are loads of real-life photos and diagrams, plus links to online resources and videos where your child can learn more. They’ll also need to study The Official Highway Code. Order a copy for your child from tsoshop.co.uk
THE OFFICIAL DVSA THEORY TEST KIT
Because this was created by the same people who set the theory and practical driving tests, you’re not going to find a more useful app, and at £4.99 it’s a bargain.
MY THEORY TEST BY JAMES MAY
With bespoke learning plans, exclusive videos, mock questions, and games, this app will help learn the theory of driving in a few minutes each day. Available for Apple and Android devices, it costs £4.99.
DRIVING TEST SUCCESS
Practise every official revision question from the DVSA with this app. Driving Test Success will even refund the theory test fee if your child doesn’t pass! It costs £4.99.
WHAT TO EXPECT THE PRACTICAL TEST
Passed the theory test? Then the practical test is all that stands between your child and their full driving licence
HOW LONG IS THE DRIVING TEST?
They’ll spend around 40 minutes behind the wheel, driving on a variety of roads.
WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THEY START DRIVING?
First of all, they’ll need to show they can see well enough to drive. That means reading a numberplate from 20 metres away (or 20.5 metres if it’s an old-style numberplate). If they can’t, the test will be over before it has really started, so remind your child to wear contact lenses or glasses if they need them to see clearly.
They’ll also be asked a ‘tell me’ question, such as “How would you check the headlights and tail lights are operating correctly?” They don’t need to make the check, just prove to the examiner that they know how it’s done. It will help if you can practise these questions with your child in the weeks before their test.
If they get the ‘tell me’ question wrong they’ll have notched up a driving fault.
Any more than 15 minor faults results in failure.
WHAT CAN THEY EXPECT WHILE DRIVING?
For 20 minutes out of the 40 they’ll be driving independently. That means following road signs or a sat nav to a destination. They won’t have to enter the destination into the sat nav –the examiner will do that for them. They shouldn’t worry if they take a wrong turn, what’s really important is that they drive safely and legally.
They’ll be asked a ‘show me’ question while driving. It could be as simple as showing how they would turn on the rear demister, or wash and clean the windscreen.
As well as making a hill start, pulling out from behind a parked car, and making a normal stop at the side of the road, they may need to make an emergency stop. They’ll also need to carry out one of three reversing manoeuvres. If you can supervise lots of reversing practice before the test that will be a big help.
HOW GOOD DO THEY NEED TO BE TO PASS?
They need to prove that they are safe and competent – the examiner is not expecting perfection. Any dangerous fault during the test means failure, but up to 15 minor mistakes are allowed. So they shouldn’t panic if they make the odd small mistake.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TEST IS OVER?
The examiner will talk your child through any faults. If they make the grade, they’ll be given a pass certificate. They’ll be able to start independent driving immediately – there’s no need to wait for their full licence to arrive. To find out more about the practical test visit firstcar.co.uk.
YOUR CHECKLIST FOR
PRACTICAL TEST
SUCCESS
If your child can put a tick in all these boxes they won’t go far wrong
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
The instructor wouldn’t encourage your child to take the test if they weren’t ready, so encourage self-belief.
GOOD TIMEKEEPING
Allow plenty of time to reach the test centre. Your child’s stress levels will go through the roof if they are running late.
THEIR PROVISIONAL LICENCE
Your child needs to take their provisional licence with them to the test centre. They need their theory test pass certificate too. Don’t let them forget!
SENSIBLE CLOTHES AND FOOTWEAR
Suggest they wear comfortable clothes, and shoes which make it easy for them to operate the pedals safely.
BE WILLING TO LEARN
Just over half of practical tests end with a thumbs down from the examiner. Don’t be surprised if this happens to your child, even if they’ve been flying in their lessons. They’ll be told why they have failed at the end of the test so they can correct what went wrong next time.
HOW TO HELP WITH TEST NERVES
There’s no point in pretending your child won’t be nervous as their tests loom. But there are steps you can both take to prevent nerves taking over.
1 AVOID PEER PRESSURE
If having friends asking about their driving test will make your child nervous, encourage them to keep the test date to themself.
2 PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE
Talk to your instructor and your child about the manoeuvres they have been practising, in particular the
skills they need to improve upon. Then make time so they can practise with you in the passenger seat. Getting a manoeuvre right time after time without the safety net of dual-controls will really help their confidence.
3 REMEMBER, WORRY MAKES IT WORSE
The trouble with worry is that it interferes with concentration. The mind focuses on what might go wrong instead of what needs to be done next. Encourage your child to block negative thoughts and give driving their full attention every time they get behind the wheel.
4 THINK SUCCESSFUL THOUGHTS
The instructor wouldn’t put your teenager in for their test if they didn’t think they were ready. Encourage your child to remember all the times they have successfully tackled tough manoeuvres. If they’ve done these things well before, they can do them again.
5 GO EASY ON THEM
However well they are driving in lessons, your child could still fail. Make sure they understand this isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it will probably make them a better driver in the long run.
... AND SUPPORT THEM IF THEY FAIL
TOP TIP
The Theory Test App from Driving Test Success allows your child to practise every official 2023 revision question from the DVSA. It’s great for practising on the move. There’s more attheorytestapp.co.uk
1 GIVE THEM HELP
If your child didn’t pass their theory test, help them come back stronger by using learning aids such as apps to improve their knowledge. If they’ve failed the practical, discuss what went wrong and help them improve on any areas of weakness.
2 GET THEM BACK BEHIND THE WHEEL
Failing the practical test can be a real blow to a young driver’s confidence, and they may be tempted to take a break from learning. Don’t let them take more than a few days off. They shouldn’t be allowed to get rusty, or to put off facing their nerves indefinitely. Be supportive, understanding and encouraging. It will give them a lift to know you are in their corner.
3 THE LONGER THEY LEARN, THE BETTER THEY WILL BECOME
Anyone who passes first time is very proud of the fact. But did you know there’s plenty of evidence that people who fail their first practical test actually go on to be better, safer drivers?
That’s because the extra practice and instruction will improve their skills, and delay the moment at which they are exposed to the risks of independent driving. So failing may seem like a big deal at the time, but help your child understand that, statistically, it’s going to make them a safer driver.
4 BOOK THE NEXT TEST SOON
Instructors don’t set their pupils up to fail, so if they felt your child was good enough before they should be ready for a re-test. Allow time to work on weaknesses but book another test soon.
INSURANCE WORKS HOW LEARNER DRIVER
What is learner driver insurance?
Learner driver insurance covers a young driver to practise in someone else’s car, most likely their parents’. Instead of being added to your insurance and bumping up your premium, they have their own policy.
How long does cover last?
It varies. Some insurers will ask learners to sign up for at least 30 days, others offer daily policies or will even cover youngsters for just a few hours.
Why do they
need it?
Well, insurance is a legal requirement, so they need to be covered one way or the other. Plus there are advantages to having a learner driver policy. Adding a learner as a named driver to your car insurance can be expensive compared with arranging separate cover. What’s more, if they do have a mishap, they can claim on their own policy, not yours, which should help keep the peace if they have a prang in the family car.
“ If th ey have a mishap they can claim on their own policy, not yours, which should keep the peace if they have a prang”
Let’s face it – driving lessons aren’t cheap. If you want to maximise your child’s time behind the wheel without maxing out the cost you’ll need to get them some practice in between lessons. That way their confidence and experience will improve much faster. But they’ll have to have insurance!
How much does it cost?
Learners should find cover for around £70 month, or less than £2 per day.
Any restrictions?
Kids won’t be able to borrow their rich uncle’s Range Rover – policies place restrictions on the insurance group and the total value of the car they drive. Typically the highest insurance group allowed will be around group 30-35, and the maximum value of the car somewhere in the region of £30,000 or so.
Anything else I should know?
Policies usually cover learners to drive in one specific vehicle – expect to take out another policy if they want to practise in a second car. There may also be restrictions on the age of whoever is supervising and their driving experience, so an older brother or sister may not have been behind the wheel for long enough. Also, if a young driver has already made a claim due to a crash while learning, they may not be eligible for cover.
TOP TIP
Try to get your child as much practice as you can, at least once a week. Two or three times is even better. It will build their confidence and skills.
I’m looking for cheap insurance but I’ve read about ghost brokers. What are they?
Ghost brokers sell fraudulent car insurance using three basic methods. They either forge insurance documents, falsify details to bring the price down or take out a genuine policy, before cancelling and claiming the refund plus the victim’s money.
Police figures show those most at risk of being targeted by ghost brokers are 17-24 and the scam costs them around £900 each.
Some ghost brokers also operate on social media - always check you are buying from a genuine company before taking out a policy.
I’ve been warned about “fronting” on my motor insurance. What is that?
Fronting is when an older driver - often a parent - tries to save money by saying they’re the main user of a vehicle driven by a younger, higher-risk motorist.
It may save money in the short-term but fronting could invalidate your insurance and even lead to prosecution for fraud.
Adrian Flux offer great insurance rates for new and learner drivers.
Cut costs by calling 0800 085 6491.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER DO’S AND DON’TS I NEED TO REMEMBER?
Do shop around for the best policy.
Or better still go to a broker such as Adrian Flux who have a panel of over 30 insurers to go to. Adrian Flux compares policies saving you the hassle.
Do make your insurer aware of any modifications. You will need to advise your insurer of cosmetic and performanceenhancing modifications. With a specialist broker such as Adrian Flux, you may be surprised that your premium may not increase much or at all for modifications and they can cover most. If you fail to declare mods your car damage cover will be under threat in the event of a claim.
Do insure your car for what it’s worth.
Under-insuring your car may result in a lower premium but if your insurer finds out, your policy could be cancelled and any claim payout could be less than the car’s worth.
Do
agree a voluntary excess.
If you agree to pay an extra voluntary excess it can significantly reduce your premium. But keep it realistic, you will have to be able to afford it if there is a claim.
Don’t forget.
Don’t forget, the cheapest Adrian Flux deals are available on the telephone. Call 0800 085 6491 for your personalised no obligation quote.
TELEMATICS INSURANCE EXPLAINED
Black box cover could make insurance more affordable – and improve your child’s driving too!
Insurance is one of the most painful things about being a young driver –or a young driver’s parent, if you’re paying the premium. According to the Quotezone comparison site, the average annual car insurance premium for a 17-21 year old driver is £948.95. Telematics (or ‘black box’) insurance is one way to reduce the price of cover and encourage good driving habits at the same time.
What is telematics insurance?
If you and your child opt for a telematics policy, a ‘black box’ is fitted to their car. This combines a GPS unit, a motion sensor and a SIM card to transmit data. It detects where the car is, how fast it is being driven, and how violently the car is accelerating, braking and cornering.
How is the data used?
The information the black box collects is fed back to the insurer, and used to reassess the young driver’s premium at regular intervals.
Obeying the speed limit, avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, and driving at low-risk times of day can all contribute to a reduced bill.
In some cases there are other forms of reward or special offers for safe and responsible driving. This could mean extra miles are added to a limited mileage policy, or the driver receives vouchers and free gifts.
Can youngsters check how well they are driving?
Yes. Telematics insurance providers usually have a portal or app through which drivers can see if their driving is up to standard. By checking back regularly they can tell if they are improving or slipping into bad habits.
Are parents also able to see driving scores?
Typically any named driver will have access to the feedback scores, so if you are named on the policy you’ll be able to see how well your child is doing.
Some insurers have found that simply knowing that mum or dad can see their
TOP TIP
Insuring your son or daughter to drive the family car is one way to get them cover, but with their own car and policy they’ll build a No Claims Discount.
feedback improves young people’s driving.
Can I have a telematics policy with my child as the named driver?
There are plenty of telematics insurance providers who insure older drivers as well as youngsters. But don’t be tempted to name yourself as the main driver unless you really are going to do most of the miles. If your insurer finds out that you’ve fibbed about who is really the main user of the car, then you’ve committed fraud. It could invalidate your insurance cover.
Also, if your child isn’t the main driver on the policy then they won’t build up their own No Claims Discount. So in the long run it’s best for
them to be the main driver, even if the car is also used by a parent.
What are the drawbacks of telematics insurance? Some policies set curfews that restrict young drivers from getting behind the wheel at night. Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your point of view. A teenager may be frustrated they can’t give their mates a lift home from the pub, but a parent may be relieved... Also, just as good driving can be rewarded with a
lower premium, so poor driving can lead to a higher insurance cost – even if the young driver hasn’t had an accident. That’s not universal, though. Some companies are all carrot and no stick, and don’t increase premiums for aggressive driving unless it has led to a claim.
Will my child face any restrictions?
We’ve mentioned curfews, which are actually quite rare. Mileage limits are a lot more common. Generally these are set when the policy is taken
out, and can be extended at extra cost. Some insurers offer bonus mileage as a reward for safe and careful driving.
Is telematics right for me and my young driver?
In most cases, yes. You should be able to find a better price by choosing a telematics policy rather than conventional insurance cover. And it encourages safe driving, too.
To find out more about insurance for young drivers, visit firstcar.co.uk.
TOYOTA YARIS
Euro NCAP safety rating
Five stars (2019)
Autonomous emergency braking
Standard
Insurance From Group 13E
DAB Standard
Bluetooth Standard
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard
You (or your child) will need deep pockets to buy the new Toyota Yaris. With prices starting from just over £22,000, this an expensive small car. But there are good reasons to take a closer look.
For one thing, every Yaris is a hybrid, with the promise of small fuel bills and low carbon dioxide emissions. It should be cheaper to fuel
HYUNDAI I10
Euro NCAP
safety rating Three stars (2020)
Autonomous emergency braking Standard
Insurance From Group 1E
DAB Standard
Bluetooth Standard
Apple CarPlay/Android
than most superminis.
For another, the Yaris comes with an automatic gearbox. So if your child finds manual cars tricky to drive, or passes their test in an auto, the Toyota could be just what they are looking for.
They’ll get plenty of kit for their cash, too. There’s
FROM £22,125 FROM£15,420
no need to look beyond the entry-level Icon model for a digital radio, smartphone mirroring, and lots of safety kit including autonomous emergency braking.
It’s not the roomiest small car, and insurance won’t be cheap, but otherwise the Yaris has a lot going for it.
Auto Standard
The i10 is one of the most affordable new cars, as well as being easy to drive and well equipped
It’s rare to find a city car with autonomous
emergency braking as standard, even on the most basic versions. But every i10 comes with this brilliant bit of safety kit included in the price.
Every model has a digital radio and Bluetooth, and it looks good too, doesn’t it? We want one!
THE BEST
USED CARS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS
These cars are good value and cheap to run
HYUNDAI I20
(2015-2020)
Euro NCAP safety rating
Four stars (2015)
Insurance From Group 4
A used Hyundai is a safe bet, especially if you choose the excellent i20. It’s our favourite used car, thanks to an impressive range of talents.
One of the big plus points of choosing the i20 is the transferable fiveyear warranty. Even as the second or third owner, cover continues until the car is five years old with no mileage limitation. So depending on the age of the i20 you are thinking of buying, your new
driver may be protected against any unexpected bills.
There’s a good chance they won’t have to claim on the warranty, given how reliable Hyundais are. The i20 performs really well in reliability surveys and owner satisfaction studies, and if problems do crop up the car is usually cheap to repair.
The Hyundai has a fourstar rating from the safety experts at Euro NCAP, and while some rivals go one better with the full five stars, a score of four out of five is still very respectable.
From the driver’s seat, the i20 is very easy to get on with – just what you want from a first car. The light controls make for easy
manoeuvring, and the soft suspension makes the i20 very comfortable.
It’s practical as well as comfy. Passengers won’t feel cramped in the back seats, and the boot is big enough for festival camping gear. It also makes a very good car for anyone with a young family to take care of.
There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The diesels are best for fuel economy, but you'll be able to afford a newer, lower mileage car if you stick with petrol. The 75PS 1.2-litre petrol is the cheapest, achieves decent fuel economy, and sits in Group 4 for insurance. That should make for an reasonable premium.
KIA PICANTO
(2017-)
Euro NCAP safety rating
Three stars/Four stars with safety pack
Insurance From Group 4
At The Parent’s Guide, we’ve always been big fans of the Kia Picanto. It’s great value as a used car and, thanks to impressive
fuel economy and low cost insurance, it will be cheap to run. The Picanto is cheerful as well as cheap, with good looks, a nippy drive, and lots of equipment.
The little Kia is reliable, while the seven-year warranty should guard against unexpected bills.
There are plenty around, so you and your child can be picky about colour and spec.
SKODA CITIGO
(2011-2019)
Euro NCAP safety rating Three stars (2019)
Insurance From Group 1
Take off the Skoda badges, and the Citigo is much the same car as the Volkswagen Up. You get the same cheap-to-run, fun-
to-drive car, but expect to pay a little less than you would for a VW. There’s more space inside than you’d think from the outside, and the Skoda is extremely reliable.
Look for an early car, and used prices start from under £3000. That's a keen price for such a dependable first car. More recent examples are still good value.
what you need to
LONDON’S ULTRA LOW EMISSIONS ZONE (ULEZ) expanded on 29 August 2023. From this date on it has covered all London boroughs.
If your child lives in London, or plans to head into the capital, they will be charged unless their car meets the required emissions standard:
❏ A petrol car must meet the Euro 4 standard (NOx)
❏ A diesel car must meet Euro 6 (NOx and particulate matter)
❏ Electric cars are exempt.
You can check if a car meets the standard by entering the reg at tfl. gov.uk/modes/driving/ check-your-vehicle.
If your child drives an older car that doesn’t meet the standard they can still drive in London, but will have to pay £12.50 per day. That’s on top of the Congestion Charge, which is £15 per day.
Many other cities have low emissions zones. If there’s one where you live, check what the requirements are and don’t buy a car unless you know it’s green enough to avoid any daily charge.
, 518
OF PRIZES TO BE WON
Enter for free to win one of 2,473 instant prizes worth over £51,000. Everyone’s automatically entered into our annual ‘Win A Car’ prize draw to win a brand-new Renault Clio worth £19,395 in partnership with Veygo.
Veygo offers flexible car insurance for learners, newly qualified and experienced drivers. Whether you own your own car or you’re borrowing someone else’s, you can get cover in minutes for as little or as long as you need.
INSTANT PRIZES INCLUDE
X 360 Official DVSA Theory Test Kit subscriptions
X 1,000 BOTB £5 Vouchers
X 200 annual subscriptions to onlinedrivinglessons.co.uk
Toyo Tires
X 180 Confident Drivers’ Nervous driver’s calming kit
X 1 8 TomTom sat navs
X 600 Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 apps
X 4 se ts of Toyo Tires
X 80 £20, £30 or £40 vouchers towards Road Angel dash cams
X 20 Retroscents assorted car air fresheners
... look after a car. Following these simple tips will help your new driver to stay safe and save money!
HOW TO...
CHOOSE BREAKDOWN COVER HOW TO...
It makes sense to have cover in case a car breaks down, as even simple faults can be costly to fix. Don’t just go for the cheapest breakdown policy, though. Here’s what to look for...
● Make sure the package covers everything your child needs. Some include homestart (fixing the car if it breaks down at home), some don’t.
● Don’t pay for something your child won’t use. There’s no point in having European cover if your new driver never expects to leave the UK.
● If your child drives more than one car, consider a breakdown package that covers them personally rather than a specific car.
HOW TO...
CHARGE AN EV
● Ideally, you and your young driver should charge an EV using a home charger. This is cheaper than using the public charging network. A 3kW wallbox charger is generally cheaper to install than one rated at 7kW, but a more powerful charger will take less time to top-up the car’s battery.
● Make sure you are using a dedicated EV charger. It’s possible to recharge from a domestic three-pin socket, but this will take a very long time and household sockets aren’t always rated for heavy use over several hours.
● Don’t fully charge the battery unless you are about to go on a long journey. Charging to 80% is better for the longterm performance of the battery.
● Look for an electricity tariff that makes
HOW TO...
overnight charging cheaper than in the day, and recharge the car while the family is asleep.
● Ask your new driver to download a mapping app like Zap-Map to their phone. This will help find nearby chargers if they need to recharge away from home.
● There are lots of different public networks. It’s worth finding which ones have chargers on your family’s regular driving routes, and setting up accounts with several companies.
SAVE MONEY ON FUEL
● Encourage your child to obey the speed limit. Not only is speeding unsafe, it burns more fuel which is bad for the environment and their bank balance. Driving at 80mph rather than 70mph on the motorway uses 10% more fuel, according to the Department for Transport.
● Ditch the clutter. Leaving a roof rack, bike carrier or roof box on a car will hit fuel consumption hard.
● Encourage smooth driving.
Instead of stamping on the throttle or brake, recommend being gentle with the controls and anticipating other road users.
● Find more hacks and tips at firstcar.co.uk .
Learner driver insurance
Reasons to insure with Adrian Flux
Comprehensive policies available for vehicles up to insurance group 45. Policies can be arranged on either your own car or a policy in your name on a parent’s car.
Any claim will be settled on the learner driver’s insurance policy and will not affect the no claims bonus of the vehicle owner’s insurance.**
Cover can be taken out on a monthby-month basis, so you only pay for the cover you need before passing your test.
Upon passing your test, the FluxScore policy can cut your renewal premiums down by up to 60%, saving you money by rewarding safe driving. And, unlike most black box policies, there is no curfew, meaning you can drive at any time without restrictions.
