I’ve passed my theory and I have my practical test booked. What’s the best way to get some more practice without having to fork out for lessons with an instructor?
You can get extra practice driving someone else’s car, perhaps a car owned by a parent or a family friend. You can either do that on their insurance as a named driver or get your own short term learner driver insurance policy. The benefit of that would be that if you did have a prang and you had to make a claim you wouldn’t endanger their no claims discount.
I’ve already bought my own car. Can I get extra lessons in that?
You can get your own car insured as a learner and the policy could cost from under 65p a day*. It’s worth bearing in mind that the year, make and model of the car will all affect the premium. So if the first car is something flash, don’t be surprised if the quotes are high. Adrian Flux offer fully comprehensive learner driver insurance for vehicles up to insurance group 45, valued at less than £20,000.
Can anyone supervise me as a learner driver?
Supervising drivers must be at least 21, have held a full driving licence for a minimum of three years and meet the minimum eyesight standards. They must also ensure the car displays L plates and is safe and in road legal condition. Ultimately, someone supervising a learner driver, is deemed to be in control of the vehicle – even though they are in the passenger seat.
If I pass what happens to my learner insurance policy?
Your learner policy with Adrian Flux only lasts as long as you need it to. When you pass your test the policy will expire and you need to change to a new driver policy. But, as we will already have your details, that is a very swift and painless procedure! We offer great value new driver policies with an app to show you how much you can save by driving safely.
Where can I find out more about passing my test and getting my first motor insurance policy?
Go online and search Adrian Flux Learner Driver Hub. The Hub contains all manner of hints, tips, blogs, videos and guides about passing your test, staying safe and on the move once you get on the road, and finding the best insurance deals.
Adrian Flux offer great insurance rates for new and learner drivers. Cut costs by calling 0800 085 6491.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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”
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.
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.
THE BEST
NEW CARS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS
Our pick of the coolest affordable small cars
RENAULT CLIO
Euro NCAP safety rating
Five stars (2019)
Autonomous emergency
braking Standard
Insurance From Group 14E
DAB Standard
Bluetooth Standard
Apple CarPlay/Android
Auto Standard
We reckon the Renault Clio is one of the best looking small cars around. That doesn’t necessarily make it a great buy, of course, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
Fortunately the Clio ticks
CITROEN C3
Euro NCAP safety rating
Four stars (2017)
Autonomous emergency
braking Max spec
FROM £13,995
lots of sensible boxes as well.
The safety gurus at Euro NCAP awarded the car five stars, with a near-perfect score of 96% for adult occupant protection. In fact, Euro NCAP rated the Clio as the best supermini they tested in 2019.
FROM£17,795
You don’t need to buy an expensive version to get plenty of safety kit. Autonomous emergency braking is standard even if
Insurance 14E
DAB Standard
Bluetooth Standard
Apple CarPlay/Android
Auto
Not listed
Small cars don’t come much cuter than the Citroën C3. There's a choice of monotone and bi-tone finishes which show off the good looks.
you buy the most affordable Clio, with sensors to detect bicycles and pedestrians as well as other cars.
The Clio is now available as a hybrid. Although prices are up, running costs are down.
It’s not just a pretty face. The C3 is one of the cheapest superminis you can buy. The flipside is that it’s not as affordable to insure as some.
Inside, the Citroën’s cabin is just as fresh and original as the outside. All models have a digital radio and Bluetooth as standard, and all but the most basic spec cars have media streaming so young drivers can play music through their smartphone.
To drive, the C3 puts comfort first with a smooth and forgiving ride. It’s easy to drive too – just what you want from a first car.
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.
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.
