Learner Driver Insurance
Our team can help learner drivers find the best car insurance policies for them.
What is learner driver insurance?
Learner driver insurance is cover that protects you while practising to drive in a car that you do not yet have a full licence for.
Learner driver insurance provides the protection you need to get comfortable and practise behind the wheel before taking your test. At Howden Insurance Ireland, we help learner drivers find suitable car insurance options so they can feel confident before test day.
Learner driver insurance typically covers:
- Damage to the vehicle following an accident
- Damage to third party vehicles or property
- Protection while driving with a qualified supervisor
It gives you the freedom to build your driving experience safely and legally while you work towards becoming a fully licensed driver.
Benefits of working with us:
- We’re driven to save you time, money, and hassle.
- Benefit from a tailored service that comparison sites can’t provide.
- Speak to your local broker, within your community.
- We’re right by your side in the event of a claim.
Do I need car insurance as a learner driver?
Yes, all learner drivers must have valid car insurance before driving on public roads.
It is a legal requirement for anyone driving in Ireland to be insured, even during supervised practice sessions. If you are having lessons with a professional instructor, their car will typically already be insured. However, if you’re practising in your own car or a borrowed car, you must have your own learner driver car insurance or be added to another person’s policy.
Insurance is required because it:
- Protects you financially if you cause an accident
- Protects the vehicle owner’s No Claims Bonus
- Ensures you are legally compliant on Irish roads
- Gives confidence while practising in real traffic conditions
Howden Insurance can support learner drivers with car insurance quotes that suit different levels of experience and vehicle types.
Who is eligible for learner driver insurance?
Learner driver insurance is available to drivers who hold a valid Irish learner permit and meet standard insurer requirements.
Most learners will qualify with ease, although insurers will set certain criteria. These can include the type of car being used, the age of the learner, and the driving history of the supervising driver.
You are usually eligible if you:
- Hold a current Irish learner permit
- Are practising in a car that meets safety requirements
- Are supervised by a qualified driver who meets the insurer’s criteria
- Have permission from the vehicle owner to use the car
This makes learner driver insurance an accessible option for those who want to build driving experience safely.
How much does learner driver insurance cost?
Learner driver insurance premiums vary widely depending on your circumstances, the car you plan to drive, and the type of cover you choose.
Prices can differ from one insurer to another because each provider calculates risk differently. Learner drivers are considered higher risk due to limited experience, which means premiums tend to be higher compared to older more experienced drivers . The type of cover you choose also plays an important role.
Common factors that could influence the cost of learner driver insurance include:
- The type, age, and engine size of the car
- The age of the learner and the length of time they have held a permit
- The location of the policyholder
- The expected mileage
- Whether the vehicle is privately owned or borrowed
Howden Insurance can help learners compare options and understand how each factor affects pricing so they can make an informed choice.
How can I get a learner driver insurance quote?
You can get a learner driver insurance quote by contacting Howden Insurance Ireland for guidance and tailored options.
We will then need you to provide us with the following:
- Personal information: Full name, date of birth, address where the vehicle is kept overnight.
- Driving details: Driving licence number/details, driving history (claims, convictions, accidents).
- Vehicle information: Registration number, make & model, if there’s been any modifications,how the car/van is used (e.g., social, commuting, business).
- Mileage / usage: Estimated annual mileage.
You can get a car insurance quote and be in touch with a member of our team by clicking the Get a Quote button on our website.
Our team can help you compare policies designed specifically for learner drivers so you understand exactly what is covered. With our support, you can find car insurance policy that gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace.
Who can I learn to drive with?
Do I need separate insurance when learning to drive with a driving instructor?
No, you do not need your own insurance when driving with a professional instructor.
Approved Driving Instructors provide lessons in cars that are already insured for learner use. This means you are automatically covered while taking lessons. Your instructor’s policy protects you and their vehicle throughout the session. You only need your own learner driver insurance if you plan to practise outside of instructor-led lessons.
Can I practice with family or friends as a learner driver?
Yes, you can practise with a family member or friend as long as they meet the legal and insurance requirements.
Practising with someone you know can help you gain confidence between lessons. However, you must ensure you have proper learner driver insurance in place and that your chosen supervisor is fully qualified to sit beside you.
A suitable supervising driver must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a full and valid driving licence for a minimum of two years
- Sit in the front passenger seat
- Be able to take control in an emergency
This combination of proper supervision and the right insurance keeps your practice sessions safe and legal.
Am I able to learn to drive in my own car?
Yes, you can learn to drive in your own car as long as you have valid learner driver insurance.
Many learners like to use their own car because it helps them get used to the vehicle they plan to take their test in. Your own car must be taxed, insured, and display L plates. Howden Insurance can help you find suitable car insurance so you can build experience comfortably in your own vehicle.
Adding a learner driver to an annual policy: how does this work?
How to add a learner driver to a policy – named young driver insurance policies
You can add a learner driver to an existing annual policy by contacting the insurer and requesting the learner be included as a named driver.
This is a popular option for parents who want their children to gain experience in the family car. Once added, the learner can drive the vehicle legally as long as they follow the permit rules.
To add a learner driver, you typically need:
- The learner’s permit details
- Their date of birth and driving history
- Information about how often they will use the car
- Confirmation that they will be supervised
The insurer will then update the policy and issue new documentation confirming the cover.
How much does it cost to add learner driver insurance to my policy?
The cost of adding a learner driver varies depending on the insurer, the driver’s age, the type of car, and how often the learner will use the vehicle. Learners are considered higher risk, so insurers may apply additional charges.
Typical factors that influence cost include:
- The value and engine size of the car
- The learner’s age
- The location of the policyholder
- The amount of expected mileage
- The duration of the learner’s usage
Howden Insurance can help you compare options so you can make the most cost effective choice.
FAQs about learner driver insurance policies
What is the cheapest car insurance for learner drivers?
The cheapest car insurance option for a young driver varies, as the best option depends on how often you plan to practise and the type of car being used.
Are learner drivers insured to drive alone?
No, learner drivers cannot drive alone and must always be supervised by a fully licensed driver who meets the legal requirements.
Do I need insurance for driving lessons or the driving test?
You do not need your own insurance for driving lessons or the driving test when using a professional instructor’s car.
Approved Driving Instructors always provide lessons in cars that are already insured for learner use. This insurance also covers learners during the official driving test if they use the instructor’s car. However, if you plan to take your test in your own car or a family member’s car, you must have valid learner driver insurance in place. The vehicle must also meet the Road Safety Authority’s safety requirements.
If you want to use your own car for lessons or the test, ensure that:
- The car is roadworthy, taxed, insured, and displays L plates
- You have valid learner driver insurance that covers practice and test use
- All vehicle features comply with RSA rules
- You feel confident and safe driving the vehicle
Having the correct insurance and preparation gives you the freedom to learn in a way that suits your confidence and driving style.
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