oh God! someone help.

supermum1988

Hello,

Now you are all going to probably laugh me off the forum here but I thought I would give it a go anyway.

So, I'm a complete car phobic (is there an actual word for this?) and I'm only now, at 27 going to learn to drive. I'm not entirely sure what the best way to go about it is so I'm just going to shoot and ask you guys your opinions.

So, my first lesson is on Wednesday. I have a brother who has offered to help me get some extra driving in to get some practice for free (well give him a bit of petrol money here and there). I've been looking around at learner driver insurance and it all seems extortionate. Not entirely sure I'm even looking at the right things. Would it be worth me getting a second hand car and using that for practice or would the money be better spent on lessons? If I was to buy a car and only use it for practice would I need insurance all the time, or just the days/weeks I use it. Would it still be classed as being used if only for practice or would I have to get a SORN.

I am a complete amateur when it comes to cars so any help here would be great.
Thanks

Quentin

If you buy a car it will be much cheaper to insure it all the time whilst you learn.


But do dummy quotes to see what premium you will be paying once you pass (rather than the initial premium you will be charged as a learner) before you make any decisions.


Check out google "learner driver insurance" for driving your brother's car

19lottie82

What do you view as "extortionate"? Is this as an additional driver on your brothers car? What kind of car is it?

Tobs

Hi there, I would just take it in small steps. Rather than going to the expense of insurance/buying a car at this early stage, why not just invest in a few lessons with an instructor you feel confident with (maybe go on personal recommendation?) and see how you get on, then decide from there? Good luck!

benjus

If your brother has a car that he's willing to let you use for practice, he will need to add you as a named driver on his insurance policy. This will almost certainly increase his premium.

If you want to get a car of your own you will have to be the main driver. Have you been looking for specific insurance products for learner drivers or general car insurance comparison websites? Most of the mainstream insurers will cover learner drivers so it doesn't have to be from a specialist provider. Ask your brother (or your parents maybe) if you can add them as a named driver on the insurance policy - this can help to reduce the premium - but the policyholder needs to be you.

To have the car located (even parked) on the public roads you'll need to pay VED (tax) if applicable, and have valid insurance. To drive it you'll also need an MOT if the car is over 3 years old. If you make a SORN declaration you would have to take the car off public roads. You can't practically switch on a day-to-day basis - it's a medium/long term decision to have the car on the road or not.

Quentin

benjus wrote: »

If your brother has a car that he's willing to let you use for practice, he will need to add you as a named driver on his insurance policy.....

Only if he wants to, and is prepared to risk losing his NCD in the event of a claim.


There are other solutions whereby learners can insure someone else's car and it is a separate policy.


Google learner driver insurance

supermum1988

I've been looking at specialist insurers for learner driver cover. My brothers insurance is up at the end of the month so is waiting until then to get a quote with his provider. His car is a Ford Puma. Engine 1596.

So, if my brother was to add me as a named driver, would that mean I'm covered even as a learner?

supermum1988

Quentin wrote: »

Google learner driver insurance

Already done, got a few quotes but looking for recommendations if anyone knows of any decent providers.

Quentin

supermum1988 wrote: »

So, if my brother was to add me as a named driver, would that mean I'm covered even as a learner?

Yes.


Initially only as a learner.


If you want to remain a named driver after you pass there would be a new (larger!) premium required

AdrianC

Quentin wrote: »

If you want to remain a named driver after you pass there would be a new (larger!) premium required

...and whilst that might sound strange, it does make sense. As a learner, of course, you can't drive on your own. You must have a qualified driver with you. Lowish risk. Once you pass your test, you may get cocky, and you're now on your own for the first time. Higher risk.

Find a good instructor, by recommendation, and have a first lesson. If you don't get on with them, find another instructor. Take their advice on practice with your brother - it may get you into bad habits which would make passing more difficult, not easier.

supermum1988

I wouldn't want to remain on his insurance. If I were to buy my own car, would I still need learner insurance or something different?