Learner drivers and named drivers

corbyboy

If somebody is insured on a car as a provisional driver I understand that somebody who has been driving for 5 years or more must accompany them.

My question is does the accompanying driver have to be insured on the car as well or is it enough to just accompany them? If so, is it enough for them to just be a named driver?

Thanks a lot for your help.

anewman

I think learner drivers can be insured outright in their own name by some insurers but the cost will probably be high.

Which ever way it works out it is probably cheaper, and better value for money, just getting lessons.

corbyboy

I apologise, I don't think I explained it very well.

I am the main driver of the car. My wife is currently taking lessons and I want to have her as a provisional, named driver on the car so she can do some extra driving.
I have only been driving for a couple of years so I cannot supervise her when she drives. Her sister has been driving for long enough so she is able to supervise her.
Does her sister have to be insured on the car too and, if so, is it acceptable for her to just be a named driver?

cajef

If you are teaching someone to drive you will need to have L-Plates clearly displayed, appropriate insurance for the learner and you must have held your licence for a minimum of 3 years and be at least 21 years old. Both the Learner and the accompanying supervising passenger must be covered by the vehicle's Insurance.

As you are the main driver your sister and wife will have to be named drivers on your insurance.

Edit:- In view of post #5 below, the easy way to find out the legal position is to check with your insurance company.

flea72

no, they dont have to be insured on your car. as long as they are old enough, and held a licence for long enough, then anyone can sit next to a learner driver.

however, some insurance companies require the 'supervisor' to have car insurance. but then again, most people who have a driving licence, have a car/insurance, so its not like you need a seperate insurance.

however, as your wife is a learner driver, is may be worth adding her sister as a named driver, as it covers any ambiguity, should an accident occur, and also means should you wife loose her nerve at any point, her sister can take over, without any worry about being covered. you may also find that adding an additional experienced driver to the policy, could bring the premium down too

Flea