Key takeaways
- You don't need your own insurance for lessons in a driving school car — the school's insurance covers you.
- To practise in a family or friend's car you must be insured, often with a learner driver policy.
- Most learner policies end when you pass — you'll need a new policy to drive alone.
- Driving uninsured can mean penalty points, a fine and your licence at risk.
Lessons with SQ
When you're learning in an SQ Driving School car, you're covered by the car's driving school insurance — you don't need to buy anything.
Practising in someone else's car
To practise privately you must be insured for that car. Common options are:
- A short-term or standalone learner driver policy — covers you without affecting the owner's no-claims bonus in many cases.
- Being added to the owner's policy as a learner — check how a claim would affect their premium.
Compare policies carefully: check excess, who can supervise and whether the cover ends automatically when you pass.
When you pass
Learner cover usually ends the moment you pass. Arrange a new policy before you drive alone — even the drive home from the test centre.
Why it matters
Driving without insurance is a serious offence that can lead to penalty points and a fine. For new drivers, six points within two years of passing means losing your licence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance for driving lessons?
Can I drive home after passing on my learner insurance?
Sources
This guide is general information, checked against the official sources above on 9 October 2026. Rules and figures can change — always check GOV.UK before booking or travelling.