If you’re learning to drive and planning to practise in your own car or a friend or family member’s vehicle, having the right learner driver insurance in place is essential. But what happens if you already have penalty points, endorsements or even a conviction on your provisional licence?
Many learners assume that having points automatically means they will not be able to get insured. The reality is more nuanced. While convictions can make insurance more expensive, and some providers may decline cover, it is still possible to obtain learner driver insurance in certain circumstances.
In this guide, we will explain:
Yes. Holding a provisional licence does not exempt you from motoring laws. As soon as you are behind the wheel, even under supervision, you are responsible for driving legally and safely.
Learner drivers can receive penalty points for offences such as:
For example, using a handheld mobile phone while driving can result in six penalty points, even as a learner. If you later pass your driving test, those points will carry over to your full licence.
Whether you can get insured depends on:
Some insurers are likely to decline cover for learners with certain endorsement codes or more serious convictions. Others may offer cover but charge a higher premium to reflect the perceived increased risk.
At Collingwood Insurance, every learner driver application is assessed against specific underwriting criteria*. While we understand that minor mistakes can happen, there are certain circumstances where we are unable to offer cover.
You will not be eligible for a Collingwood learner driver policy* if any of the following apply:
1. Certain Endorsement Codes (Last 5 Years or Pending)
We are unable to offer cover if you have received, or have pending, any of the following endorsement codes within the last five years*:
These codes generally relate to more serious motoring offences, including careless or dangerous driving, drink or drug-related offences, failing to provide specimen, or serious motorway offences.
2. More Than 6 Penalty Points
If you currently have more than 6 penalty points on your licence, or if any pending convictions would take you over 6 points, we are unable to provide cover.
Penalty points indicate increased risk, and once they exceed this threshold, eligibility becomes significantly restricted.
3. Current Disqualification or Driving Ban
If you are currently disqualified or banned from driving, you will not be able to obtain learner driver insurance until your ban has ended and your licence has been reinstated.
4. Previous Insurance Issues
We are also unable to offer cover if you have:
These situations can indicate increased underwriting risk and affect eligibility.
A conviction is a motoring offence recognised by law. This could include:
Not all convictions are treated equally by insurers. Minor speeding offences are generally viewed differently from more serious offences such as dangerous driving or drink driving.
Convictions typically remain on your driving record for:
You must usually declare unspent convictions when applying for insurance if asked.
Yes, when applying for learner driver insurance, you must answer all questions honestly and accurately which includes questions regarding points or convictions. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, providing false or misleading information can invalidate your policy.
Failing to declare points or convictions could result in:
Even if you believe the offence was minor, always disclose it if asked.
Some insurers might ask about criminal convictions unrelated to driving. While minor non-motoring offences may have limited impact, insurers assess overall risk. A history of fraud-related offences, for example, may raise concerns for insurance providers. Always check the wording of the proposal form carefully and answer truthfully.
Insurance premiums can often be based on risk. Points or convictions can indicate a higher likelihood of future claims, so insurers will adjust pricing accordingly.
Factors that influence the cost include:
Under the rules set out by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), new drivers are subject to a two-year probationary period after passing their test.
If you accumulate six or more penalty points within two years of passing:
Importantly, points gained on your provisional licence count towards this total once you pass your test.
Having points or convictions on your provisional licence does not automatically mean you cannot get learner driver insurance.
However, it does mean:
At Collingwood Insurance, we understand that mistakes can happen. If you meet our eligibility criteria, you may still be able to get the cover you need to continue your driving journey legally and safely.*
*Terms, conditions, eligibility, and underwriting criteria apply.
Commonly asked questions regarding getting learner driver insurance with points or convictions
Yes, in many cases you can. Minor offences such as speeding may still be acceptable to some insurers, depending on when the offence occurred and the endorsement code.
Not necessarily, but your options may be more limited. Some insurers set a maximum of 6 points, while others may decline once you reach that threshold.
Usually, no, because it does not result in points or a conviction. However, always check the insurer’s specific question wording.
If you are currently disqualified, you will not be able to get insurance. Once your ban has ended and your licence is reinstated, you may be able to apply for cover, though premiums are likely to be higher.
Yes. Any valid penalty points remain on your record and count towards the 6-point limit during the two-year new driver probationary period.
Sign up today for exclusive offers, practical guidance, driving tips, and more!
You will be logged out in seconds. Do you want to stay signed in?
