The short answer is that you can own a car even if you only have a provisional licence. If you’d rather learn to drive in your own car than with an instructor, you can start taking driving lessons as soon as you turn 17 years old in your own car.

However, if you plan on going out and driving, rather than just keeping the car to use after you‘ve passed your test, you’ll need a family member, friend or instructor.

If a family member is going to accompany you, they must:

• be over 21
• be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in, for example, they must have a manual car licence if they’re supervising you in a manual car
• have had their full driving licence for 3 years (from the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein)

Buying a car with a provisional licence

If you’re a new driver, we always recommend purchasing a second-hand car the first time around. Brand new cars not only cost a lot, but they lose value quickly too, and with a second-hand car, it doesn’t matter if it gets a few dings or dents.

Because you won’t have a full licence, you won’t be able to test drive any cars, so bring someone along who has passed their test, and you can ride in the passenger seat with them. 

It’s also worth bearing in mind that if you want to buy your car on finance, you need to be 18 years old to do this. If you’re 18 or under, you’ll need to have a parent apply on your behalf, and the car will be registered with them. The insurance would be in your name, and your parent would be referred to as a named driver on the vehicle.

This brings us to the next piece of important information you need to know if you’re buying a car with a provisional licence – you can’t drive away from the dealership or wherever you’ve bought the car from without insurance. You also must ensure it has a valid MOT certificate and is registered and taxed.

Also, ensure you’re accompanied by someone with a full driving licence and your ‘L’ plates are properly displayed. 

Can I get car insurance with a provisional licence?

Ensure the car you’ve bought is insured before driving away in it or learning in it.

You’ll need learner insurance if you own your car and only have a provisional licence.

Your premium will likely be high due to your inexperience with driving and is based on the type of car you drive, where you live and what kind of security you have. This is why it’s a good idea to opt for a smaller-engine car, such as a Kia Picanto or Nissan Micra or find a policy that involves having a black box fitted to your car.