Learner and new driver insurer partners with under 17s driving school on telematics cover

Niche motor insurer MyFirst – which serves the learner, new and young driver market – has partnered with driving school Young Driver to offer a discounted telematics insurance product that automatically pivots from learner coverage to a new driver policy, without premium hikes, once a young person has passed their driving test.

Established in 2009, Young Driver teaches those aged under 17 how to drive – based on the premise that learning how to drive over a longer time period creates safer future drivers for the UK’s roads.

For example, children aged nine or above with a height of at least 1.4 metres can drive a dual controlled Suzuki Swift on Young Driver’s private land, which has been designed to mimic a realistic road system with road signs, junctions and car parks.

Young Driver, which operates across 75 venues in the UK, also provides electric vehicle driving tuition for those aged between four and nine, as well as driving experiences for 10 to 17-year-olds.

The driving school’s partnership with MyFirst means that its students can take out a telematics-based learner driver insurance policy for their own car – with a £50 introductory discount – and start earning a no claims discount from day one. Upon passing their driving test, the young person’s policy automatically switches to new driver coverage, with no additional admin fees or costs.

Running alongside the insurance provision, is a proactive intervention policy that aims to encourage safer driving and reduce road collisions.

James Noble, chief executive at My First, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Young Driver.

“[It is leading the market] in helping young people gain valuable early driving experience and, like us, [it shares] a commitment to building skills and confidence from the very start of a driver’s journey.

“Our aim is to make the insurance process straightforward and easy for young drivers and their parents, removing confusing insurance jargon and ensuring they can speak directly with our friendly team whenever they need support.”

Affordable cover

Young Driver claimed that its students are 62% more likely to pass their driving test first time, with 84% of this cohort being less likely to be involved in a crash during the first six months after gaining their full driving licences.

Ian Mulingani, managing director at Young Driver, added: “The cost of car insurance can be prohibitive for many young people, but our new partnership with MyFirst builds on Young Driver students’ training and allows them to use the skills they’ve already acquired to bring down the cost of their premium – and that starts with a £50 introductory discount.

“We will be announcing another insurance partnership to work in tandem with MyFirst’s very soon.”