You do not have to be a fully licensed driver in order to get car insurance. In fact, there is auto insurance with learners permit available under certain conditions. What are those exceptional conditions? Let’s begin by understanding what a “learner’s permit” is.

What is A Learner’s Permit?

Get Car Insurance with Learners Permit and How it Works

A learner’s permit is designed as a stepping stone towards a full license. In essence, this provides new drivers with the privilege to get behind the wheel and start driving. Please note, this requires a supervisor (i.e. licensed driver) to be on hand at all times. The progressive driving system is designed as a way to breed quality drivers.

A provisional license is usually granted to teenagers once they’ve passed both the written and driving examination.

In most states there is a Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) system that means teens will go through two to three or more permits before reaching the final stage of getting a fully fledged driver’s license.

Each state will vary when it comes to the minimum requirements for earning a driver’s permit.

What Do You Need To Qualify?

Although the exact procedure varies from state to state, most states require the following for you to get a learner’s permit.

  • You must be at least 15 years old
  • Pass a driver’s education course, at least the classroom part.
  • Visit your local DMV or equivalent
  • Fill out the application
  • Provide proof of identity: Usually a social security card, birth certificate, and enrollment of school
  • Passing written test
  • Pay fees

Once you have completed all of the above, you will receive your learner’s permit either right after paying the fee or in the mail depending on the state in which you live.

Documents Required:

Generally speaking, you will need to bring with you three things; [very important]

  • Social Security Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Proof of Enrollment at School

If you are past the age of secondary school, then you will only need to bring the two recommended forms of identification, the birth certificate, and social security card. Some states recognize alternative forms of identification such as a military I.D., but all states recognize the social security card and birth certificate for identification purposes.

What Can You Do:

It allows a person to operate the vehicle if there is a licensed driver sitting in the front passenger seat. Essentially, the provisional license is similar in function to a standard driver’s license with the restriction of requiring a licensed driver present in the front passenger seat to offer guidance and take over the vehicle when necessary.

Can You Really Get Auto Insurance With A Learner’s Permit?

Getting car insurance with learner’s permit is possible. But it doesn’t quite work the same as those who are fully insured. However, it should be noted the car insurance can be accomplished simply by extending the parent’s policy to the teen.

However, once the teen does become a fully licensed driver they will need their own car insurance policy.

Still it is possible to insurance for teens if it is not practical for them to be on the parents’ policy. You will need to ask the insurance company about the type of coverage that they offer which may or may not include those with just a learners permit. In addition, you may want to ask an independent insurance agent because they represent several different companies which offer a much better chance for buying car insurance with a learner’s permit.

How Does Learner’s Permit Car Insurance Work?

Essentially, it works in the same basic manner of standard car insurance save for the restrictions of the permit itself. This means that in order for the insurance to be active, the person with the learner’s pass must be accompanied by a licensed driver at all times.

You will need to inform the insurance company that someone with a learner’s permit is being added. This is because without notification, the insurance will not go into effect if they are involved in an accident.

Is learner’s permit insurance more expensive?

You may find it necessary to purchase insurance for teens which means that it will most likely be more expensive than standard auto insurance if only because of the inexperience of the driver. In this case you will need to look for deductions that can lower the cost of the premiums such as the following;

  • Driver’s Education Course (for example, defensive driving course)
  • Making Good Grades
  • Driving a Vehicle with a High Safety Rating
  • Choosing Liability & Uninsured Motorist Over Comprehensive Coverage

Of course, you can also choose a higher deductible as part of the car insurance with learner’s permit to lower the overall rate that is being paid. In the end, if the teen with the consent can be added to their parents’ policy that will most likely be the best choice. However, there is always the option of purchasing the insurance separately if that results in getting a better rate.

Can You Purchase A Car With A Learner’s Permit?

Having a learner’s permit is exciting but is it enough to purchase a vehicle?

This is an important question for new drivers and it’s best to have a proper answer beforehand. No one wants to go to a car dealership, pick out a car, and be left with nothing at the end!

This read will analyze the nuances of this question and pinpoint whether or not it’s possible to buy a vehicle with your temporary driving license.

State Laws

With this in mind, let’s move to the next point.

Can you go out and finance a car with only a learner’s permit in hand?

Yes, you can own a vehicle under your name but it has to be accompanied by a fully licensed holder. This means you cannot own a vehicle as a sole owner as that’s illegal. As long as a fully licensed driver is listed on the ownership papers and insurance plan, it’s okay to purchase a vehicle. The ownership can be shifted over as soon as the full license is obtained.

In special cases, it’s possible to own a vehicle without another driver (i.e. in Florida). Florida law states a vehicle can be purchased under your name as long as there’s valid insurance coverage in place. Most insurance agencies will give a 30-day window upon approval for the learner’s permit to be upgraded to a full license.

Please note, this may lead to a higher premium on the insurance coverage due to the added risk being taken on by the agency.

Follow Restrictions

It’s important to understand the regulations and how to follow them while holding a learner’s permit.

For example, there is an age limit in all states and it’s highly recommended to obtain a full license beforehand. In addition to the age-based restrictions, a new driver will be asked to drive with a supervised license holder and within specific hours. If these rules are not followed, the learner’s permit can be revoked as it is a privilege.

Please take the time to do your own research and understand the nuances of this process. It will take a few minutes to understand and it’s best to break things down in advance. This will ensure everything is in order and the right decision is made.

If necessary, it’s best to purchase the vehicle under your name and then transfer it to a fully licensed driver until further notice.

Do You Need Insurance With A Learner’s Permit?

The typical person with a learner’s pass does not have the qualifications to own car insurance. Insurance companies require an individual who has a driver’s license to own the auto insurance. This means that those with such permit are operating a vehicle that is insured by the one with the driver’s license who usually sits in the front passenger seat such as the parent.

However, it is also permissible for another person with a driver’s license to sit in the front passenger seat if the person who owns the insurance is present in the vehicle or if the driver or passenger are covered under the insurance policy itself.

For example,

The sibling of the person with the provisional license can sit in the front passenger seat if they have a driver’s license and are covered under their parent’s policy.

Learner’s Permit vs. Driver’s License:

In most states, a learner’s permit functions in the same manner as a standard driver’s license. Both allow for the operation of a standard car or truck and both can be used as identification since they require two forms of ID to acquire.

The main difference is that a learner’s permit requires that a person with a driver’s license be present in the front passenger seat.