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Driving Test Booking Rules Changed In 2026 What Driving Instructors Need To Know
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced major changes to the way practical driving tests are booked and managed in 2026.
Insurance
Part-time Instructor: What Insurance Do I Need?
Will regular "business use" insurance be enough if you only teach part-time? The answer is no. As most instructor vehicles have dual controls, regular insurance with business use will not cover you.
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The frequency of instruction does not change the type of insurance required. This article explains how insurers treat part-time instruction. It also covers what insurance you need and how to avoid common misunderstandings.
Part-time instruction still counts as commercial use
A common assumption is that if a car is:
mainly used privately, and
only used for lessons a few hours a week
Why standard car insurance usually isn’t suitable
Most private car policies, even those with “business use”, are designed for:
commuting
visiting clients
occasional work-related travel
They are not designed for:
supervising learner drivers
dual-control vehicles
frequent short journeys with higher accident exposure
test routes and manoeuvre practice
Insurers explicitly separate “driving tuition” from normal business use. Even occasional lessons still introduce these risks.
If you insured the car privately and taught even one lesson, that could be misrepresentation if a claim arose.
Looking for instructor insurance?
We provide bespoke cover designed specifically for the unique needs of driving specialists.
What insurance do part-time instructors actually need?
Whether you teach:
2 hours a week, or
40 hours a week
you generally need a policy that includes:
Driving tuition use
Cover while supervising learner drivers
Appropriate commercial classification (often described as hire and reward or tuition use)
Declared modifications, such as dual controls if fitted
The DVSA also requires that vehicles used for instructor tests and instruction are correctly insured for the purpose. The DVSA does not create insurance policy wording. However, it is clear that instructors must have the right coverage.
Footnotes & References
The following links were used to research and compile the exact 2026 costs, exam details, and figures for this article:
Surepass Driving School: How Much Does It Cost To Become A Driving Instructor
RED Driving School: How Much Does Driving Instructor Training Cost?
Bill Plant Driving School: How much does it cost to learn to drive in the UK?
BG Insurance: Compare Driving Instructor Insurance Quotes
BG Insurance Team
Driving Instructor Insurance Specialists
The BG Insurance Editorial Team writes practical, expert-led content for UK driving instructors, trainee instructors and driving schools. As a specialist driving instructor insurance broker, BG Insurance helps instructors understand their cover, manage risk and protect their business on the road.
Save on your Driving Instructor insurance
Join over 9,000 driving professionals who trust BG Insurance to protect their livelihood.
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