What Car? Q&A - How can a young driver cut his premium?

Q: I passed my driving test a year ago but the cost of my insurance is still very high. I haven’t had any accidents and my licence is clean, so what can I do?
Andrew Muirhead

A: One way to reduce your insurance premium would be to take the Pass Plus driving course (www.passplus.org.uk). This is an instruction course designed to help newly qualified drivers gain experience in different driving conditions, including all weathers, motorways, in and out of towns, country roads and night driving. As with standard driving lessons, the cost of instruction will depend on your instructor’s standard charge.

There is no test to take at the end of the course and you could be entitled to reductions of up to 25% off your insurance premium. Insurance companies offering discounts to Pass Plus certificate holders include Direct Line, Norwich Union, Churchill and CGNU. Comparison websites such as Confused.com will help you find the lowest quote quickly.

Norwich Union also has a pay-as-you-drive scheme for young motorists which could also cut your costs. You’ll pay per mile, but cough up more (£1 a mile) between 11pm and 6am when you’re more likely to be involved in an accident.

You’ll also have to shell out £199 for a black box to record each of your journeys, but Norwich Union reckons you’ll quickly recover this in savings. Find out more at www.norwichunion.com.