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Well our youngest passed her practical test on Thursday, first time around, so she is really chuffed.   Only turned 17 this Feb and started taking lessons in March.

Well I approached our insurers (we have 2 cars, both Land Rovers I know) and was told they wouldn't insure her on our policy until she was over 21.   Not surprised really but I was only asking for them to insure her to drive our older Freelander, which is now 11 years old, and hardly boy racer material.  BTW she will be able to handle this, she's a natural.

Then started shopping around for quotes, as obviously we will need to change insurance companies to be able to put her on our polcy as a named driver and WOW the premiums are ridiculous.   Over £1300 to drive a car worth less than that!

Any suggestions as to what is the best way forward.  She's so pleased at having passed the test and now seems faced with a brick wall as far as the costs are concerned, not buying a little "runner" car but the cost of insurance.  Help.

Once they pass, the premiums skyrocket.  It's cheaper to insure them on a provisional when they are learning, as they need a qualified driver to supervise. 

Because of her age we enquired with her instructor if it would be worthwhile doing the Pass Plus course but it makes such a little difference to the premiums, it wasn't worthwhile.

After all the effort of taking lessons and passing the test, it seems such a kick in the teeth.  She's not even being given the chance to prove she is a safe driver because of her age (so the insurance companies are telling me).

Our first thought was to buy her a small runner, Corsa, Kia or such like, so that she could start building up her own NCB but the cost runs into thousands because she is only 17 and has just passed her test.   Then we thought we should be the registered keeper but put her down as the main driver but this made little, if any, difference.

I know newly qualified drivers are high risk and expect they should pay more but these premiums are just way off the scale. 

Now looking into what is involved in having the black box fitted ... Co Op scheme seems to be about the best we have looked at so far. 

Looking at all the options, seems best that we buy her a little car as a runaround and then get a black box fittted...Co op seems best deal so far.

Question now is, what is the chepaest little car to insure?   We have quotes on Kia and Corca but any suggestions from anyone with past experience on here would be appreciated.

Her ideal little car would be a classic Mini but the premiums are prohibitive.