I moved to Manchester about 8 years ago a week after failing my first driving test. Failing wasn't an issue, I planned on returning to my lessons and take a retest when I moved back to Bury. What was intially mean't to be a four week temporary move changed in to an 8 year permanent move which put "extras" such as driving on the back burner.

I have never minded not being able to drive, however this Christmas I decided I would take a block of lessons using my Christmas Bonus from work and pass my test. I did, I managed to pass on March 1st 2011 with only 4 minors, it was great. The issue then arose when I was trying to get insured on our car.

Whilst I was learning, I attempted to be put on Matthew's insurance so I could drive as "extra credit", the insurance company wouldn't allow this as I didn't have a full license () - well no, I don't  - I'm learning idiots! Never mind, Mum tried to get me on hers to drive her car when I am in Bury (every two weeks), her insurance company doesn't insure anyone under the age of 30! So, when I passed my test, the first thing we did was call up Matthew's insurance company who said no, they don't insure anyone who hasn't had a full license for 2 years  (See how that changed from when I was learning), so the plan has been since then to change providers when the insurance renewal comes up so I can drive.

That happens on July 1st! In 4/5 days (depending on how you count days). From Friday July 1st I am legally allowed to drive the car. I am so looking forward to it! As a "new" driver, I don't have any restrictions, but I have got an extra excess on our policy for me only, for the first year of my license I have an additional £150 to pay if I am in an accident (total £400) - suffice to say I don't plan on being in any, but it will be very expensive if I do 

I always said when I learned to drive, I would pay the difference between the policy price of Matthew on his own and then adding me on the policy. This turned out to be £20 difference for the whole year - in my favour! The policy was actually cheaper with me on it!  So, I was generous and paid the deposit on the insurance instead.

I understand how insurance prices have increased over the years and some insurers are trying to cover their backs but how are people expected to learn to drive (lessons aren't cheap) and practice their driving if you won't insure learner drivers? I wouldn't have minded paying a little extra excess, or only being able to drive between certain hours, but an outright stop on them? That is ridiculous! And to not accept new licensees as additional drivers (again with restrictions or extra excesses) is a bit daft. How exactly am I mean't to improve my driving, if I can't drive?!

A lot of couples have "issues" when they can both drive (and only have one car) - who takes the car and when etc,. I am lucky as I work from home so I will have the car most days. I will be taking Matthew to the tram stop and he can go off from there. As for going out, I have said that I will drive *to* places and then Matthew can drive back. This might seem unfair to some people, but as Matthew doesn't drink... why waste a good night out!

Anyway, as I have said, from Friday I will be insured, I really am excited about it. Already planning on going to Bristol, although I am not sure if I will be driving there yet - we'll see. I hope I haven't bored you and you have enjoyed my post.

Joe