Motorists across the UK could be missing out on massive savings on their car insurance, all because of a simple mistake made during the driving test. According to a seasoned driving instructor, a single piece of advice could be the key to unlocking cheaper premiums and becoming a safer driver.
Graham MacKenzie, a driving instructor with years of experience, has taken to social media to share a pearl of wisdom that many learner drivers overlook. He claims that insurance companies pay close attention to one specific detail on your driving licence.
The Secret Is In The Code
MacKenzie explains that the trick isn't about how you parallel park or perform an emergency stop. Instead, it's about ensuring you have the right manual transmission entitlement on your licence.
Many new drivers who learn in an automatic car are issued a licence that only permits them to drive automatic vehicles. This, according to MacKenzie, is a costly error.
Why This Costs You Money
The logic is simple. Insurance providers view drivers with a full manual licence as more competent and versatile. Being restricted to automatics severely limits your options and can lead to significantly higher insurance quotes.
"You are limiting yourself to about 20% of the cars available to buy," MacKenzie stated. This lack of choice forces new drivers into a more expensive insurance bracket.
How To Get It Right
The solution is straightforward: learn to drive and take your test in a manual car. Even if you eventually plan to drive an automatic, passing your test in a manual vehicle gives you the full entitlement, keeping your options open and your insurance costs down.
MacKenzie's video resonated with thousands, with many commenting that they wished they had known this sooner. One user lamented, "I have an automatic licence and my insurance is so much more expensive."
This expert insight serves as a crucial reminder for all learner drivers: sometimes, the smallest detail on a document can have the biggest impact on your wallet.
