Several years ago my 25-year-old son applied for a provisional driving licence to use as a cheaper form of ID to his passport. He recently started to take driving lessons for the first time and asked if he could be put on my car insurance.

But when I contacted my insurer, Age UK, I was told that I couldn't add him to the policy as he has held his provisional licence for more than two years. I was told that many other underwriters took a similar view. Can this be right?

My other son is at university and similarly needs a form of ID. Do I tell him to find an alternative to prevent this problem in the future? AH, London

As you say, lots of teenagers get provisional licences for the sole reason of using them as ID, partly in response to the absurd cost of getting a passport in this country.

The Association of British Insurers told us that, as far as it is aware, this is not an industry-wide issue, although we came across a few other companies taking a similar view to your insurer.

We asked Age UK about your case and it confirmed this is its policy but said it is now looking at changing it, partly in response to your letter. A spokeswoman says she will now contact you to offer a quote if you still wish to add your son as an additional driver.

Age UK says the rule was put in place in 1999 because it could indicate the driver was having difficulty passing a driving test or was not confident enough to take one.

"We have now decided to review this rule to check if it's still appropriate and ensure we're aligned with the market.

"While this review is ongoing we'll assess each inquiry on a case-by-case basis," she says.

Meanwhile, if your insurer won't accept a driver in these circumstances, shop around. Chances are that another will, says the ABI.

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