An instrument for holding and inserting a bone anchor into the bone is provided, wherein the bone anchor comprises a shank for anchoring in the bone and a head； the instrument comprising: a holding member for holding the head of the bone anchor and comprising at least two arms configured to at least partially encompass the head, wherein the at least two arms comprise an inner surface forming a seat for the head； a drive shaft for engaging the head of the bone anchor and defining a longitudinal axis of the instrument； and a displacement member configured to act onto the holding member such that the holding member can assume a first configuration in which it is configured to permit the head to enter the seat and a second configuration in which it is configured to hold the head in the seat.
