A Good Car for New Drivers: 5 Models to Choose From!

Last updated on: November 18, 2024

If you are a new driver and you are looking to purchase a new car, you may feel spoiled for choice. There are so many great cars for new drivers, both budget-friendly and intuitive to drive. But first things first, what makes a good car for new drivers? In this blog, we are going to find out exactly that.

What’s Important in a Good Car for New Drivers?

When it comes to choosing a car new drivers will love, several factors are important to ensure safety, affordability, and ease of use. Here are some key considerations:

Safety Features: Opt for a car with advanced safety features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), airbags, and traction control. These features can greatly enhance the safety of new drivers on the road.
Size and Maneuverability: A compact or midsize car for new drivers is generally recommended due to their easier manoeuvrability and better visibility. Avoid overly large or bulky vehicles that may be challenging to handle, especially in tight spaces.
Reliability and Maintenance: Look for a car with a good reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. New drivers should focus on building their skills and confidence rather than dealing with frequent breakdowns or expensive repairs.
Cost Efficiency: Consider a car for new drivers that offers decent fuel efficiency to help new drivers save on fuel costs. Keep in mind the purchase price, financing options, and overall affordability of the car, including factors like insurance and maintenance, which are all important factors for younger new drivers.
User-Friendly Technology: Look for cars equipped with user-friendly technology features such as a responsive infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and intuitive controls. These features can enhance convenience and reduce distractions while driving.
Insurance Costs: Research the potential insurance costs associated with the car you’re considering. New drivers often face higher insurance premiums, so choosing a car with lower insurance rates can help keep overall expenses more manageable. We are going to discuss the insurance factor for new drivers in the next section.

Remember, it’s essential for new drivers to gain experience and build confidence gradually. Taking driving lessons, practising in various road conditions, and adhering to traffic rules are equally important factors in becoming a safe and responsible driver. You can find and compare professional driving instructors on Ezlicence, an online driving lesson booking platform.

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What is the Cheapest Car for Young Drivers to Insure?

The cost of car insurance for new drivers can vary based on several factors, including age, driving experience, location, and the specific insurance provider. However, some good cars for new drivers tend to have lower insurance premiums on average due to factors like their safety features, affordability, and repair costs.

While it’s always recommended to obtain personalised insurance quotes based on your specific circumstances, here are a few car models that are often considered best cars for new drivers, insurance-wise:

Honda Civic is known for its reliability, safety features, and reasonable repair costs, making it a popular choice among new drivers.
Ford Focus offers good safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and a reputation for affordability, both in terms of purchase price and insurance premiums.
Toyota Corolla is a compact car with excellent safety features, reliability, and a wide availability of affordable parts, making it an attractive option for new drivers.
Volkswagen Polo makes a good car for new drivers due to its solid build quality, safety features, and lower insurance costs compared to some other models in its class.
Kia Rio offers good value for its price, with competitive insurance rates and a reputation for reliability which is important for new drivers.

Remember, insurance premiums can vary significantly based on individual factors, so it’s important to obtain insurance quotes from multiple providers and compare them to find the most affordable option for your specific circumstances.

Choosing the Best Car for Driving Test?

Choosing the right car for your driving test is an important step towards ensuring a smooth and successful experience. Here are some tips to help you choose a suitable car for your driving test.

First of all, review the guidelines provided by DVLA to understand any specific requirements or restrictions on the type of car for driving test. You should use a car with properly functioning brakes, lights, tires, and signals, all of which is essential for a successful driving test.

It may sound obvious, but choose a car that you are familiar with and have had sufficient practice driving. Being comfortable and confident in operating the vehicle can positively impact your performance during the driving test.

When you have a choice of car for driving test, consider taking a car that is easy to manoeuvre in different situations, such as parallel parking and three-point turns. Cars with good turning radius and visibility make it easier to navigate through tight spaces and perform various manoeuvres required during the driving test.

For the same reason, opt for a car that is of average size and dimensions. Cars that are too large or too small may pose challenges in terms of visibility, control, and manoeuvrability.

If possible, practice with the same car that you intend to use for the driving test. This will allow you to become familiar with its specific characteristics and handling, giving you an added advantage during the test. Good luck!

5 Suggestions of a Good Car for New Drivers

Still, insurance shouldn’t be the decisive factor. If you are looking for someone to buy your car so you can purchase a newer one for a new driver, look no further as we have compiled a list of best cars new drivers would rave about. Here are our top five best cars for new drivers in the UK.

Toyota Aygo

The compact but mighty Toyota Aygo is a great car for new drivers. The reason why an Aygo is particularly practical for a first-time driver is that it is very small in size which makes it easy to park. Some models of the Toyota Aygo even come with a reversing camera – another wow factor!

If you are a younger driver, then you should be aware that the price of your insurance will be quite high at the start of your driving career. The Aygo really caters to the needs of those who do not want to shell out so much money for car insurance, as their engines are only 1 litre so they are not very fast. However, when it comes to the best car for young drivers, insurance-wise, the slower a car, the lower the insurance is likely to be.

Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa has been a firm favourite for first-time drivers for decades. The Corsa is a car that is small in size and it is very cheap to run. Vauxhall as a brand is known for being affordable, so this good car for new drivers is also ideal for those who don’t want to spend lots of money on purchasing their first car.

However, the latest model of the Vauxhall Corsa has had a complete revamp and it now resembles a small Astra, so it is slightly bigger in size. Still, the Corsa is definitely a great choice for a first-time driver.

Even if you don’t get on with the Corsa later down the line, there is always the option of doing a part-exchange for another model.

Volkswagen Up

Volkswagen claims their Up is a small car with a huge personality, and they are not wrong. This small car has all the sophisticated features that are included in most VW models. This is a good car for new drivers, as this vehicle is comfortable and nippy on the roads.

VW Up is the type of car that you would want to cruise around in with your friends and there is more room in the rear of the vehicle than expected. Speaking of car insurance, it’s usually low on VW Up as this model usually has relatively small engines. This makes Volkswagen Up a good choice for any first-time driver since it should keep the insurance low.

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta closely rivals the Vauxhall Corsa, both of these cars have been the best-selling vehicle in the UK. The Ford Fiesta is a very good car for new drivers because it is small in size, but it is not a microcar, so it is still big enough for passengers to sit comfortably in the back of the car.

The Fiesta is relatively cheap to run and there are different variations of engines that can be purchased, for example, if you want something sportier the Ford Fiesta ST would be a good choice, as it is slightly faster, but it is still rather compact in size. If you are looking for a reliable smaller car, then a Ford Fiesta really is a good choice.

Fiat 500

The Italian-made Fiat 500 has been very popular in the UK in recent years. The car is particularly popular with young females as it is rather cute and fun-looking. The Fiat 500 looks retro in its exterior and it is almost in the shape of a bubble. It also comes in a range of colours, including trending pastel shades.

This car is one of the smallest models of cars that we have listed and because of its size, it is very easy to park. It is likely the Fiat 500 will stay a first-time driver favourite for a very long time and we are definitely recommending this as a good car for new drivers.

Final Thoughts

New drivers tend to go for a smaller car with a small engine as they do not have lots of driving experience and a larger car with a large engine may seem daunting to a new driver.

The cars that we have mentioned are all ideal for first-time drivers. However, each car is unique in its own way. When purchasing a car it is really down to personal preference and it is a good idea to test drive a range of cars to see which one is best for you.