Best First Cars for New Drivers in the UK

07 Apr 2025

Best First Cars for New Drivers in the UK (2025 Guide)

Getting your first set of wheels is a major milestone! There are so many options out there for first-time drivers, but it can be difficult to know where to start and what to look out for if you’ve not had experience searching before. 

In this guide, we’ll go over the top five best cars for first-time drivers as of 2025. Our recommendations are based on reliability ratings from UK-based motoring sources (like What Car? and Auto Express), insurance group data, and feedback from real-world drivers to give you well-rounded information. 

We know that when you’re looking for a first car, some things are more important than others - like reliability, ease of driving and safety! Of course,  the cost of a car is an important consideration for drivers too, old and new, so we’ve taken running costs and insurance premiums into account too. 

What Are The Best First Cars in The UK?

As a new driver, you might want to choose a smaller car that’s easy to navigate and park as you continue to build your confidence on the road. This should also keep insurance premiums lower, and if you choose to finance a car, smaller cars typically cost less, too, so it’s a win-win!

Here are our top 5 choices for the best small cars for first-time drivers:

1. Toyota Aygo

This is a really solid option for a first car, it’s great to park as it has a tiny wheelbase. It’s rated highly by new drivers for being fuel-efficient, and as it typically comes into a low insurance group, the running costs are lower too.

At-a-glance:

-Insurance Group: 1–10.

-MPG: 50-55+.

-Road Tax: £76+ (higher for newer models).

2. Hyundai i10

A hidden gem in the city car class with excellent reliability. It also has nimble handling, making it simple to park and manoeuvre. 

At-a-glance:

-Insurance Group: 1-7.

-MPG: 40-50+.

-Road Tax: £20+ (higher for newer models).

3. Volkswagen Polo

A long-standing favourite of new and experienced drivers. You can expect smooth driving with this reliable car and it’s also a pretty stylish option! Although it feels like a bigger car, it’s only a 1.2-litre engine. 

At-a-glance:

-Insurance Group: 1–3.

-MPG: 40-50+.

-Road Tax: £30-35+ (higher for newer models).

4. Vauxhall Corsa

A popular choice for new drivers, given how affordable it can be compared to other options. This car is a really practical choice and had good safety ratings too. It’s one of the best cheap first cars to maintain, too, as parts are generally easy to find.

At-a-glance:

-Insurance Group: 1-3.

-MPG: 45–65+.

-Road Tax: £30-35+ (higher for newer models).

5. Fiat 500

Another popular choice for first-time drivers. It’s an attractive car, inside and out! Available with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, this is also an economical choice. It also scores points for the compact size!

At-a-glance:

-Insurance Group: 3-21.

-MPG: 40–60+.

-Road Tax: £20-90+ (higher for newer models).

General Tips for Buying Your First Car

When considering options for your first car, you might want to consider the following:

-Insurance groups: Cars in the lowest group are typically the cheapest to insure.

-Fuel efficiency: Cars with a good MPG rating are usually a good choice for low costs.

-Manual or Automatic: Some people find automatic cars easier to drive, but the choice is down to personal preference.

-Reliability: It's a good idea to check consumer reports for your chosen car to see if there have been common issues reported with that particular car model.

-Tax band: Choose a lower tax band, you can usually find this with cars registered before April 2017.

-Car size: A compact car offers so many benefits, especially if you live in a city, but most importantly, it’s usually easier to park!

-Car shape: Another important consideration is the overall shape of your car body.

-Black box: Consider black box insurance to lower your premiums as a first-time driver.

Buying a Used Car as a New Driver

If you’re thinking about financing a used car (a very wise choice!), here are some helpful tips to guide you:

-Choose a vehicle with a full service history.

-Steer clear of heavily modified cars.

-Ask for a test drive.

-Check for any outstanding finance or write-offs.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best first car is up to you! Features that work for one driver might not necessarily work for another. Just make sure that whatever you choose is reliable, easy to drive, and within your budget. A first car doesn’t need to be flashy, it just needs to get you from A to B.

So, now that you’ve got your license, it’s time to hit the road and enjoy your independence! If you need car finance for your first car, see how much you could potentially borrow from one of our trusted lenders using our free car finance calculator. 

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Editorial Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or any other company. This article has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these organisations. NB: The information on this page does not constitute financial advice, please do your own research to ensure that the product/service is right for your individual circumstances.