Passing your driving test is an extremely momentous life moment, and something which can unlock an unprecedented amount of freedom both personally and with regard to your career. But, even though well over 500,000 new drivers pass their test each year, not many at all know their way around the cars they drive.

Indeed, it has been found that a great deal of drivers on the road are incapable of basic car maintenance, with more than half reportedly unable to change a car tyre. To learn this as a new driver would be highly advantageous, but no new drivers would be penalised for not knowing their way fully around their car. 

Still, new drivers that are especially green to the world of the automobile might find it harder still to choose their first car. With so many metrics to consider, how can a first-time driver make the right choice? This guide aims to pick out some of the best cars available on the used car market for first time drivers.

Before You Buy…

Whichever car you buy, there will be some constants that you need to understand in terms of maintenance and upkeep. For one, you will need to insure whichever car you buy, and the value or relative safety of the car you choose could impact the cost here positively or negatively. 

With the used market, you may also have to have your car undergo an initial service; if the tyres are worn, a new set of Michelin tyres will see you through for the foreseeable future without having you worrying about seasonal tyre changes or imminent ‘baldness’. In general, you will need to watch the fluids in your new used car too, as problems have the unfortunate capacity to arise after a sale. With all this in mind, which cars are the best in class for the new driver?

Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is an extremely fun hatchback and an extremely popular choice amongst younger drivers. The 500 has a great deal of modern conveniences and a unique retro style that makes it much nicer to behold than other cars at its price point. It is also easy to handle, for drivers less sure of themselves.

Ford Fiesta

The original ‘boy racer’, the Ford Fiesta is a quintessential first car – and has been for over three decades. Today’s Fiestas are markedly safer and more comfortable than the low-cost hatchbacks of yesteryear, but all models have a trademark oomph to them that urban drivers of all ages will recognise instantly. The Fiesta is the perfect budget hatchback for the hard-up young driver.

Toyota Aygo

The Toyota Aygo is a diminutive hatchback, and perhaps the best suited for urban driving of all three vehicles mentioned thus far. Its squat back and low frame make it a dream to handle, and it is fuel efficient to boot.