Best first cars for new drivers in 2024

When choosing your first car, low running costs are important, especially as car insurance for new drivers is likely to be expensive. 

But you should also look for safe and reliable cars, with several studies showing that new drivers are more likely to crash than experienced motorists.

Below, we’ve selected new and used models at several price points that are safe, dependable and reasonably affordable. Our scoring factors in the results from our extensive and comprehensive lab tests, along with each model’s performance in Euro NCAP crash tests and our annual reliability survey.

By combining these factors, you can trust our reviews to find a first car that’s safe, dependable and easy to live with. We’ve also selected a list of the first cars that should be avoided due to their poor performances in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Get our full verdict on every car we've tested, across all fuel types, with our independent car reviews.

Best first cars under £5,000

At this price, you won't find any new cars. In fact, most will be well over five years old, but our tests and reliability data reveal some are much better than others. 

Bear in mind that older cars won't benefit from the latest safety kit, however. Also, Euro NCAP tests get more stringent over time, so a five-star Euro NCAP rating from 2011 isn't directly comparable to one for a new car in 2023, for example.

Best first cars under £10,000

If your budget can stretch to £10k, you'll be able to include newer cars in your search. However, as we explain later, opting for a more powerful car can impact your insurance premium - especially if you're a new driver.

Best new first cars under £20,000

You won't find our highest-scoring new cars at this price, but stretching to £20k opens up the opportunity to buy a new (or nearly new) car that will benefit from the manufacturer warranty. 

Be sure to check what safety equipment comes as standard, however, as some cars have the latest tech available only as an optional extra (check our reviews for the full picture).

First cars to avoid

Any car that scores three stars or fewer in Euro NCAP's crash tests is automatically named a Which? Don't Buy. We recommend you avoid these at all costs.

Cheap car insurance for first drivers

Car insurance has always been pricier for inexperienced drivers as they're considered more likely to be involved in a car accident, but there are a few ways you can lower your premiums. Our guide on learner driver insurance explains more.

• Consider taking out 'black box' car insurance. Also known as telematics, this uses technology to track your car and calculate how safe a driver you are. The insurer uses data collected on things like steering, speed and braking to decide whether to reward you for your driving skills with bonuses such as money off your premium or retail vouchers.

• Adding a more experienced driver to your policy can reduce the premium, but you should do so only if they are genuinely going to be driving the car. Additionally, it's illegal to put someone down as the main driver if this is not the case and can lead to an insurer refusing to pay a claim, cancelling the policy altogether or even taking legal action against you for fraud.

• Insurance premiums tend to be higher on cars with larger engines, so avoid being tempted by high-performance cars (even if you've found a cheap used model).

For more ways to save and find the best deal, head to our guide on how to save on car insurance.

Choosing a safe first car

It’s always good to choose a safe car, but even more so if you're a new driver as statistically you're far more likely to be involved in accidents.

Most manufacturers submit new models to be crash tested by Euro NCAP, an organisation we helped to found in 1996. While the results of Euro NCAP’s tests don’t affect if a car can legally be sold, any car that scores three stars or less in its tests automatically becomes a Which? Don’t Buy.

We also assess the standard (and optional) safety kit that’s available on each car we test, along with how much whiplash protection the seat headrests offer in an accident.

Our lab also conducts a hazard avoidance test on each car, by swerving around an object and then continuing in the intended direction of travel. From this, we can determine if the car will safely understeer (lose grip from the front and continue in a straight line) or oversteer (where the rear axle loses traction, potentially resulting in a spin).

Choosing a used car

Offering better value compared to new cars, new drivers usually favour the used market. However, if you've little to no car experience, knowing what to look for can be very daunting. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when looking for a used car:

• If you know the car's registration number, check its MOT history on Gov.uk before going to view it, paying close attention to any advisories or possible recalls that the car might have in its history. 

• Check the car’s tyres for cuts, bulges or excessive wear. If they're worn, they’ll need replacing, which may not be cheap, depending on the model of car.

• Test drive any car you’re interested in. This is the only way you can objectively decide if the car drives safely, is comfortable and doesn’t make any unexpected noise.

For more used car buying tips, head to our guide on how to buy the best used car.

What are new drivers allowed to do?

It’s widely assumed that newly qualified drivers can’t carry out the same activities as more experienced drivers. But as we explain below that’s not always the case. Insurance terms are more likely to restrict how, what and where you drive than actual laws.

• There are currently no restrictions on the number or age of passengers newly qualified drivers are allowed to carry.

• Anyone can drive at night, regardless of your age. And while it can be dangerous to drive when it’s dark, the roads are often quieter too. If you rarely drive at peak rush hour times (typically between 7 and 9am and 5 and 7pm), you may be able to get a cheaper insurance quote.

• There are no age restrictions regarding motorway driving. In fact, motorways are statistically among the safest roads in the UK in terms of casualty numbers, according to the Department for Transport. That's despite them being among the busiest and fastest roads in the UK.

• As long as a vehicle weighs no more than 3,500kg, anyone can drive it. This includes vans, and the vast majority of these you see on the roads weigh less than this. However, some specialised vans and commercial vehicles do weigh more, so you should check the vehicle’s V5C form to see how much it weighs as standard.

• There are no laws that restrict you from hiring a car as soon as you’ve passed your driving test, regardless of your age. However, car hire companies typically have minimum age restrictions for hiring cars. These can range from 21 to 25 years.

• Anyone who passes their driving test can now tow trailers that weigh up to 3,500kg. This marks a significant increase on the previous weight limit of 750kg. Towing can be dangerous, and you should consider taking an additional training course before towing a trailer for the first time.

• There’s no legal obligation to display ‘P’ plates in Great Britain after you’ve passed your theory test. However, newly qualified drivers in Northern Ireland must display ‘R’ plates and cannot drive at over 45 mph for a year.

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Looking to insure a new driver? Read the best car insurance companies in the UK.