Learning to drive is one of the best things about turning 17. The freedom of the open road awaits you and soon you will no longer have to ask Mum or Dad for a lift. That’s why so many young people choose to get learner insurance so they can start private practice as well as driving lessons with an instructor – because it could potentially help them get that pass and their freedom quicker!
Lots of young drivers choose to get in this extra practice behind the wheel of a parent’s car. Others choose to buy their own car before passing, which is absolutely fine to do, and often a great choice if you’re able to do so – it means you can get comfortable and confident in driving the car you’ll be using once you pass.
So, what might be a suitable car for a 17-year-old learner? Well, it depends and there’s a few things to consider when it comes to getting on the road at 17. Take a look at our top tips for getting on the road as a learner driver.
Consider the cost
Working out what you can afford to buy, and run, is essential. There’s a few different options to consider:
- You may consider buying an older car - because older means cheaper, right? Well, no, not always. Some may potentially cost more to run, insure and maintain than a newer car.
- You may look to buy a new car - new cars may be more fuel efficient, have better safety features, and they sometimes earn smaller insurance premiums. Whilst the cost of the car itself will be higher than a second hand one, things like fuel, insurance, tax and maintenance costs also need to be considered.
- You may want to share a family car - this means you don't need to buy any car, only the insurance to drive Mum or Dad's car. This could be suitable if, as a young driver, you don't quite know what car you want to get when you pass.
Think about the long term use
When it comes to actually passing your test and buying a car, some young drivers like to get something similar to, if not the same as, what they are learning to drive in with their instructor. Afterall, they know what this car is like, have experience driving it, and won’t have to think about the differences in brakes or biting points that many cars have.
Having said that, other learners like to completely mix it up and get something totally out of their comfort zone that will see them through years to come after passing their test. It’s all about personal preference – you might like a small car to learn to drive in, but it’s also worth considering what you will use the car for once you pass. For instance, if you’re an avid golf player and know you’ll be spending every weekend at the driving range, something to fit the clubs in might be handy!
Practical cars for learner drivers in the UK
Whichever car you decide to get – there is nothing more exciting than getting on the road at 17. For those who are considering buying a car to learn in, we’re here to help! We decided to take a look at practical cars for 17 year old learners, Will any of the cars on this list spark your interest when it comes deciding what to learn to drive in?
Our pick of 10 cars to learn to drive in
1 Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta continues to be popular with learner drivers. It's compact, stylish and rides well. Depending on the model, the Fiesta offers loads of safety features and things to help when driving, like parking sensors, reversing camera and cruise control - all things that make driving that little bit easier. Might this just be the car for you?
2 Vauxhall Corsa
Everyone loves the Vauxhall Corsa, right?! It's a popular choice for many new drivers. The Corsa is renowned for good fuel economy and comes with plenty of equipment as standard, something any learner will be looking for when buying a set of wheels. The new model Corsa comes with five doors as standard but is still easy to handle and park, so the extra room in the car doesn't compromise the driving style and it's super simple to drive.
3 Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen have been making the Polo since 1975 and it’s always been popular with young drivers. It’s fun, good to drive, and has generous interior space which means it’ll see you through from being a nervous new driver to reliable road user! It comes with a heap of safety features as standard too which makes driving it even better!
4 Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is an absolute legend in the motoring world and will continue to be for years to come -making it a go-to car for any young driver. It handles well, it's comfortable to drive, and there's plenty of boot space. What more could you want in a first car?
5 Fiat 500
This distinctive, retro inspired car is nimble and affordable to run. Not only that, it's light and easy to handle, and definitely looks the part - inside and out! A nippy, economical car, the Fiat 500 is suitable for trips around the town but the driving experience may not offer what it takes to enjoy longer motorway journeys once you pass.
6 Renault Clio
The Clio is a showstopper and stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons. Offering five doors, plenty of space in the boot, and a comfortable ride, it's easy to see why so many learner drivers opt for the Clio! Not only that but its sleek interior space is packed with equipment!
7 Vauxhall Astra
The Astra looks and drives better than ever! It comes with plenty of boot space, a punchy engine, and well-equipped dashboard that'll keep you going for years to come. Not only that, but it's also pretty good when it comes to running costs too.
8 Mini
A popular option for a first car is a Mini Cooper. They're quirky, quintessentially British, and probably something many young drivers have dreamt of owning one day! Not only that, but they're nippy and comfortable to ride!
9 Toyota Aygo X
This fun, quirky car by Toyota is another first car option. It's small in size bit big on style and economical to run too. Packed with safety kit and offering a 10-year warranty, the Aygo X offers new drivers peace of mind. The Aygo X also provides tidy handling and slick manual gear changes, so you know you can rely on this small car to get you where you need to be!
10 Seat Ibiza
There’s a reason why young drivers love the SEAT Ibiza so much – it has everything you could need as a new driver – safety features and great handling. Whilst it may be a little bigger than other new car options, it’s a car that will see any young driver through for years to come with ample space and a comfortable ride.
Buy Learner Driver Insurance today!
It couldn't be easier to arrange cover to get out for private practise - get a quote today and you could be on the road in minutes, with no risk to the car owner's No Claims Discount!
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