Helping your son or daughter buy their first car is as stressful as it is exciting; there’s the worry that you may buy something you weren’t quite expecting, alongside the thrill of having a new ride! We've put together some handy tips to help you through the journey of buying your child's first car.

Check the NCAP test

Safety is paramount when we’re out on the road, and it’s no different when your child gets behind the wheel of their car! You will want to make sure that the car you’re considering for them is as safe as it can be! Check out the car's NCAP rating before jumping into a purchase

Buy it for them

No, really! If you want your child behind a safe, brand new car – it can go a long way in helping if you get the finance for them (unless of course, you’re offering up the money for the car in full… I’m sure they won’t say no!) Credit can’t be given before the age of 18, so if your child is 17 and raring to go, why not think about getting the finance in your name? I'm sure they'll pay you back... either in money or by returning all the lifts you've given them over the years ;)

Test drive

It’s always a good idea to test drive a car before handing over any money. Make sure your child is comfortable with the car they choose. It may look flashy on the outside, but if it doesn’t feel right when they’re driving it, you may as well stop there and continue your search! If they're looking to buy a car before they've passed their test - they won't be able to test drive the cars themselves. Why don't you hop behind the wheel, get in the mind of a new driver, and let them know what you think the good and bad points are?

The right car

Your teenager wants a car – and whilst they may have their perfect car in the mind, it may not be as practical as it could be. Chances are, they probably don’t need a 4x4 at the moment, and so while a Range Rover may be their end goal, it doesn’t have to be what they have right now! Check out the car insurance group and tax on cars before making any purchases. You don’t want to be stung with a hefty bill once you’ve already picked up their new set of wheels.

Don't forget the all-important L plates! If your child has a provisional licence, why not plan ahead for lessons by purchasing your L plates directly from Marmalade? Perfect for private practice! Unsure of how to fit them? Check out our handy guide to fitting your L plates.