Best Cars for New Drivers in the UK - Affordable, Safe & Cheap to insure
Getting behind the wheel for the first time is exciting, but choosing your first car can also feel overwhelming. As a new driver, your biggest ongoing cost after buying the car will be insurance, fuel, maintenance and road tax, so it’s worth choosing wisely from the start.
In this 2026 guide, we walk you through the best car options for new drivers, focusing on vehicles that are:
- Cheap to insure
- Easy to drive and maintain
- Reliable and safe
- Good value for money
Whether you’re buying new or used, this list will help you shortlist the cars that tick the most boxes for new drivers in the UK.
What Makes A Great First Car?
For many new drivers, the ideal first car tends to share several key traits:
🚘 Low Insurance Costs
Insurance is often the biggest ongoing bill for new drivers. Cars with smaller engines and modest performance typically fall into lower insurance groups, making premiums more manageable.
🚗 Good Safety Rating
Safety tech and strong crash test results can not only protect you, but can also help keep insurance premiums lower. Cars tested by Euro NCAP that score well are worth prioritising.
💸 Affordable Running Costs
Fuel economy, low road tax and inexpensive servicing make a huge difference, especially for learners and 17-25 age groups.
🅿️ Easy to Drive & Park
Compact cars are often lighter, easier to manoeuvre and great for city driving, perfect for building confidence.
Top Cars for New Drivers in 2026
Here are some of the most recommended cars for people new to driving, along with what makes them good picks.
Hyundai i10
Best all-round city car
- Very cheap to insure and run
- Easy to park and great for urban driving
- Small engines often = low repair costs
Kia Picanto
Compact, reliable & inexpensive
- Small size helps to keep insurance low
- Excellent 7-year warranty adds peace of mind
- Practical for everyday use
Volkswagen Up
Classic cheap-to-insure option
- Often, in one of the lowest insurance groups
- Good build quality and surprising interior space
- Fuel efficient and easy to live with
Toyota Aygo X
Stylish city car with rising popularity
- Easy to drive and park
- Attractive styling with low running costs
Skoda Fabia
Spacious yet affordable
- Often slightly larger than basic city cars
- Still sits in low or mid insurance groups
- Practical interior and good boot space
Renault Clio
Good all-rounder for first cars
- Stylish, safe and economical
- Comes with modern tech and efficient engines
- Still manageable for insurance when in basic trims
Volkswagen Polo
Refined and reliable
- Very cheap to insure and run
- Easy to park and great for urban driving
- Small engines often = low repair costs
Tips to save on insurance as a new driver
Insurance for new drivers can be high, that’s just the nature of risk assessments, but there are ways to reduce it.
New or Used - What should you choose?
New Car
- Latest safety tech
- Manufacturers warranty protection
- More predictable running costs
Used Car
- Lower upfront cost
- Wider choice in your budget
- Many reliable options
- Insurnace can be much cheaper
Choosing your first car doesn’t need to be a pain. Focus on low insurance groups, efficiency, and safety, and you’ll save money year after year.
Whether that’s a Hyundai i10, VW Up!, or a Vauxhall Corsa, there are plenty of great choices for new drivers in 2026.