Tips for choosing a car as a new driver

If you've just passed your driving test, congratulations! Months of hard work and concentration have finally paid off and you're ready to hit the roads.

One of your first tasks as a new driver might be choosing a set of wheels to call your own. With so much choice on the market, it's worth doing some research to make sure you can reach an informed decision. Here are five of our top tips for choosing a new car as a new driver.

Choose a smaller model.

You’ll quickly learn that insurance premiums are higher for more powerful cars.

In your first few years of driving, you’ll be more likely to have an accident. Government statistics show that young male car drivers are four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision as all other drivers over 25.

This makes it more affordable and safer for new drivers to choose small cars with smaller engines. So, whether you choose a city commuter or a small family hatchback, choosing a compact car could make a difference when it comes to affordability. Furthermore, smaller cars are often easier to drive and park, especially in built-up urban areas.

Buy from a trusted dealer.

Buying a car for the first time can be a daunting process and it’s easy to make mistakes. Don't be tempted by adverts on social media: while these might be genuine vehicles for sale, the individuals selling them might not be qualified to advertise them correctly.

Choosing an official company means that your car will have been thoroughly inspected for mechanical faults, so choosing to buy from expert used car dealers in areas like Wimbledon in the south of England or Nottingham and Harrogate in the north will give you more peace of mind.

If you’ve arranged to buy a car from a friend, just make sure that you take a trusted and experienced driver with you to view it.

Check the service history.

Buying a car is exciting until you find out that it's got a hidden past.

Occasionally, cars can come with issues ranging from unpaid debts to associations with criminal activities. Running a thorough vehicle check means that any issues will come to light before the sale - and you can drive away with confidence.

The same also applies to the vehicle’s mechanical integrity. Make sure any car owner can show you the vehicle logbook and user manual, preferably with full service history. Knowing about the work completed can help you to get a better deal.

Book a test drive.

Next, it's so important to get a feel for the car before you commit.

Make sure you can book a test drive, as this will tell you everything you need to know about how comfortable you’ll be behind the wheel.

It should also give you time to consider the features and specifications that matter most to you as a new driver. For example, you might find that you prefer a dashboard without an information screen, but you won't know until you've driven a few different models.

Trust your gut.

Finally, try not to feel pressured into buying a particular car.

Personal preferences vary immensely when it comes to driving, so one person's favourite might be entirely different to yours. Try to come up with your own priorities and trust yourself before taking advice from someone else.

After all, this is your car, so it will be entirely yours to enjoy and drive until you’re ready for another one!