As the demographic hardest hit by the cost of driving, young motorists are urged to follow essential steps before getting on the road for the first time.
Car insurance experts from Quotezone are urging drivers to follow guidance or else risk hefty fines and costly consequences.
The cost of motoring is hitting young drivers hard, with those in the 17-24 age bracket paying £1,737 more for their car insurance compared to 45-65 year olds.
With the added cost of learning to drive and buying a first car, experts say avoiding costly mistakes can make a difference and help keep costs as low as possible.
When buying their first car, young drivers should take their time sorting through documents, performing thorough checks on their vehicle, and exercising caution. Any reputable seller won’t pressure them into making quick decisions or finalising a purchase.
Young drivers who fail to organise road tax or car insurance could face hefty fines.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “As a new driver, learning to drive and preparing to own and run a vehicle can feel daunting. It’s essential to take your time and not rush the process.
“Not only is getting on the road expensive for new drivers, but there are also many factors to consider to avoid potentially facing fines, such as road tax and car insurance.
“Young drivers typically pay higher insurance premiums due to their lack of experience – something insurance providers use to assess risk and determine costs. Unfortunately, insurance costs for young drivers are the highest across all age groups. Young drivers in London could pay 273% more than motorists aged 45-64 in the same area.
“But there are ways to find savings on young driver insurance, such as choosing a smaller car, avoiding modifications, adding a more experienced driver to the policy, keeping mileage to a minimum and adding additional safety features such as trackers and dashcams.
“While road tax and fuel costs are primarily out of young motorists’ control, avoiding common mistakes is something they can actively do to help find savings.
“That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help young drivers make informed decisions when buying their first car and getting it on the road.”
Here Are Six Essential Steps to Consider as a New Driver from Quotezone.co.uk:
1. Driving Licence
First, ensure you have a driving licence before hitting the road. Learner drivers must hold a provisional licence and be accompanied by a qualified driver who has held a manual car licence for at least three years and is over 21. After passing both the theory and practical tests, you’ll be issued your full driver’s licence. It’s important to note that you must tell your insurer as soon as you pass your test and update your insurance, you wont be legally able to drive home from the test centre until your insurance has been adjusted.
2. Car Insurance
Regular insurance is typically more expensive for new drivers because they are considered higher risk on the road. Young motorists pay the highest premiums across all age groups and UK regions. You can check out the UK car insurance price index to check averages for your age and area.
Driving without insurance can result in a £300 fine, six penalty points on your licence, and potential disqualification from driving. You will also have to pay your unpaid insurance. In some cases, your vehicle may also be seized and destroyed. These penalties can apply if the offence occurred within the past six months or if the police become aware of you driving without insurance within three years.
3. Road Tax (or VED, Vehicle Excise Duty)
Every diesel and petrol car requires road tax, whether driven or kept on a public road. The cost can vary depending on factors like CO2 emissions or engine size. Generally, the larger the car or the higher its emissions, the more expensive the tax.
Cars with CO2 emissions below 100 g/km are exempt from road tax. However, starting on 1st April 2025, vehicles in Band A will be reclassified into Band B and expected to pay tax – with the amount increasing for year two. Additionally, cars registered after a specific date may have a higher first-year tax, which is adjusted in the following years based on emissions. There’s also an additional fee of £390 a year for five years, starting in year two, for high-end electric vehicles that cost over £40,000.
Failure to pay road tax can result in fines of up to £2,500 and your vehicle being clamped.
4. Ministry of Transport (MOT)
Any car over three years old requires an annual MOT. When buying a used car, check the date of the last MOT, the car’s age, and the entire MOT history, including any advisories or failures. It’s best to buy a car with a recent MOT to ensure it’s safe to drive and help reduce your upfront costs as a new driver. Also, consider running a vehicle history check to confirm no issues like outstanding finance, accidents, or theft, and ensure the car is road tax compliant.
5. Hire Purchase Information (HPI), Ownership and Documentation
When buying from a private seller, it’s imperative to consider an HPI check. This allows you to verify whether the car has been stolen, written off or has any outstanding finances. Similarly, checking ownership and documentation is crucial to confirm the seller is the legitimate owner of the car. Always ask for the V5C registration document and ensure that all details match. Be cautious of sellers who are unable to provide the proper documentation.
6. Budget
When choosing your first car, it’s essential to consider your overall budget. While the vehicle’s initial cost may fit within your budget, future expenses such as road tax, insurance, fuel, and repairs may stretch your recurring budget more than you expect. Be sure to do a quick insurance quote before you purchase so you don’t get any surprises.