The top cars for learning to drive

Learning to drive can be a testing time – literally!

Therefore, it’s important to pick a car that you can not only easily handle and park, but also is affordable to buy and cheap to run and insure.

Used cars are a very good choice for learner drivers as they are often sold at lower prices. They also tend to have the odd knock or dent on them, so it won’t matter if you add another one or two yourself!

We have outlined below a selection of some of the top cars you can buy for learning to drive in. Choose any of these makes and models and you’ll give yourself every chance of passing at the first time of asking.

5: Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia is a supermini car that provides practicality, refinement and reliability. It is an excellent choice because it is usually sold at a low price, making it a great value for money.

While you can choose from three petrol and one diesel engine, if you are not too concerned about power, you can opt for the non-turbocharged 1.0 mpi petrol engine. This engine sits in insurance group one and with a fuel economy of more than 55mpg, it could be the perfect car to help make driving lessons more affordable, along with comparing driving instructors on sites like EZLicence.

Although the Fabia is available with several trim levels, the basic ‘S’ spec is not well-equipped with features. Therefore, you should choose at least ‘SE Drive’ as it includes some useful additions such as front fog lights and rear parking sensors.

4: Kia Picanto

The third-generation Kia Picanto has been available since 2017, so if you’re looking to buy this city car as your learner’s vehicle, you may find some great finance deals.

The Picanto’s trim levels are straightforward and easy to understand. You can choose from 3 different levels of specification. Special editions excluded, the basic trim levels are the only ones available.

The entry-level Picanto 1 trim comes with electric front windows, a two-speaker stereo system, remote central locking and steel wheels.

However, we suggest going for the 2-level, which includes 14-inch alloys, air conditioning, Bluetooth, adjustable and electrically heated door mirrors, a four-speaker audio system and powered rear windows.

3: Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta has been a popular choice for drivers of all levels of experience for many years. It’s a versatile vehicle that is fun to drive, reliable, practical and reasonably priced. Indeed, the Fiesta was so popular that it often topped the UK car sales charts before it was discontinued in 2023.

If you’re looking to purchase a Ford Fiesta, the Mk6 model is a good option. It was produced from 2008 to 2017 and currently offers affordable prices, modern features and the best value for money. Additionally, there are several trim levels available, along with a variety of petrol and diesel engines to choose from.

2: Citroen C1

The Citroen C1 is a lovely car to learn to drive in due to its sheer simplicity.

The vehicle is compact, equipped with all the essentials, and very cheap to run – thanks to a miserly 1.0-litre engine that typically returns over 55mpg. While it might not have a hybrid powertrain like some Citroen models, there’s little to get your nose out of joint if all you are after is a dependable, no-frills set of wheels to take you from A to B.

1: Fiat Panda

Both the Fiat 500 and the Fiat Panda are both popular cars for new drivers. However, the Panda is considered the better option for learners.

Although both cars have the same base, you can easily find a used Mk3 Panda for under £4,000 in the UK, making it a cost-effective choice for those without a huge budget.

When the first Panda was launched by Fiat in 1979, it was marketed as a practical car that could accommodate up to five passengers and their luggage while being affordable to buy and operate.

Despite being a more modern version of its predecessor, the Mk3 version follows the same concept. So, as it is a spartan city car that is easy to drive and live with, it represents a great option.

Nevertheless, if you don’t want to compromise on some basic amenities, you can choose the Easy trim for the Panda. It includes features like a six-speaker MP3 stereo system, air conditioning, and electric windows.