| Reaching driving age is an exciting milestone of our | | | | without a full time job or regular cash flow), can |
| youth. It signifies independence and coming of age | | | | maintain and run at a reasonable cost. It is important |
| and is one of the first instances of a child relying on | | | | to consider how much the insurance and maintenance |
| their own skills. It can also represent the first | | | | fees for the car will be. Some car makes, for |
| stepping-stone to leaving the nest. The car (coupled | | | | example, have readily available and affordable spare |
| with driving skills), is a key element in gaining this | | | | parts should they be needed whereas for other |
| independence. But young and first-time drivers have | | | | makes they are expensive and difficult to come by. |
| unique needs as they start a lifetime of vehicle | | | | Driving needs. Consider your, or your child's driving |
| ownership. First time drivers' car needs are | | | | needs when choosing a first car for a first-time |
| significantly different to those of long-term drivers. | | | | driver. What will the car predominantly be used for? |
| Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing | | | | Easy to handle and compact cars will make for easy |
| your car as a first time driver or selecting a first car | | | | inner city driving and parking. Those living in the |
| for your child. | | | | country or travelling long distances, however, may |
| Safety features. Without significant driving | | | | require larger on and off road vehicles such as a used |
| experience, safety features are crucial when | | | | Land Rover. |
| selecting a first time car. Statistics prove that young | | | | New versus second-hand. First cars for first time |
| drivers are far more likely to be involved in accidents | | | | drivers don't have to be new. Consider the pros and |
| or irresponsible driving than older drivers. Choosing a | | | | cons of new versus second hand. While new cars |
| car with crash performance features such as airbags | | | | may come with superior safety features, |
| and electronic stability control can help in the event | | | | second-hand cars are much less expensive and can |
| of an accident. | | | | be a good option if worried about beginner accidents |
| Fuel efficient. Even if, as a parent, you are purchasing | | | | or prangs! If novice driving skills are a concern, then |
| a car for your child, in most instances the child will | | | | driving a used car - such as a used Honda - and |
| look after or take over the running costs of the car | | | | damaging it won't present as big a problem. |
| at some stage. It's important, therefore, to select a | | | | Carefully considering the driving needs and |
| car that is fuel-efficient. Opting for a fuel efficient car | | | | requirements of first time motorists when purchasing |
| will lower the running costs of the car for your child. | | | | a first car will help buyers to select a car that is |
| Low running and maintenance costs. In a similar vein | | | | suitable to their needs, budget and lifestyle. Happy |
| to choosing fuel-efficient cars, it is important to | | | | driving! |
| purchase a first time car that a young person (usually | | | | |