In the end, driving requires one fundamental item – the car.

Whether learning to drive or being a novice driver with a licence, the choice of car is a big issue.

So what is the best learner or new driver car?

Insurance company Tempcover has attempted to work that out by looking at the cars currently available, both new and second-hand.

Improving the odds

Everyone wants the best chance of success when it comes to passing their driving test and the car you learn to drive in can play a big part in boosting your confidence.

That confidence is needed once you pass the test too, out on your own without the supervising support of a teacher.

Tempcover have reviewed some of the top learner car recommendations and explored factors such as safety ratings, MPG (miles per gallon), vehicle size, brand reliability and insurance groups to provide the ultimate guide to the best cars for learners.

What’s best?

While many factors contribute to a good learner car, the research prioritises safety (a must for any driver), fuel efficiency and low insurance groups to keep costs down, brand reliability for peace of mind, and compact size to improve handling.

 

Rank Car Brand Safety Ratings /5 MPG Vehicle Length (mm) Vehicle Width (mm) Brand Reliability Insurance Group
1 Toyota Yaris 5 63.25 3940 1745 96.10% 13
2 SEAT Mii 3 62 3557 1641 87.50% 2
3 Skoda Citigo 3 64 3597 1910 91.80% 2
4 Renault Twingo 4 47.9 3595 1646 93.60% 3
5 Citroen C1 4 56.85 3465 1884 94.10% 10
6 Peugeot 108 4 68 3475 1884 90.30% 6
7 Kia Picanto 3 53.3 3595 1595 93.40% 4
8 Seat Ibiza 5 57 4059 1780 87.50% 2
9 Volkswagen up! 3 64 3600 1910 90.50% 2
10 Nissan Micra 4 61 3999 1935 85.90% 1
11 Volkswagen Polo 5 50.5 4074 1751 90.50% 3
12 Fiat Panda 4 50.4 3653 1882 88.20% 3
13 Hyundai i10 3 50.4 3665 1943 93.50% 2
14 Skoda Fabia 5 54.2 4108 1954 91.80% 4
15 Toyota Aygo 3 57.45 3700 1990 96.10% 5
16 Ford Fiesta 5 51.85 4040 1941 91.50% 10
17 Ford Focus 5 52.8 4378 1979 91.50% 8
18 Vauxhall Corsa 4 50.55 4060 1960 84.70% 10

Top of the pops

The Toyota Yaris ranks as the best car for learning to drive.

Its compact size, perfect for manoeuvrability, and top safety rating (5/5) make it an excellent choice.

Toyota also leads in brand reliability, scoring an impressive 96%.

Meanwhile, the SEAT Mii secures second place with its compact design, ideal for manoeuvring and parking—key factors for learners.

It also falls into insurance group 2, making it a potentially more cost-effective choice.

Then, rounding off the top three is the Skoda Citigo, offering an impressive 64 MPG (one of the highest in the study) and an insurance group of 2 for potentially lower premiums.

It’s neat and compact, too, not to mention being closely related to the SEAT Mii.

Plenty more

In a highly competitive market place, there are of course plenty of motors to choose from, both new a second-hand.

For safety-conscious learners, the Skoda Fabia, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Polo, and SEAT Ibiza all boast a 5/5 safety rating.

The Nissan Micra is the only car ranked in insurance group 1, potentially offering the cheapest premiums.

When it comes to general reliability, Citroen ranks just behind Toyota for reliability, scoring 94.10% compared to Toyota’s 96.10%.

Of course, prices can vary quite dramatically.

Brand can make a big different, and we all know how ‘labels’ can affect the choice.

However, if the second-hand market is an option, there are many other factors to consider in the equation, but the list provides a good essential guide to key points, whether new or used.

Experience and safety

“Whether learning to drive privately in a car of your choice or taking lessons in an instructor’s vehicle, it’s important that you’re getting enough practice in to feel confident passing your practical test – especially with the current lengthy waits for tests,” states Claire Wills-Mckissick at Tempcover.

“A car that you know is safe, reliable, and compact can help you feel more at ease behind the wheel”.

Claire adds that it is not really the car that is going to keep the driver and passenger safe.

It is driving abilities that really count, and gaining as much experience as possible, both before the test and immediately after passing, is also important.

Being able to drive a car that enhances your confidence means “more opportunities to practice” and “the freedom to gain experience at your own pace.”

“Everyone’s journey to passing their test is unique, but preparation and practice are key to building confidence and competence behind the wheel.”