Practical, no-nonsense advice from our team — designed for learners, newly-passed drivers and the parents helping them.
First car checklist
Check the V5C log book matches the car (VIN, engine number)
Full MOT history — look for repeat advisories
Ask for a service history print-out
Test all electrics: lights, windows, wipers, heater
Check tyre tread across all four wheels
Look under the car for oil leaks or rust
Cold-start the engine — listen for knocks or smoke
Take a proper test drive — motorway, town, hill start
Get an HPI check for outstanding finance
Confirm insurance quote before you buy
Agree what warranty is included in writing
Never pay full cash before you've driven it
Insurance group guide
UK cars are rated 1–50. Lower is cheaper. For most new drivers we recommend group 1–10.
1–5Cheapest to insure — great starter cars (i10, Picanto, Fiesta 1.0)
6–10Still affordable, more choice (Polo, Yaris, Corsa)
11–20Premiums rising sharply — think carefully
21+Usually too expensive for a first driver
Running cost calculator
A rough monthly total — including finance, fuel and insurance.
Estimated monthly
£207
Finance affordability
A safe rule of thumb: total motoring costs (finance + insurance + fuel + tax) should stay under 15% of your take-home pay. If you're a student or new to work, aim lower.
Get a soft-search finance quote before you shop
A bigger deposit lowers monthly payments
Watch APR — it matters more than headline monthly
Ask MDL for advice
Not sure which car is right? Tell us a bit about your situation and we'll come back with a personal recommendation.