Oh that magical moment when your child passes their driving test. The relief that you are no longer the family taxi, mixed with mild panic about them being out there on the roads on their own.

So what car do they drive? Your car which you’d rather keep to yourself or do you buy them their own?

Ideally, it’s a car that’s safe, easy to drive, reliable and economical and ones that enjoyable enough that you wouldn’t mind borrowing it yourself from time to time.

We’ve selected a few first cars that fit the bill -models that new drivers will love and that their slightly nervous parents can feel confident about too.

Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper is an iconic British car that’s small, stylish, and surprisingly fun to drive. Its compact size makes parking and manoeuvring a breeze, perfect for new drivers navigating busy towns. But it’s not just about looks, the Mini’s sharp handling and solid build give both drivers and parents confidence on the road. With efficient engines and modern safety features, it’s a first car that’s as practical as it is fun.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is a long-standing favourite for a reason. Reliable, comfortable, and well-built, it’s perfect for everything from city streets to motorway trips. Many models fall into low insurance groups, keeping costs reasonable, and it has excellent safety ratings to reassure anxious parents. The Polo proves that sensible doesn’t have to mean boring. It's a smooth, all-rounder first car that everyone can feel good about.

Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is compact, quirky, and undeniably charming. Its small footprint makes city driving and parking a doddle, while its efficient engines keep running costs low. Despite its size, the Fiat 500 comes with modern features and a surprisingly stylish interior. It’s the kind of car that adds personality to a first driving experience and still makes parents smile when they climb in for a quick errand. The Fiat 500 has been retired but a new hybrid model is in production and will be available later in 2026.

Whether it’s the sporty character of the Mini Cooper, the dependable practicality of the Volkswagen Polo, or the stylish charm of the Fiat 500, all three cars offer manageable size, strong safety credentials, and low running costs. They’re the kinds of first cars that make life easier for new drivers and just a little less nerve-wracking for parents too.