For many young people, as soon as you hit 17 it’s a case of how quickly can you pass your driving test and get behind the steering wheel of your first car.

However, young drivers are often sent back down to earth with a bump when they realise just how sky-high insurance premiums can be. With no history on the road, organising your car insurance for the first time can get expensive. 

With this in mind, it makes sense to save money on your first motor by opting to buy a used car. You can find out all the ins-and-outs of this process by reading our guide to buying a used car safely. 

So, which second-hand cars are worth their salt? Here’s our list of the best used cars out there for new drivers. 

Actually, before we crack on, a reminder. Whatever car you end up choosing, make sure you conduct a thorough vehicle history check before you hand over your hard-earned cash.

#1 Vauxhall ADAM Energised

Small, sleek and stylish, what’s not to like about Vauxhall’s latest offering in the highly competitive smart city car market? 

The ADAM isn’t just a pretty face though, far from it. This affordable car has snappy steering and suspension, ideal for those unfamiliar roads, and a comfortable, attractive interior that’s genuinely a pleasure to sit in as both a driver and a passenger. It’s packed full of features too, including a start/stop function that saves on fuel (a bonus for any new driver), a DAB digital radio, and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity for all your tech. 

The ADAM 1.2i three-door parks up into first place in insurance band two, with an annual road tax cost of £140 and an average fuel efficiency of 50.4 mpg.

It’s even got a real-name-nickname already, so there’s one less thing to think about. 

#2 Ford Fiesta ST-Line

Second place goes to the ever-impressive Ford Fiesta and their ST-Line. When it comes to approved, trusted and efficient car models, there’s none more popular than the Ford Fiesta. In fact, it’s the most popular car of all time in Britain. 

The ST-Line has been lauded by motoring journalists, and it’s easy to see why, thanks to its striking design and amazing drivability. The EcoBoost engine is a thing of beauty and impressively economical, particularly the award-winning 1.0-litre model. 

With sportier aesthetics and top-tech included, this is definitely a car you wouldn’t mind picking your mates up in. The five-door ST-Line 1.0 takes up the second spot on the podium in insurance band 12, offering an impressive 58.9 mpg with a yearly road tax cost of £140. 

#3 - Vauxhall Corsa Energy 

Cruising into the third spot on our list is the Vauxhall Corsa Energy. The Corsa has long been a popular choice among young drivers, and it’s no coincidence that this evergreen model finds its way onto our list of best used cars for new drivers. 

The big selling points of the Corsa remain as consistent as they’ve always been; it’s incredibly easy to drive, roomy and importantly, has really low running costs. The Energy range comes equipped with Vauxhall’s IntelliLink system, cruise control, automatic headlamps and Bluetooth connectivity. 

A generous five-door 1.4 Corsa Energy sits in insurance band 11, offering you 50.4 mpg with an annual road tax cost of £140. 

#4 - Nissan Micra

Though the Nissan Micra has a bit of a reputation for being a vehicle for older drivers, it’s back with a bang into number four on our list thanks to its eye-catching new makeover.

It’s the perfect city car, and thanks to its winning combination of high-quality specs and low running costs, it’s a more popular choice than ever. Enjoyable to drive, easy to park, practical and boasting plenty of interior space with a roomy boot, what’s not to like about the revamped Micra? 

The three-door Nissan Micra IG-71 Visia+3 (and breathe) is in insurance band five, so you’ll get a nifty 53.3 mpg out of it on average with an annual road tax of £140. 

#5 - Dacia Sandero

We’ve left out some big names here, we know, but we simply couldn’t end our list of the best used cars for young drivers without including the Dacia Sandero. 

For six years in a row, the Sandero has cleaned up at the What Car? Awards with consecutive ‘Best Small Car’ crowns (cars under £12,000 that is – yes, it’s under 12 grand new), and we’re not surprised. 

It may not be the most sought after name on the market, but this impressive small car is ideal for a first-time buyer’s budget, It’s attractively styled, incredibly practical and comes packed with some fantastic features and tech to boot. 

A five-door Dacia Sandero 0.9 TCe Comfort will give you 52.3 mpg and finds itself in insurance band 10 with an annual road tax cost of £140. It’s definitely worth checking out.

If you’re looking for more trustworthy information regarding purchasing a used car, don’t forget to check out our guide to buying a used car safely and our advice on how to test drive a used car. And whatever vehicle you end up choosing, don’t forget that vehicle history check.

Happy shopping!