Car insurance is usually expensive when you’re just starting out. But there are plenty of ways for young drivers to bring those costs down- from choosing the right car to taking out a black box policy.
According to Confused.com data*, the average annual premium for 17–20-year-olds is £1,877.55. That drops to £1,329.34 for 21–24-year-olds, and £910.62 for 25–34s.
But there are ways to cut costs, even as a new driver:
Models with small engines, strong safety ratings and low repair bills tend to fall into cheaper insurance groups, and that could save you hundreds each year. Here’s what to look out for:
According to Auto Express, models like the Skoda Fabia, Kia Picanto, and Hyundai i10 are ideal for young drivers because they combine reliability, safety, and low insurance groups.
Black box insurance is a type of telematics insurance that uses a small device or app to keep an eye on how you drive. It monitors things like your speed, braking and when you’re on the road. Drive safely, and you could be rewarded with lower costs.
It’s a popular choice for young drivers because it focuses on how you actually drive, not just how old you are. Black box insurance helps encourage safer driving habits from day one.
Why should I consider black box insurance?
According to UK government statistics, in 2024, young car drivers were involved in around 1 in 5 of all people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Great Britain’s roads. Male drivers aged 17–24 were four times more likely to be KSI than drivers aged 25 and over.
The Department for Transport and UK police forces highlight the ‘Fatal 4’ as the most common causes of serious and fatal crashes: speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a phone behind the wheel. They're a major focus in efforts to reduce road deaths across the country.
Here’s what every young driver should know about the Fatal 4 and how to avoid them:
Speed 
Impairment 
Distraction 
Seatbelts "Young drivers face some of the highest insurance costs on the road, not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because they’re still gaining experience.
But it’s not just about price. Helping them build safe driving habits from day one could prevent thousands of crashes a year - making UK roads safer for everyone."
Getting involved in your child’s learning journey can really help them build confidence. If you're planning to supervise a learner, you’ll need to:
Some parents also choose to be added as a named driver on the policy once their child passes. This can sometimes reduce costs, but make sure they’re genuinely using the car too. Fronting, where a parent is the main driver in name only, is illegal and could invalidate the insurance.
Here are some tips to help keep your child safe:
The UK doesn’t have a Graduated Driving Licence (GDL), but places like Australia, Canada and New Zealand do, and it seems to be working.
A UK study found a full GDL programme could prevent 4,471 casualties a year among 17–19‑year‑olds, saving an estimated £224 million.
A GDL is a step‑by‑step approach to earning full driving rights, usually with limits on passengers, night‑time driving, and a minimum number of practice hours.
These kinds of policies help new drivers build confidence gradually and safely.
Learn more about protecting young drivers.
Learning to drive can be an expensive time, from lessons to test fees, the costs soon add up. On top of that, fewer than half of learners pass their practical test first time in some areas, with national pass rates averaging around 49%.
You’ll need to pass two tests: the theory, which covers road signs, rules and hazard perception, and the practical, which checks your skills in real-world driving conditions. Knowing what to expect and getting enough practice can give you a better shot at passing.
How much does it cost to learn?
Getting your licence now costs around £1,500 - £2,000, according to the RAC. With lessons at £35/hour and learners needing 45–50 hours, the costs can really start to add up quickly.
Passing your test is just the beginning. Building confidence and gaining extra experience can make you a safer driver and could help bring down your car insurance costs.
Try Pass Plus
This short course covers things like motorway, night and rural driving - all things that don’t always come up in lessons. It’s not a guaranteed discount, but some insurers may reward you for taking it.
Find out if Pass Plus is worth it
Think about P plates
They’re not mandatory, but P plates can show other drivers you’re still finding your feet. If it helps take the pressure off, why not?
Once you’ve passed your test, getting your own insurance is the next big step. But for young drivers, it often comes with a hefty price tag. That’s because insurers look at several risk factors that can push up costs, from how old you are to how far you drive and even your job title.
Here are two major things that can influence your price:
Where you live and park
Insurers check your postcode and where the car’s kept overnight. A private driveway usually means lower risk than parking on the street, and that could mean cheaper cover.
How long you’ve had your licence
According to Confused.com data, drivers who’ve had their licence for less than a year pay around £1,969 for fully comp. By year five, that drops to around £892, and by year ten, it’s closer to £689.*
That’s why it’s worth shopping around each year while you're building up experience – the more time on the road, the more likely your costs will come down.
Whether you’re checking insurance costs, buying your first car or trying to decode a parking sign, these handy tools can make life on the road a little easier.
*Confused.com car insurance data based on median top premium prices between 1 January and 30 September 2025. Age groups analysed include:
Premium averages also show that for 17–20-year-olds, fully comprehensive cover (£1,841.12) is typically cheaper than third party fire & theft (£2,116.33) or third party only (£2,984.05).
**Savings from paying annually are based on Confused.com data for the same period, comparing the median annual top premium with the total cost of monthly payments. On average, 17–20-year-olds who paid monthly paid around £375 more than those who paid annually.
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