Gaining the freedom of the open road is an exciting milestone, but it comes with significant running costs. For young drivers, the combined expense of fuel, insurance, tax, and maintenance can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you have more control over these costs than you might think. Adopting some simple habits can lead to substantial savings over time, making your driving experience more affordable.
Making small adjustments to your driving style and how you look after your vehicle can make a real difference to your wallet. It is about driving smarter, not less.
Driving Habits That Save Fuel
Fuel is one of the most frequent and visible driving expenses. How you handle your car on the road directly impacts how much you spend at the pump. Smooth driving is fuel-efficient driving. Accelerate gently from a standstill and try to anticipate the flow of traffic ahead. RSA’s 2025 road safety update supports this. This allows you to ease off the accelerator and coast rather than braking sharply at the last second.
Maintaining a steady speed on motorways and main roads also helps conserve fuel. Unnecessary weight is another factor that increases consumption. Clear out any heavy items you do not need from your boot or back seats. Removing an empty roof rack can also reduce wind resistance and improve your fuel economy.
Finally, check your tyre pressures regularly. Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and use more fuel. You can find the correct pressure levels in your car’s handbook or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame.
Keeping Your Car in Good Shape
Regular maintenance is not an expense to be avoided. It is an investment in your car’s reliability and long-term running costs. Sticking to the recommended service schedule helps keep the engine running efficiently and can identify small issues before they become large, expensive problems.
Simple checks can also help. You should regularly look at your oil, coolant, and windscreen wash levels. A well-maintained car is more likely to be fuel-efficient and will have a better chance of passing its mandatory roadworthiness inspections without needing costly repairs. This avoids the extra expense and inconvenience of a re-test.
Keeping your car in good condition offers several benefits.
- Improves fuel efficiency and performance.
- Reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
- Helps maintain the vehicle’s resale value.
- Contributes to overall road safety.
These simple actions protect your car and your finances.
Managing Your Insurance Premiums
Insurance is often the single biggest cost for new and young motorists. While premiums can be high initially, there are ways to manage them. The most important factor over the long term is building a clean driving record. Each year you drive without making a claim helps you build a no-claims bonus, which can lead to significant discounts.
The type of car you drive also has a major impact. Vehicles with smaller engines, good security features, and lower market values are generally cheaper to insure. When choosing your first car, it is worth researching how different models are rated by insurers.
Understanding your policy options is also useful. You can often choose between different levels of cover, such as third-party only or comprehensive. It is also important to understand the concept of an excess. This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher voluntary excess can sometimes reduce your premium, but you must be sure you could afford to pay it if you needed to make a claim.
A Practical Scenario of Driving Costs
Consider two new drivers, Sarah and Tom, who have similar cars. Sarah tends to drive with a heavy foot, accelerating quickly and braking late. She often forgets to check her tyre pressures and carries around sports equipment she only uses at the weekend.
Tom, on the other hand, makes an effort to drive smoothly. He keeps his car free of clutter and checks his tyres every couple of weeks. Over a month, Tom finds he is filling up his fuel tank less often than Sarah. His smooth driving also puts less strain on his brakes and tyres. When Sarah’s car fails its roadworthiness test on worn brake pads, she faces a surprise repair bill that Tom avoided through his gentler driving style.
Finding Savings in Daily Choices
Beyond the car itself, your daily decisions can influence your expenditure. Planning your journeys can cut down on mileage and fuel use. Combining several small trips into one longer, more efficient route is a great way to save. If possible, try to travel outside of peak rush hour times to avoid stop-start traffic, which burns more fuel.
Carpooling with friends or colleagues for regular trips to college or work can split the cost of fuel and parking. Speaking of parking, researching your options in advance can help you avoid expensive city-centre car parks. A spot a little further away might be much cheaper or even free.
The path to becoming a cost-conscious driver starts with small, manageable steps. Consistent effort in these areas will compound over time, freeing up money that could be better used elsewhere. Developing these habits early in your driving life establishes a strong foundation for a lifetime of safer and more affordable motoring. A detailed budget can also be a great help when it comes to young drivers cutting costs.
