New Drivers Car Leasing
Starting your driving journey can be exciting - and choosing your first car lease is a big step. At Car Leasing, our service is designed to help young and newly qualified drivers get behind the wheel of a modern car affordably, safely, and with confidence.
Whether you're 18 or just passed your test, we offer flexible lease terms, low initial rentals, and access to our full range of vehicles, all with transparent pricing and no hidden catches.
Use the filters below to start your leasing journey
Who Can Apply?
For a new driver to lease a car:
You must be 18 years old or over and hold a full UK driving licence.
There is no minimum licence holding period, as soon as you have your full licence and not provisional, you can apply.
Your application will be subject to a credit check, so you’ll need to show proof of income or financial stability.
In some cases, a guarantor may be required if your credit history is limited, or you are in your first year of driving.
We recognise that new drivers may face challenges such as limited credit history or higher insurance rates, so we aim to make the leasing process as accessible as possible, while still safeguarding risk.
Why Leasing as a New Driver Can Be a Smart Choice
Leasing offers several advantages over buying, particularly for someone at the start of their driving experience:
Lower upfront cost: You won’t have to commit a large sum upfront as you would with buying.
Predictable monthly payments: No surprises from depreciation or resale value.
Access to latest safety and reliability features: New cars are less likely to have mechanical issues.
Flexibility at the end of lease: Return the vehicle and upgrade or simply hand it back.
No need to worry about resale or selling: Leasing removes that burden.
While new drivers often face higher costs for insurance and stricter approval conditions, leasing removes other financial risks associated with car ownership (e.g. major repairs, depreciation).
Challenges for New Drivers & How to Mitigate Them
1. High Insurance Premiums
One of the biggest costs new drivers face is car insurance, premiums for drivers aged 18–20 often average around £1,000 per year, and sometimes much higher depending on region, vehicle, and history. Some insurers report that average premiums for new and young drivers can range between £1,500 to £2,000 or more annually.
To help lower insurance costs, new drivers often:
Choose lower-insurance-group vehicles (small engines, modest trim levels)
Ask about black box / telematics insurance policies (which track driving behaviour)
Complete Pass Plus or advanced driver training (some insurers offer discounts)
Accept higher voluntary excess (if you’re comfortable with more risk in the event of a claim)
Add an experienced driver (e.g. parent) to the policy (but care must be taken to declare who is the main driver)
2. Credit / Income Requirements
Because new drivers often have limited credit history or lower earnings, submitting proof of income or having a guarantor can help support the application. In the leasing industry, this is not uncommon and leasing firms may require more reassurance in such cases.
3. Choosing the Right Car
Picking a modest, reliable, economical vehicle is key. New drivers should avoid high-performance or luxury models initially, as these tend to fall into higher insurance groups and more expensive running costs.
Smaller hatchbacks, compact saloons, or entry-level models typically appeal most to new drivers, for example: Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Renault Clio.
Lease Terms & Flexibility
We understand new drivers may want flexibility as their circumstances change (e.g. moving for work, changing job). That’s why we offer:
Short-term leases: From just 12 months to longer-term options
Long-term leases: Up to 48 or 60 months, depending on your needs
Flexible mileage allowances: Choose a mileage level that suits your driving habits
Low initial rental options: Keep your upfront cost minimal while spreading the cost
These features allow new drivers to tailor the lease to their budget and lifestyle.
What’s Included in the Lease
When new drivers lease with us at Car Leasing, we aim to make everything transparent. Your lease package may include:
Road tax for the duration of the term
Warranty and manufacturer servicing (if included in your lease)
UK home delivery of the car
Support and guidance throughout the lease term
Depending on your chosen deal, you may also opt for maintenance packages covering tyres, MOT, breakdown cover, and servicing - reducing the hassle of surprise repair bills.
Typical Costs & Budgeting
While each case is individual, here are some typical cost factors to plan for:
Monthly rentals: Vary depending on car, contract length, mileage, and credit terms
Initial rental: Often equivalent to one or more months’ payment
Insurance: As mentioned, this is usually the biggest additional cost for new drivers
Fuel, maintenance, and running costs
Excess mileage or damage fees at lease end if terms are exceeded or the car is returned in poor condition
How New Drivers Car Leasing Works
Browse deals: Filter for deals suitable for new drivers (low initial rental, modest models).
Choose term and mileage: Select lease length and your expected annual mileage.
Get a quote: We’ll check your eligibility (licence, credit) and provide a transparent quote.
Place your order: Once agreed, we order the car from the manufacturer or dealer.
Delivery: The car is delivered to your door (or collection point).
Enjoy driving: Keep up with servicing, insurance, and stay within the terms.
Return or upgrade: At end of lease, return the car or choose your next model and lease again.
We support you at every step, answering questions and helping with the paperwork.
Why Choose Car Leasing for New Drivers
At Car Leasing, we believe new drivers deserve access to modern, safe, and reliable cars, without unnecessary financial stress. With us, you get:
Access to our full range of lease deals, not just restricted models
Low initial rentals and flexible contract periods
Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
Expert support from a team experienced in driver leasing
Guidance through the credit check process
Help choosing an insurance-friendly car
We aim to help you find a lease deal that suits your budget, lifestyle, and driving goals, fully managed and stress-free.
Find the Perfect Lease for Your First Car
Starting your driving journey doesn’t need to be complicated. With Car Leasing, you can enjoy the freedom of your own car without the financial stress of ownership.
Explore our latest car leasing deals, compare prices, and find a car that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re looking for a small city run around or something with a little more space, our team is here to help you every step of the way.