ABS (anti-lock braking system) - ABS stops the wheels locking when a car brakes. The system shortens the stopping distance and makes the car easier to control when emergency braking. It was a legal requirement on all new cars in Europe in 2004.

EBA (electronic brake assist) - EBA senses how hard the driver brakes, and keeps applying the brake to help the ABS work in an emergency. It does this because drivers sometimes wrongly ease off the brake when they feel the ABS kick in.

ESC (electronic stability control) - ESC works with ABS to help stop a car skidding and spinning when turning sharply to avoid a crash. It prevents 25% of fatal collisions. ESC will be compulsory in all new cars by the end of 2014. ESC is also known as ESP, RSC, DSC, VSA and VSC, depending on the model.

The tyres are the only part of the car that touches the road. We need them to steer, brake and accelerate. Poorly maintained tyres increase the time it takes a car to stop, and do little to help keep it on the road. Tyres can also be a good indicator of other problems on the car. New tyres come with 8 or 9mm of tread. The legal limit is 1.6mm, less than 3mm is risking it. Tyresafe shows you how to use a 20p piece to check.
Are they comfortable? Can they reach the controls? Can they see the dashboard clearly? Can they see all around them, or do the pillars or head restraints block their view? Adjust the seat and steering wheel positions until they are comfortable and feel in control.
Ideally, buy a car with air bags for all passengers. Young drivers rarely travel alone.
This may sound basic but these seemingly simple functions are essential for keeping the car and its passengers safe and legal.
Once you have bought a car, you may want get a new MOT. This will help make sure the vehicle is road worthy. An MOT certificate only guarantees a vehicle’s roadworthiness at the time of the test.
You may wish to arrange an independent vehicle inspection to ensure the car is road worthy. Be aware of who is insured to drive it, a driver on a provisional license probably won’t be.
You will pay more road tax on cars that emit high levels of C02.
A cheap car doesn’t guarantee a cheap insurance premium.
Colour and model may make your child prefer one car to another, but having the freedom to travel in a safer vehicle is more important.

Choosing a safe car

Modern cars are safer than ever, but young drivers still have a one in five chance of crashing in the six months after their test. These 12 tips will help you find the safest car affordable.

  • Look for cars with the latest safety features more information
  • Look up the vehicle’s Euro NCAP rating. EuroNCAP independently assesses the safety of new cars sold in Europe. Its star rating system can help you decide which cars are safer.
  • Check all the tyres, including the spare.more information
  • Sit the driver in the driving seat! more information
  • Check all the seatbelts, and make sure there is one for the rear central passenger.
  • Air bags. more information
  • Check the headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lamps and windscreen wipers work. more information
  • Ask the seller if the vehicle has a current MOT with a reasonable time period left to go. If not, ask the seller to get a current MOT before making the purchase.more information
  • Test drive the car to make sure it runs smoothly and safely. more information
  • Calculate the car’s emissions. It’s easy to do online. more information
  • Before buying, check what the insurance will be and read the terms and conditions. more information
  • Use your head, not your heart.more information