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Drivers are getting their first car at a younger age than ever before, it was revealed today. Over two thirds of those aged between 18 and 24 bought their first car in their teens, compared with 28 per cent of drivers now aged 65 or over.

And young men are in more of a hurry to get behind the wheel than women. Half of all men had become car owners in their teens, compared with 38 per cent of women.

A study of more than 21,000 AA members found the average price and age of first cars. The majority of first cars are worth between £500 and £1,999, with men most likely to have paid under £500 for their first car.

Most first cars are more than seven years old, with 6 per cent of drivers having the keys to a brand new vehicle. A quarter of all first cars are over 15 years old and 37 per cent are less than six years old.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Car Insurance, says: "For young drivers it can come as a shock when their first year's car insurance premium might be twice what their first car is worth. This is because cars they're buying tend to be more powerful than they used to be, which contributes to higher accident rates and higher premiums. I urge all learner drivers to take lessons with fully qualified driving instructors to ensure their skills match the improved safety we are seeing in more modern cars."

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