Nearly a million new drivers cross their take a look at – fuelling surge in first-time automobile consumers
Gumtree has seen a massive surge in first-time car buyers as over 950,000 Brits passed their driving tests in 2025, with cars under £5,000 attracting millions of views
Lots of new drivers are passing their test(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
More people than ever are trying their driving test – and it’s led to a surge in demand for cars. After years of backlogs in practical driving test availability a record 953,010 practical tests were passed in 2025, the highest figure since records began in 2008*.
And now Gumtree one of Britain’s leading online marketplace for budget-friendly vehicles, is seeing a dramatic surge in demand which is good news for sellers and buyers.
The momentum has continued into 2026, with January test passes climbing by 17% year-on-year, with one of the most robust starts to the second-hand car market in recent years.
This surge of recently qualified drivers means vehicles priced below £5,000 on Gumtree have garnered nearly 10 million views in the opening weeks of 2026 alone.
Enquiries and responses also increased 25% in January 2026 compared with the end of last year.
Half of 2025’s successful test-passes will be for drivers under 21, so budget-friendly cars are in demand.
Gumtree motoring expert Louis Maxwell said: “We’re seeing a new generation of drivers turning to Gumtree as their first stop for affordable, reliable cars. Demand for sub-£5,000 vehicles is incredibly strong, creating real opportunity not just for buyers, but for sellers too.
“If you have a second car you no longer need, or you’re considering upgrading, now is a great time to list it and make some extra money”.
The surge in first time buyers means sellers are benefitting from:
- More views on budget-friendly listings
- Faster enquiries as newly qualified drivers begin their search
- Higher competition among buyers, helping sellers secure better prices
- A strong start-of-year market, when many drivers are actively looking for their first car
Ford, Vauxhalls and Volkswagens are the most popular cars being viewed – with the Vauxhall Corsa the most sought-after cars. They are followed by the Ford Fiesta and Focus.
