The exciting step after passing
Congratulations on passing your driving test! Now comes the next adventure: buying your first car. In Malta, this decision involves specific considerations around costs, insurance and regulations that every new driver should understand before making a purchase.
Setting your budget
Before you start searching, assess your budget realistically. The purchase price is only one part of the total cost of car ownership:
- Purchase price — for a reliable second-hand car, expect to pay between 3,000 and 10,000 euros
- Insurance — young drivers pay significantly higher premiums, typically between 800 and 2,500 euros per year
- Registration fee — a one-time fee payable to Transport Malta when registering the vehicle
- Annual licence fee — varies depending on the vehicle's CO2 emissions
- Maintenance and repairs — set aside at least 400 to 800 euros per year
- Fuel — calculate your monthly consumption based on expected mileage
New or second-hand?
For most new drivers, a second-hand car is the wisest choice. Here are the main reasons:
- Lower purchase price — you save thousands of euros compared with buying new
- Lower insurance premium — a less expensive car costs less to insure
- Less depreciation — a new car loses up to 20% of its value in the first year alone
- Less stress — minor scratches and dents are far less worrying on a used vehicle
What to check when buying
When purchasing a second-hand car, several points need thorough inspection:
- VRT certificate — check that the Vehicle Roadworthiness Test is valid and note any advisories
- Mileage — request the vehicle's service history to verify the odometer reading is genuine
- Service book — confirm that all scheduled services have been completed on time
- Test drive — always take the car for a test drive and listen for unusual noises
- Rust — inspect the underside, wheel arches and around the windows carefully
- Tyres — check tread depth and look for uneven wear patterns
Insurance for young drivers in Malta
Car insurance is often the largest annual expense for young drivers in Malta. Here are tips to help reduce your premium:
- Compare quotes from at least three to five insurance providers
- Consider a higher excess to lower your monthly premium
- Choose a car with a smaller engine — this reduces the premium considerably
- Ask about discounts for young drivers or named-driver policies
- Look into telematics or black-box insurance that rewards safe driving habits
Malta-specific considerations
Buying and owning a car in Malta has some unique aspects:
- Import duty — if importing a car from abroad, factor in registration tax calculated on value and emissions
- Parking — finding parking in Malta's busy towns can be challenging, so consider a smaller vehicle
- Salt air — the island climate accelerates corrosion, so check thoroughly for rust on any used car
- Left-hand drive imports — Malta drives on the left, so a right-hand drive car is standard. Left-hand drive imports may affect insurance and resale value
Registration process
After purchase, you must register the vehicle with Transport Malta. You will need:
- The vehicle registration document signed by the seller
- A valid VRT certificate
- Your ID card
- Proof of insurance
- The sales agreement
Your first drives
Hitting the road in your own car can feel daunting at first. Build your experience gradually by starting with familiar roads. Check out the driving test routes in Malta — the roads you already know from your lessons are a perfect place to start building confidence.
For more tips for new drivers, browse our blog. SteerClear is here to support you at every stage — from passing your test to your first kilometres in your very own car. Use our tools and resources to drive with confidence from day one.