Choosing a car is an exciting milestone for any new driver. Beyond considering the make, model, or features, many drivers overlook one important factor: the color. The color of a car can have a surprising impact on visibility, safety, maintenance, and even resale value. At Get Drivers Ed, we believe it’s important to guide new drivers not just on driving skills but also on making smart decisions when purchasing their first vehicle.
In this blog, we’ll break down the best car colors for new drivers, why certain colors are safer, and how they can affect long-term vehicle maintenance and value. Whether you’re buying your first car or helping someone choose, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
1. Why Car Color Matters for New Drivers
Visibility and Safety First
For new drivers, the top priority should always be safety. Certain car colors can make you more visible on the road, reducing the risk of accidents, especially in low-light or adverse weather conditions. Bright or lighter-colored cars are generally easier to spot on the road, which means other drivers can see you more easily and react accordingly.
According to research, white cars are considered the safest in terms of visibility. Studies show that white cars are involved in fewer accidents because they stand out better in various lighting conditions. Similarly, lighter colors like silver, yellow, and light blue are also more visible and therefore safer options.
At Get Drivers Ed, we stress the importance of defensive driving and being aware of your surroundings, but choosing a high-visibility color is another way to increase your safety on the road.
2. Top Car Colors for Safety
White: The Safest Option
As mentioned, white is consistently ranked as one of the safest car colors. White cars stand out in most environments, including low light, fog, and rain. Their high visibility makes them a smart choice for new drivers who may not yet be fully confident in their driving skills.
Silver: Sleek and Safe
Silver cars also rank high for safety. They reflect light well, making them visible at night and in poor weather conditions. Plus, silver cars have a modern, sleek appearance, which is why they remain a popular choice among drivers.
Yellow: Bright and Unmissable
If you’re looking for a color that stands out, yellow is a great choice. Yellow is highly visible in almost any environment, including at night and during rainy weather. This color is commonly used for school buses and taxis due to its visibility. For new drivers, choosing a yellow car can give you peace of mind, knowing that other drivers are likely to see you.
Light Blue: A Safe and Stylish Option
Light blue combines style with safety. It’s bright enough to be easily spotted in various lighting conditions while also offering a more unique and fashionable look. For drivers who want a balance between visibility and aesthetics, light blue is an excellent option.
At Get Drivers Ed, we always emphasize road safety. Choosing a highly visible color can complement the defensive driving techniques you’ll learn in our online drivers ed courses, further ensuring that you stay safe on the road.
3. Colors to Avoid as a New Driver
Black: Popular but Risky
While black is a sleek and popular color choice, it’s not ideal for new drivers concerned with safety. Black cars are harder to see, especially at night or in low-light conditions. This reduced visibility can increase the risk of accidents. If you’re set on having a dark-colored car, consider equipping your vehicle with advanced safety features like bright LED headlights to improve visibility.
Gray: Blending into the Background
Though gray cars can look elegant, they can easily blend into the road and surrounding environments, especially on cloudy days or in fog. This makes gray one of the least visible colors, and as a new driver, you want to stand out rather than blend in.
Red: Bold but Risky
Red cars are often associated with speed and boldness, but this bright color also has its downsides. Red cars tend to attract more attention from law enforcement and are statistically more likely to be pulled over for speeding. Additionally, red is not as visible at night as lighter colors like white or yellow.
At Get Drivers Ed, we understand that personal preferences play a big role in selecting your first car, but it's important to weigh safety concerns when choosing a vehicle color.
4. Car Color and Maintenance
Lighter Colors Are Easier to Maintain
Choosing a color is not just about safety—it also impacts how much time and money you’ll spend on maintaining your vehicle’s appearance. Lighter-colored cars, such as white or silver, tend to show less dirt and scratches compared to darker colors like black or dark blue. This means that lighter cars may not need to be washed as frequently, and minor cosmetic damage may be less noticeable.
Dark Colors Require More Upkeep
If you choose a black or dark-colored car, be prepared for more frequent washes and touch-ups. Dark colors show dust, dirt, and scratches more easily, which can become frustrating to keep up with. For new drivers, focusing on learning to drive safely should be the priority rather than worrying about the cosmetic upkeep of the vehicle.
At Get Drivers Ed, we encourage new drivers to consider how practical their color choice will be in the long run. Low-maintenance options can save time and money, allowing you to focus on improving your driving skills.
5. Resale Value and Color
White, Silver, and Gray Hold Their Value
If you plan on reselling your car down the line, color can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s resale value. White, silver, and gray are timeless, neutral colors that tend to hold their value better in the used car market. These colors appeal to a wide range of buyers, making it easier to sell your car when the time comes.
Bright Colors May Depreciate Faster
While yellow, red, or blue may stand out on the road, they may not appeal to as many potential buyers when you’re ready to sell. Bright colors can depreciate faster simply because they are considered less versatile, and fewer buyers may be interested in them.
At Get Drivers Ed, we encourage new drivers to consider the long-term value of their car when choosing a color. A neutral, highly visible color can make your car safer and potentially increase its resale value.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely and Drive Safely with Get Drivers Ed
When it comes to choosing the best color for a new driver, safety should be your primary consideration. Lighter colors like white, silver, and light blue offer the best combination of visibility, safety, and ease of maintenance. While personal preferences are important, it’s essential to balance aesthetics with practicality, especially as a new driver still gaining confidence on the road.
At Get Drivers Ed, we’re dedicated to teaching drivers how to stay safe and make informed decisions, both on and off the road. Whether you’re choosing a car or learning essential driving skills, our online drivers ed courses are here to help.
Choosing the right color is just one step in becoming a confident, responsible driver. Ready to take the next step? Enroll in our Get Drivers Ed course today and learn everything you need to know to stay safe on the road!
