First Time On The Road But Nervous

mikey72

You'll be fine.
You moved it and parked ok, so just get out and drive.
You must be up to it or you wouldn't have been able to pass.
The controls are easy, they're all labled, so just play with them.
You can find the lights, indicators, horn, wipers/washers, interior light you pull out the lightswitch, beyond that there's not much else.
It's confidence you need from driving, so go on, it's quiet now, give it a go.

Hammyman

Kimberley wrote: »

It's an automatic Vauxhall Cavalier from 93. I know it's old but I didn't want anything too good being my first car as i'm bound to get some scratches or knocks on it. I have found one on Ebay. It's for the cavalier so i'm guessing suitable for an auto as well?

Good for you. They're not bad old buses and were a popular fleet car back in the day. There's still some tidy ones around. Not masses of buttons to confuse you so you should be able to get to grips with it quite early. Just remember to keep your foot on the brake when you stop otherwise it may creep forward slowly.

If you've somewhere in the country quite close, how about taking some short rides out there?

Kimberley

Hammyman wrote: »

Good for you. They're not bad old buses and were a popular fleet car back in the day. There's still some tidy ones around. Not masses of buttons to confuse you so you should be able to get to grips with it quite early. Just remember to keep your foot on the brake when you stop otherwise it may creep forward slowly.

If you've somewhere in the country quite close, how about taking some short rides out there?

Thank you, i'm quite embarrassed because my 16 year old son has just took me out and shown me the controls lol but i'd still want a Haynes manual to look at. I've seen some Haynes manuals on ebay but they say the manuals are not sutable for a V6 petrol car. How would I know? Also would it except unleaded petrol? I'm annoyed that I didn't ask these questions at the delears.

anewman

All it means is it doesn't give any details on the v6 engine. It will still cover the bodywork, interior, electrics (except engine electrics), brakes, steering, suspension etc.

You will either need unleaded or super unleaded. There may be a sticker somewhere with a number like 95 RON (which is standard unleaded) 98 RON or higher would be super unleaded. If it wants super unleaded that's what I'd go with.

Hammyman

anewman wrote: »

You will either need unleaded or super unleaded. There may be a sticker somewhere with a number like 95 RON (which is standard unleaded) 98 RON or higher would be super unleaded. If it wants super unleaded that's what I'd go with.

It'll run on unleaded. The MK3 Cavvies had a little plug in the engine bay you turned round to swap between 98RON and 95RON. The only thing it did was alter the timing.

sassy_one

Just wanted to say congrats on passing your driving test and hope you enjoy your new car

dannymccann

I'm surprised a 93 cavalier has ANY buttons :rotfl:

If you are nervous, you are dangerous. Having said that, you need practice. Get your mum / dad / siblings / partner to sit with you while you go driving, or even a friend, but they need to be someone you take seriously.

If you feel you need a refresher then take one, but only 2 months after passing, you shouldn't have forgotten what to do.

cyclonebri1

Good to see you've gone for a reasonable sized car. Too many new drivers go for "mini" sized cars and are frightened to move up to something bigger and safer. :T

It's 38 years since I passed my driving test but I still recall that daunting feeling when you realise you are the only one in total charge of that car. It dissapeared the 1st day;).

Taking someone with you the 1st time is the best idea, untill you are familiar with the car. It still won't make it any better 1st time out solo, just pick your route and time of day to avoid too much traffic at 1st.

Lip_Stick

OP I know how you feel (kind of). I passed my test 9th July, but because my mind was on other things, (house cat had escaped that week) I was concentrating on that, rather than stressing about my test. I'm convinced that if my cat hadn't disappeared, I'd have failed. Sounds silly, but the day my cat went was the best lesson I'd had, and I was in tears at the start of it. Then again, I'm also convinced that the examiner took me on a very easy route. lol

I'm itching to get my first car, but know when I do that I'm going to be crapping myself the first time I get in it on my own. :eek:

nearlyrich

I m sure the dealer will answer any questions you have about fuel etc and the best way to learn to drive as opposed to learn to pass a test is to get in and drive just go wherever you want...