Job offer includes driving company car - but I am scared of driving !!

geek84

Hi Folks

PLEASE DO NOT LAUGH AT THIS

I have been made a job offer which involves driving their company car 2 or 3 times a week.

Although I have been driving for many many years (I have a small old fiesta), I am s**t scared of driving other cars - particularly large ones - I am only 5 foot, therefore feel that I can control smaller cars more easily.

Anyway, do you think I should accept the job offer and confess to my possible future employer, that I am scared of driving (in which case my offer could be withdrawn), or shall I take the job offer and just hope I don't have to drive the company car too often (or preferably not at all !!)

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Sharon87

What kind of car is it? Tell your employer you are comfortable driving a smaller car and perhaps you could have a practise in it first. If you really think you could do the job go for it. I'm sure with practise driving the car you will get use to it.

Or go to a garage and ask to test drive the make of car you will be driving - unless you feel guilty about lying about wanting to buy a car!

I'm short too and have learned to drive in the past, I'm not keen on driving cars with deep clutches as my legs are short! I learned mostly in a little Toyota Yaris, then had 1 lesson in a Ford Focus and it was the worst lesson I've ever had! I know I'll need to learn in a bigger car eventually due to work.

pinkshoes

This is more common than you think!

Did you know that big cars are often better suited to short people? You can adjust the seat better, as well as the steering wheel, so will probably be MORE in control.

I used to be the same, but had to drive SO many hire cars for work, that I got used to it! One of my (male) friends wrote his boss's car off by crashing it into a house. Ohps.

I'd take the job, and give the driving a go. You might like it!

Could you not get a day of driving practice in a HUGE car to help you? Try phoning a few driving schools to see if they can help. Or maybe do something random like finding a bus driving day or similar!? I did a track day with a supplier, which gave me loads more confidence driving!

hermum

Would you be able to use your own car if you pay for business insurance, or would it have to be the company car?

7891368

pinkshoes wrote: »

Did you know that big cars are often better suited to short people? You can adjust the seat better, as well as the steering wheel, so will probably be MORE in control.

Exactly this!
I'm 5'1 and would much rather drive a larger car than a mini car such as a Yaris.

I drive a golf day to day, but I have borrowed my Dad's estate car a few time and the seat adjusts so much all you have to think about is the length.

izools

geek84 wrote: »

Hi Folks

PLEASE DO NOT LAUGH AT THIS

I have been made a job offer which involves driving their company car 2 or 3 times a week.

Although I have been driving for many many years (I have a small old fiesta), I am s**t scared of driving other cars - particularly large ones - I am only 5 foot, therefore feel that I can control smaller cars more easily.

Anyway, do you think I should accept the job offer and confess to my possible future employer, that I am scared of driving (in which case my offer could be withdrawn), or shall I take the job offer and just hope I don't have to drive the company car too often (or preferably not at all !!)

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Don't worry - my mother made the move from having driven a little old fiesta all her driving life to a hulking Mondeo 2.0TDCi in January.

She loves it She was petrified of the idea at first but is fine now. She's a little taller but not much. Seats are height adjustable in modern cars anyway

flutterbyuk25

I had similar issue to you before. My current job requried me to learn to drive a minibus (17seater) and then drive it daily once passed. I only drive a Punto so I was petrified. But after about 6 weeks of driving the bus after passing my test I got used to it, and now I love driving my minibus.

It will be scary first few times but you'll soon get used to it. Good luck

x

Hammyman

Heh-heh. Just think what it was like for me getting out of a Ford Escort and getting into a 53ft long 38 tonne lorry for the first week. Quickly got used to it though and I'm sure the OP will. The thought of something is usually scarier than the reality.

aintshesweet

Can you borrow any friend's cars to get used to?? If the job is worth it can you see if you can blag the driving bit? If you can drive already then you'll get to it with time!
It's not too bad driving big cars - I actually feel safer because it's like I'm in a tank! - I'm 5 foot too but I drive an Audi 80 estate (it's massive) and I drove Nissan QX before that (also massive) and the seats and steering wheels adjust so it's fine. It's different but you just need to get a feel for the measurements of the car and how far you can go next to the things, manuevering etc. Like any car! I have faith in you!! Don't be scared!

Lirin

It's not unusual. My mum is scared of bigger cars- as a result, I was taught in everything from a Fiesta to a 40tonner! It's also different driving someone else's car as to driving your own.
Depends on how much it worries you- maybe consider giving it a go. If you're capable of doing the job but not overly comfortable in the car, you might find they'll ask you to do very little driving in it.

dickydonkin

Although 'vertically challenged' Mrs P is quite happy driving her Clio, however she will drive my car (BMW) when required - provided she has her 'personal cushion', to sit on to enable her to see some way over the bonnet!

She too was reluctant to drive a bigger car but despite her preference for a smaller vehicle, driving my car does not bother her so much now.

You will get used to it.