Passed driving test in October but only just bought insurance on Dad's car...

[Deleted User]

Lots of peoples first experience of driving other cars is not until after they have passed their test. Don't worry about it. Just jump in and drive but take it easy until you get used to the different car.

First time I drove a different car after passing my test in a driving instructors car, was when I drove my car that I had just bought off the dealer forecourt.

EchoLocation

It's all about control and preparation. Understand that you are in control of the car, not the other way around. And always prepare yourself before you move to turn or brake etc.

It won't be a hugely different car to drive, you just need to get used to the different throttle/brake responses and 'play' in the pedals.

Mankysteve

I hadn't driven for the best part of three years since getting my test, before getting a car. I went out for two hours with gf mum and I haven't had any big accidents yet ;-).

The worse bit is just getting on and doing it.

vicmorrow

From my own experience I think that you mostly learn to pass the test and once you do that you learn to drive afterwards.

AlexisV

It's strange for everybody when they drive a different car for the first time. But you'll get used to it in 10 or 20 minutes.

It'll be weird at first, but trust me - it'll feel fine before you know it.

shaun_from_Africa

vicmorrow wrote: »

From my own experience I think that you mostly learn to pass the test and once you do that you learn to drive afterwards.

I couldn't agree more.
Driving lessons only teach you the basics and enough to pass the test.

Driving on a motorway, in a heavily congested city, parking in a carpark that's 99% full and only has small spaces, driving on snow & ice, on flooded or extremely wet roads in windy conditions etc.
All things that you should be able to do safely and with confidence, but very few of which are taught before you take a test.

tight_scotsman

hi OP i have been driving for over 30 yrs 25yrs as a coach driver and i found being out in a car on my own for the first time the most nerve wracking experience of my life but your confidence will grow more and more every time you go out on your own.
good luck and just take your time dont let anyone harrass you when you make a mistake a hand up aknowledgement to the other driver will defuse the situation usually after that avoid eye contact and carry on thats what i do and have never had many problems

ginandtonic1988

Good luck with driving I'm sure you will be fine, my daughter crashed my 1 year old car after passing her test 1 day, she was very nervous when she got her own months later. You just need to take things slowly as you said. DD bought her next car two weeks ago and again was terrified swapping cars after what happened last year, again she is taking things slowly.

I hope you find your feet and confidence in the oncomming weeks x

thenudeone

Congratulations on passing your test.

I'm a little confused when you said:

mayling03 wrote: »

Just bought insurance with Direct Line under Dad's name for £200 for 5 months and am really pleased it's not overly expensive. My concern is I feel really nervous as I have never driven Dad's Toyota Corolla 1.6 petrol.

There is nothing wrong with having a policyholder who is not the main driver (or the owner of keeper) as long as the insurance company has been made fully aware and all questions have been answered honestly.

Have you correctly declared to the insurance company who is:
the owner
the keeper
the main driver
... of the car

Many youngsters buy a policy in their parents name with the youngster as named driver because it's cheaper, when in fact the youngster is the main driver.
Giving false information to a motor insurer is a criminal offence and may invalidate the policy. If they have to pay out to a third party in these circumstances, they will come after the policyholder or driver to recover their costs.

Sorry if I have misinterpreted your post, but wanted to make you aware.