Car for nervous driver / small person

Daisies

Have you thought about joining the Institute for Advanced Motorists?
http://www.iam.org.uk/
You would get a lot of encouragement and practice at driving and learn some skills - a friend of mine who's in the police recommends it for nervous drivers as a confidence building thing.

nullogik

i would recommend you go for an automatic until you feel suitably confident enough to buy a manual car in the future if you so wish.

Something like a VW Polo, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Toyota Yaris are all fine starter cars.

In your OP you mention that you are a small person. Some vehicles come with a height adjustable seat which is worth looking out for.

therivierakid

I'd suggest VW (Polo or Lupo), Ford Fiesta (not a Ka), Yaris or Corsa.

If you have to go French, go for a Clio.

Anything like a Ka or a 106 just won't feel solid enough, will have an inferior ride and will only make you more nervous.

Try and take a few test drives. A good driving position and plenty of visibility will help with the nerves.

loulou29_2

Hi,

I was interested to read your post - as i have a similar situation - I passed my driving test 18 months ago and hardly ever driven - this was mainly becase i was too nervous but also i couldnt afford a car, so i got out of driving very soon. I have since had a baby and really wanted to drive so we could get out and about a bit more - since then my husband now has a car so i had the opportunity. At first i went out but felt really nervous - so i decided to book some refresher lessons - i had about 4 a few days apart which really helped me - i am now driving everyday and sometimes look forward to getting in the car - i make sure i know where im going and i am building it up slowly to increase my confidence - just do small steps. I am driving a manual and finding it no problem and dont think driving a automatic would of made it any easier. But like you i did think of a automatic. But the key is to do what ever makes you feel comfortable. Lots of people feel nervous when driving - roads nowaday are so hectic. I will be buying a car soon myself which i am looking forward to - but have no advice about which one.

something to remember is anyone would feel nervous if they hadnt driven for that long. People who drive everyday might not understand this

As long as i am driving well and safely then i have achieved my goal - i really hope you too start driving. If you google refresher lessons and the area you live in then something might come up. I know lots of driving instructors provide refresher lessons.

I wish you the best of luck x

PayPeanuts_2

I would get a Fiesta. I have one and it is really reliable, cheap to run and easy to handle. Plus they always have the parts in local garages if do you break down.

Also consider getting an older, cheaper car before spending your whole budget. In my case I have scraped bashed bumped and dented my first car but it doesn't matter because it was old and cheap!

Stick with the driving it will get easier I promise x

nearlyrich

Whatever car you pick the best way to build your coinfidence is just to drive.

I have an automatic car (after 20 years of driving manual) it's not because I can't handle a normal clutch/ gearbox but because it's so much easier on long runs and about town. I also have a medical condition that has me in pain somedays when pushing pedals would just hurt!

Corsas are cheap and plentiful , low insurance and not too expensive for spares if you happen to go through as many wing mirrors as my niece does.

NickiM

I drive my Mum's old Fiesta and really like it. . I'm not the most confident of drivers, my driving instructor said on pass plus this week that I can be over cautious. But the Fiesta is a nice little car to drive. Good luck