Booster cushions

mgfvvc

I took my daughter out for her first practice without her instructor. She's too short to see the bonnet on our car, even with the maximum height adjustment. She was OK doing simple manoeuvres in a car park but wouldn't want to drive on the road like that. 

Googling "cushions for shorter drivers" I can only see "review" sites that seem more promotional than neutral. Does anyone have any recommendations, either for cushions or just useful sites?

Myci85

I would be looking at a different car if possible. I'm not sure the legalities of using cushions when driving. I'm 5'1" and most modern cars are OK with the adjustable seat heights, but some older ones I used to struggle with. I can't even think if I can see the bonnet when I'm driving without leaning forwards a bit, but you get used to the length of your car, front and back. 

Grey_Critic

I would suggest contacting someone like this company - https://www.millercare.co.uk/ 

They carry out vehicle modifications and your problem for motability and this will be very much in their line. 

Seem to recall a long time ago seeing a vehicle where they had actually raised the seat on the runners

facade

I'd have thought that they are much of a muchness.

Be careful of buying anything with "mobility" in the title as this is just a price multiplier.

I sit on an eggshell foam cushion that I bought online from from Putnams, which takes the harshness out of bumps and makes the super rock hard seat feel a bit more like the ones in the old Rover P5 (except without the leather).  They do sell good quality stuff, but the prices are astronomical compared to getting hold of some foam and running up a cover yourself on the sewing machine that never gets any use!

Argos sell wedge cushions to make you sit upright and a bit higher. 

Nothing wrong with sitting on a cushion as long as it doesn't affect your control- hard to see how one could tbh.

Contessa

mgfvvc said:

I took my daughter out for her first practice without her instructor. She's too short to see the bonnet on our car, even with the maximum height adjustment. She was OK doing simple manoeuvres in a car park but wouldn't want to drive on the road like that. 

Googling "cushions for shorter drivers" I can only see "review" sites that seem more promotional than neutral. Does anyone have any recommendations, either for cushions or just useful sites?

I used to use a "comfort cushion" from Halfords. This was initially bought because I found the driver's seat very uncomfortable on long journeys. It had the added benefit to me, as a short driver,  of raised height. 

Bigwheels1111

I use one of these at work for comfort, added advantage is it raises you up.
Gives a more elevated driving position.
£10 if you have prime.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FDB8D7N2?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3

facade

Bigwheels1111 said:

I use one of these at work for comfort, added advantage is it raises you up.
Gives a more elevated driving position.
£10 if you have prime.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FDB8D7N2?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3

I thought they were for OAPs to put in sledges, like on the advert

facade

A wedge cushion would probably be better than a "comfort cushion" as it would get her legs lower, the comfort cushions (or ordinary cheap cushions) are flat and lift your legs up, and as modern steering wheels only adjust down it makes the wheel too close to your legs.

Which is the only problem with mine, it makes it awkward to get in, despite the Allegro style squared off steering wheel.

Mildly_Miffed

mgfvvc said:

I took my daughter out for her first practice without her instructor. She's too short to see the bonnet on our car, even with the maximum height adjustment. She was OK doing simple manoeuvres in a car park but wouldn't want to drive on the road like that.

There's two choices...

1. Get used to judging distances. The extremities simply aren't visible to many (if not all) drivers in some vehicles, especially those with steeper or more rounded fronts or deeper dashboards and scuttles.

2. Drive a car that she fits into properly and safely. People at both ends of the height spectrum need to consider that not every car on the road will be suitable for them.

If she's so short, and her height is being raised by a booster, can she safely reach the pedals?

How short is she? Many, many shorter people drive safely without such adaptations. If she's SO short that she cannot possibly find a car that fits, then she must be familiar with similar problems in other parts of her daily life. Having a professionally fitted, safe adaptation for her disability is a MUCH more sensible route than simply sitting on a cushion. And, yes, being 147cm (4'10") or shorter is classed as restricted growth, and a disability...
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/restricted-growth/ - that's only 12cm above the height where a booster cushion would be legally required as a passenger, regardless of age, and below the height where one is recommended.

shera12

Hi, I’d suggest looking at driving booster cushions or pedal and seat risers designed for shorter drivers. Some car accessory shops sell ones with non-slip bases that work well for practice in a car park. Also, checking forums or groups for learner drivers can give honest, real-world recommendations rather than just reviews. Hope that helps.

Arunmor

Does the car not have distance warning beepers in the bumper?