Booster cushions

mgfvvc

Thanks for all the advice.

I'm dubious about modifying the car for someone who will not be the main driver, but that could be an option if she needs to drive it a lot. I'm certainly not changing my car or buying another car just to get her through the test. When she gets her own car she will obviously get something that suits her, but that is unlikely to be soon.

She is short, but not exceptionally so, about 5'3".

mgfvvc

Arunmor said:

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

Only rear parking senosrs.

paul_c123

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?

You can't see the bonnet on most cars nowadays, with the shape/styling of their front ends. She's going to need to get used to it. 5'1" isn't abnormally short so I'd imagine almost all cars are going to have the range of adjustment to find a proper seating position, without the use of booster cushions etc.

Mildly_Miffed

mgfvvc said:

She is short, but not exceptionally so, about 5'3".

So taller than my OH, who has no issues driving all sorts of stuff.

Catherine_91

I'm about 5'1" and used to use a wedge cushion in my dad's old car which didn't have seat height adjustment. My own cars have both had height-adjustable seats and I use them at the maximum height - I have to be a bit careful about the possibility of my knees getting knocked while getting in and out, though!

mgfvvc

Mildly_Miffed said:

mgfvvc said:

She is short, but not exceptionally so, about 5'3".

So taller than my OH, who has no issues driving all sorts of stuff.

Indeed. She may be the same when she has a bit of experience, but I imagine it will be some while before she has the confidence to drive a car where her visibility is poor.

GixerKate

I'm 5 foot exactly (being 5 foot 3 sounds much more convenient lol) and have driven all sorts of vehicles, I understand the concern but I rarely am able to see the end of the bonnet of the car (actually, not sure I've ever been able to do that if I'm honest), it doesn't mean anything in the scheme of things, you should be able to 'know' the length and width of your car.  I would suggest adjusting the seat as high as you can go and checking that your daughter can reach the peddles safely and is at the safe distance to the steering wheel, you don't want to be hunched over it and the airbag go off.

I learnt to drive a few decades ago when power steering wasn't a thing, over the years I don't think I've ever considered a booster seat for me, its not been needed.

mgfvvc

She went out yesterday with a Fortem cushion from Amazon. It gave her a slightly better view of the road and a little extra confidence but it only made a small difference. I suspect it will be used a few times while she gets used to the car, but it won't be long before she will be driving without it.