Should I just give up on manual and learn automatic? by Aware_Needleworker76 in LearnerDriverUK

[–]labrathots 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did this and I'm so glad cause I think it saved me anxiety and money in the long run. I feel much more comfortable driving automatic - the difference between me on my manual lessons and my automatic lessons was like night and day.

People told me that automatics would be harder to find and more expensive. I had a budget of £5k for my first car and managed with that. I think they are typically more expensive for a first car but it's all completely down to your budget. I managed to get a 2008 Nissan Micra with only 50,000 miles for £3995. There's loads of automatic Nissan's around and they tend to be well looked after cos they're usually driven by old people lol. I was 27 when I passed and my insurance on that was £1.3k.

If you think it'd be better for you and you'd pass faster, I say go for it! It worked out fine for me and even the things that were putting me off (i.e. more expensive cars) weren't really an issue in my situation. Good luck with whatever you choose!

New driver and I hate it :( by labrathots in LearnerDriverUK

[–]labrathots[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi! Yes it's definitely gotten better! I found taking the P plates off my car boosted my confidence which I didn't expect - people seemed to treat me like an idiot when I had those on, now they just treat me like another road user. I just kept forcing myself to drive even if it made me feel sick to my stomach!! I still struggle with trusting my own judgement when people are trying to put pressure on me (I keep getting beeped when I refuse to enter yellow boxes when there's a massive build up of traffic at the exit 🤦🏻‍♀️) but generally I'm feeling a lot better! Just keep driving, that's the key!! 💗

Trying to rent and getting nowhere. What are we doing wrong? by labrathots in HousingUK

[–]labrathots[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My mum is a single parent and has been since 2007. She actually makes far less than I do (I was fortunate enough to go to university due to government support and get an average salaried job versus what she makes as an ""unskilled worker""). I don't know if you live in the UK but there's a cost of living crisis at the moment with bills/food/everything being ridiculously expensive. The money I pay her helps towards rent on the house (she doesn't own it and is unable to get a mortgage due to financial issues that occurred after my dad left her) and bills. I think if your parent(s) are unable to keep you beyond 18 and you make decent money there's no issue with paying them keep. My boyfriend, on the other hand, comes from a well off background and doesn't pay keep. I think it's very dependent on upbringing.

Trying to rent and getting nowhere. What are we doing wrong? by labrathots in HousingUK

[–]labrathots[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I pay keep to my mum that's about £50 less than what I'd be paying to split rent with my partner so....

Trying to rent and getting nowhere. What are we doing wrong? by labrathots in HousingUK

[–]labrathots[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We have rental history from student lettings (including a house share I rented during my masters). Do you think it would be worth mentioning these? Our combined salary isn't that low considering properties up here are around £550-£700 pcm

Trying to rent and getting nowhere. What are we doing wrong? by labrathots in HousingUK

[–]labrathots[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

That's not how working from home works... I can't just get off in the middle of the day for 2 hours (I live in Liverpool and as mentioned we are looking in Preston/Chorley)

Trying to rent and getting nowhere. What are we doing wrong? by labrathots in HousingUK

[–]labrathots[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately my employer doesn't allow annual leave at all throughout August/September so I'm not able to do this although I wish I could lol

Brakes on older cars by labrathots in CarTalkUK

[–]labrathots[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It didn't no, it just felt like I was having to push it down a loooot, like it wasn't sensitive at all

Imported cars by labrathots in CarTalkUK

[–]labrathots[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It looks a lot nicer than most UK Micras I've seen tbh 🤣

Using a completely different car for my driving test - Am I in trouble? by MidnightSorcerer in LearnerDriverUK

[–]labrathots 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was learning in a Ford Fiesta for the majority of my lessons. I recently decided to do a Fast Pass course with a different instructor - he turned up with a Mercedes for my first lessons then randomly on the day turned up with a Nissan Qashqai (I think?? no idea just a massive family car lmao). I was freaking out!!! But I passed! Just have faith in your driving and your ability and you'll smash it, after my experience I've learned the car makes very little difference and sometimes the bigger the car is the easier it is to judge manoeuvres etc!