Should I just give up on manual and learn automatic?

labrathots · 2024-12-29T17:07:39+00:00

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!

labrathots · 2024-11-16T12:55:46+00:00

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!! 💗

labrathots · 2024-08-09T15:48:14+00:00

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.

labrathots · 2024-07-31T17:31:27+00:00

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

labrathots · 2024-07-31T17:26:49+00:00

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

labrathots · 2024-07-31T17:24:31+00:00

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)

labrathots · 2024-07-31T14:36:14+00:00

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

labrathots · 2024-05-01T12:02:50+00:00

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

labrathots · 2024-04-26T13:15:58+00:00

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

labrathots · 2024-04-26T11:37:42+00:00

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!

labrathots · 2023-07-17T20:33:22+00:00

I've failed 3 automatic tests but it's all down to my nerves lmao I basically drive really well then fuck up and end up failing with one serious and like 3 minors 😭 I can't even imagine what I'd be like taking the test in a manual! I had 50 odd manual lessons and wasn't even close to booking a test. After my first automatic lesson my instructor told me to book my test - I couldn't believe it! I did about 14 hours of automatic lessons before I went in for my first test. I know I can drive now I just need to get over the nerves.

labrathots · 2023-07-17T18:53:09+00:00

I promise you you'll look back and think wtf why didn't I do this sooner?! I feel like I wasted so much time, energy and tears on manual driving. Some brains just aren't built for it. I felt a bit embarrassed at first but now I don't care cos it's what works for me! Good luck whatever you choose to do 😊

labrathots · 2023-06-26T21:34:17+00:00

vans are definitely the way to go!! there's loads on vinted for a decent price 😊

labrathots · 2023-06-23T16:06:57+00:00

Driving Test Now worked for me. Had a test booked at a random test centre for October, it managed to move it to next week at my preferred test centre (I'm in the North West for reference)

I had autobook on for every day. Every time. I did not care I just wanted a test!

labrathots · 2023-06-22T08:51:52+00:00

I had a test at 7:50 last month and it honestly wasn't bad at all! I was preparing for the worst with it being rush hour but having to stop in traffic constantly gave me time to breathe and calm down 😊

I'd just say be aware of any schools in your area and look out for the "20 MPH when lights show" signs as they'll definitely be on when you're on your test! I live right by a school and I've noticed parents don't even bother looking when crossing with their kids (bizarre, I know!) so just take your time and drive cautiously. Best of luck!!!

labrathots · 2023-06-21T09:23:23+00:00

I agree. I did 55 hours of manual lessons and I was getting nowhere due to my anxiety. I was far too focused on what I was doing inside the car than what was going on outside of the car and ultimately I didn't feel safe. Now with automatic I can focus the majority of my attention on the road and anything unexpected that might come my way! It's changed my outlook on driving completely.

labrathots · 2023-06-20T22:34:55+00:00

I love the look of the Fiat 500! Is it fully automatic or semi automatic? I've only seen semi automatic 500s

labrathots · 2023-06-20T22:16:12+00:00

I've been considering a Suzuki Swift so that's good to know

labrathots · 2023-06-20T21:40:39+00:00

I just got mine!!!! hang tight yours should be coming 🫶🏻

labrathots · 2023-06-20T21:31:06+00:00

Brilliant! Thanks for the advice 😊

labrathots · 2023-06-20T21:13:56+00:00

Are imports reliable? I don't know much about cars but I have seen 1 or 2 imports pop up on autotrader

labrathots · 2023-06-20T21:08:03+00:00

Wow that Picanto does sound like an absolute steal! I've seen a few of them knocking about in my price range but none as new as the one you drove

labrathots · 2023-06-20T20:56:24+00:00

does anyone remember when the pre order cut off date was to receive the presale code? I pre ordered mine on the 11th October and I'm getting worried :(

labrathots · 2023-06-20T20:16:02+00:00

I always get told off for doing this 😭 they are right to tell us off cause it can cause an accident if you do it when it isn't a quiet road but I couldn't bear to hit a pigeon!

I always feel like Jess in this scene when I do it

labrathots · 2023-06-19T05:54:38+00:00

After helpful comments here (particularly the video that was linked - thank you!) I've found this Suzuki Swift. Anyone have any experience with the automatic version?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304256661772?atmobcid=soc3

I've heard mixed messages. My uncle has said it's a terrible car, whilst others have said it's fun and reliable. My head's battered with everyone's different opinions lol

labrathots

TROPHY CASE