Getting Behind the Wheel – Things to Think About
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Guest Post:
So, you're a teenager, or maybe even a little older, but you’ve decided to get behind the wheel for the first time. Getting a driver's licence and then a set of wheels, gives you loads to think about. It’s a life-changing moment, but also an investment. Here are some top tips to help you go from two feet and two wheels to four tires with minimal stress or cost.
Think money
Taking up driving lessons and buying a car is something you shouldn’t be doing on a whim. You need to make sure you’ve got enough cash in the bank to pay for your lessons and to not only buy a vehicle, but also run and maintain it. It’s a bit like having a pet, it needs constant feeding with fuel – and will need some health checks once in a while.
The lessons
When you’re hunting around for driving lessons, make sure you do your homework. Talk to family and friends about personal recommendations of instructors. Often, word of mouth is a great way to find someone who fits your needs and personality. You will, after all, be spending quite a lot of time with them when you are learning. Also, check out reviews online of local driving schools, have a look at prices, and also the type of cars that they use for students. You need to feel comfortable with all of these elements, so that you get the most out of your learning experience and get on the path to passing your test!
What kind of car?
If you’re looking to buy a car to practice in outside of your lessons, to boost your skills and confidence – and to put your lessons into practice – then think about what kind of vehicle is best for you. You may be dreaming of cruising around town in an open-top sports car, but is that really practical (and affordable)? Being practical may seem boring, but it’s imperative. If you need a lot of space and room, then a sports car isn’t for you; if you need to carry children to and from work, then you need a people carrier. For teenagers, you’ll probably be limited by a budget, however, there are many ways for you to buy or lease a car.
Buying a car
When you’re looking around for a car to buy, do shop around. Have a look around showrooms and also check out private ads in the local newspaper or online. You could even put out a ‘wanted’ ad on the internet. However, don’t think you always have to buy. Be on the look out for a car leasing specialist, if you want a new model but don’t want to purchase.
If you go for a second-hand car, make sure you think about safety. Have it looked over by a professional before buying and get a copy of all the paperwork that goes with the vehicle. Otherwise, you might regret buying what appeared to be a bargain when it starts having technical issues!
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