34 Year Old Beginner

Jmccoy1

Hey folks,

Having passed my theory test and receiving my learner permit I'm penciled in to start my EDT lessons on Monday. I am 34 years of age and this is my first time driving a car, however I have been riding scooters and motorcycles since the year 2000, so it's safe to say that I'm an experienced road user. I hold a full Cat A licence and full NCB for the bike. I had a non-fault accident last year where I was rammed from behind by a careless driver, I was injured as a result and my bike at the time was written off, my own insurance wasn't affected and the bike was replaced, however my personal injury case is ongoing. As a newby to all things four wheel related I'd be grateful if I could have some advice on choosing my first car, and maybe a heads up on what I could expect to pay for insurance. I would prefer a hatchback, small car that's cheap enough to tax. Also I'm hoping to have gained my full licence before buying, would this make much of difference insurance wise.

Cheers.

stefanovich

I started late myself but have been driving for 2 years now. My advice is to go for a 1.4. It's still fine for insurance but won't be frustratingly underpowered. I bought a 2002 Corolla at the time and it has been problem free, breezed through the last two NCTs.

I suppose it really depends on your budget but for around 2000 you could get a nice 1.4 corolla that would last a good few years until you are confident enough to upgrade.

ProudDUB

There isn't going to be a massive difference in your insurance if you have a full license vs a learner permit. One of the main things that affects your premium, is how many years of accident free, claim free driving you have to your name. That is not going to change overnight, just because you pass your driving test. If you pass your driving test and you get your full license, you will see a small reduction in the premium, but it won't be huge.

Where you live also affects your quote, as certain parts of the country and certain parts of cities, are in different risk brackets when it come to theft. The only way to get an accurate idea of what you would expect to pay for insurance, is to go on a site like carzone.ie & pick a car that you feel suits your budget and requirements. Then start calling around the insurance companies. Give them your personal details and the cars details and take it from there.

Jmccoy1

Thanks guys.

pablo128

You would be as well to get a car and get some experience, maybe 6 months, and then do your test. You will be familiar with the car then, which will help. Try to do 1 lesson per month just to make sure you're not picking up any bad habits. As has been said, a reasonably cheap Corolla would be a good starting point, as well as being reasonable to insure.

My missus only started driving about 3 years ago at the age of 35. She had her test passed after 7 months. You should do ok seeing as you have experience on the road. best of luck.

kennM

Jmccoy1 wrote: »

Hey folks,

Having passed my theory test and receiving my learner permit I'm penciled in to start my EDT lessons on Monday. I am 34 years of age and this is my first time driving a car, however I have been riding scooters and motorcycles since the year 2000, so it's safe to say that I'm an experienced road user. I hold a full Cat A licence and full NCB for the bike. I had a non-fault accident last year where I was rammed from behind by a careless driver, I was injured as a result and my bike at the time was written off, my own insurance wasn't affected and the bike was replaced, however my personal injury case is ongoing. As a newby to all things four wheel related I'd be grateful if I could have some advice on choosing my first car, and maybe a heads up on what I could expect to pay for insurance. I would prefer a hatchback, small car that's cheap enough to tax. Also I'm hoping to have gained my full licence before buying, would this make much of difference insurance wise.

Cheers.

Depends on lots of things... I was a biker who also got taken out of it in 4 wheels now but lot of experience over the years.

Budget, mileage, needs (kids/stuff to transport/profession involve moving stuff around), safety rating, road tax, etc. Any lingering medical issues that car needs to account for? manual vs. auto etc.

Personally I bought a diesel Mini cooper and love it. Small enough, surprisingly nippy, very cheap to run, annual road tax of €190.... running costs (Diesel and tax) come in around €25/€30 per week which is very low. Had an old 5 series and was putting multiples of that into running costs.

Hope it helps