I need my license and a vehicle

[o2bnocn]

I'm turning 29 this January and its becoming a need to have my license and a vehicle. I'm not finished learning how to drive, and don't have the money for a vehicle. I have drove around the neighborhood, to a fast food joint close by, parking lots, back roads a tiny bit, and one time I hired a professional teacher for one hour. The professional teacher took me on the roads that are considered main but not much traffic. That was a very long time ago. The only person that ever took me driving to teach me was my sister. She told me that she can't teach me with her car because it is financed. When she took me in the past she had an older vehicle.

One of my main concerns is that I will have to take the actual course to drive. I would really rather not so that I could save money in this whole process, and it makes me even more nervous about driving. I know I shouldn't be this nervous but I really am. I can't afford to hire a professional teacher because it cost me $60 for one hour and that was years ago so I'm sure the price has went up as well.

My plan for saving for a car is to just start saving and when I find a good way to save then stick to it. Even if I am only saving $10 or $20 out of paychecks, it is better than nothing. I am just looking for a used vehicle, not a new car or anything like that.

Realistically with my income it is going to be difficult to save for a car. However, I can't keep using that as an excuse. I've applied for better income jobs and I'm just not getting any as of right now. So I am going to start saving and even if it takes me awhile, it's a good start. For the past year I haven't been focusing on this, and recently I tried to start saving but things just keep coming up and there are other things I was putting before this but last year I knew that I should focus on it and now.... a year later... I am in the same spot. So it really is time for a change!

Any suggestions?  This is really becoming difficult to deal with on a daily basis with having to always ask for a ride, to the grocery store, to anywhere! Also, it's almost impossible to date and I'm stuck with working at home at the current moment. As much as I enjoy working at home, I also know I could make more income if I worked outside the home.

[aggie49]

getting your licence is the easy part it getting a car that's the hard part because you also need insurance tag registration and you got to be able to repair it if some thing comes up but it makes things a lot easier if you have a car  good luck

[ladavia89]

You should be more focused on getting your license than a car. Even if you can manage to save up enough to purchase a car you won't be able to legally drive or register it without the license.

The tests are different between states and even cities. You should find out what's on your local test and practice that. I know my test in Florida was easier because it was just a test in a parking lot and no parallel parking. I know other places involve road tests and more location specific information.

[dreamyxo]

You just have to bite the bullet and do what you have to do.  Go to a driving school and learn how to drive so you can get your license first.

[JediJohnnie]

I'm in the same boat, I'm afraid. I really need to start getting my own transportation. I'm going to look into Uber and other sources for the time being.

[oldbuddy]

If I were in your position, the first thing I would be looking for is a good friend (or family member) to help you out. If you really don't have any friends you could ask, finding one seems like it would be much easier than getting a car or hiring a tutor.

[ghunter]

I don't really know your situation, but you are kind of old to just be getting your license.  I say that to say kids these days get their driving license at age 16-21, but I guess you waited, but get a friend to teach you.

[metsrock69]

I say if your friends can't help,call a driving school. I know where I live driving schools rent you their car.

[potluck6]

my 25 yr old son lives with us has bought a car and paying 183.00 a month  for the car . he also has to pay about 500.00 for full insurance every 6 months. we don't charge him rent   he gives us some money for food and cable bill he would never be able to buy a car  by himself. You should get someone to help you drive like a friend ,relative  my husband taught me. Id keep on it driving gives you a freedom but it can be expensive. good luck

[linderlizzie]

Keep saving for the car, but remember the worst part is the insurance; big expense. And then there's the gas and the maintenance; oil changes, headlights, etc. And if you make a modicum of income, there are many places that will finance your vehicle. Their finance charges will be sky-high, however.  Try to get a low interest rate from your bank or credit union.

I agree that a friend would be a good way to start to learn to drive properly. I've taught a few people to drive, and I was taught by my aunt and cousins.

After all, it's mostly drive on your side of the road and do a reasonable approximation of the speed limit. Maintain a distance between you and the car in front of you. Go to a DMV and get a Rules of the Road booklet. Be courteous on the road, which may save your life and someone else's, not to mention your blood pressure.

[monnee]

Since your still saving $$$$$ for a car, you might as well take the bus, taxi, or you can use a ride sharing service like uber/lyft.

[mrsmere]

Concentrate on getting a license first.  Try to save a certain amount for the car each week or every two weeks in a different account and if something comes up pretend you don't know about the side account.  It takes discipline to do this but it can be done.  With a car you will also need money for  insurance, gas etc.   

[Skyisbluetoday]

I would find somebody to help you learn to drive, focus on getting a license first, than, after that you can focus on getting a car!

[Nancy5]

Like everyone else said, get your license first.  I don't understand why your sister won't teach you, but try to find a friend even if you have to pay them something.  You can't buy a car without a license and insurance.  Be prepared to pay a sizable amount for insurance.  Then make sure you have enough money for gas, oil, inspections, etc.

[Liquidfire_43]

Looking back at my driving test, I would say is make sure your familiar with the road/lot your driving test is located. I failed my first driving test because my first driving instructor schedule me from a different test location. The other driving instructor (same company, believed I was taking the lenient/local test location so they prepared me for tht). Second driving test, I passed very easily since I reschedule to my local dmv and know the roads there. Didn't really grill people for parallel parking

Driving takes a lot of practice. Might be intimidating at first, since people always like to tailgate you. But after awhile you stop  giving a s*** and do your business. After awhile you get used to driving

Used cars are 50/50. They are good for short term, but the repairs are sometimes to costly to do. Try saving up for a leased car. Leased cars are fully warranted so if there is something wrong with engine/etc you don't pay for any of it. If monthly payment is high, try negotiating with down payment. Although it is not advise to do any down payment on leasing, it could bring down the monthly cost to your liking.

In your situation, I would see if you have a friend you could car pool to work. I seen a lot of people do that at jobs. Saves money, just split gas price. Some people like the company. Not sure about driving to groceries, maybe look for home delivery for grocery. In all else, see if public transportation is an option. Although it could be costly, it could open a lot of opportunities for employment. Also if your really lucky, your employment could cover or pay some of the commuting fees (some companies have discounts on transit).