My driving history is a bumpy ride if ever there was one. I first started lessons for my 17th birthday and sat (and obviously failed) five tests before deciding I perhaps wasn’t quite ready to be on the road just yet and took an extended break. Fast forward a decade and I finally decided the time was right, I was older and wiser- not to mention calmer and it wasn’t my driving that let me down, it was nerves every time and I thought I had a handle on it. Almost another year passed and a re-sat my theory test, took plenty of lessons with an excellent instructor and then went and failed two more tests, had a bit of a meltdown and have barely been behind the wheel since. Now I’ve moved out I’m in need of driving more than ever and I’m getting myself set for a third (and final) round of lessons and a test which also means that at some point in the near future I’m going to need to buy a car. I’m not the most machine headed girl and pretty clueless when it comes to cars, so buying one is going to be quite a challenge. I was recently sent this infographic from Motorparks which I’ve genuinely found really helpful for tips and advice. All I need to do now is get myself fit and well enough to get back behind the wheel and face those fears one last time.

I’m pretty sure I’m not going to have the budget for a brand new car so I found it really helpful to find a guide for buying second hand too.

I’d love to know your thoughts on driving lessons, tests and car shopping as well as your experiences- have a car you love? Let me know below, I literally have no idea where to start with my choice.