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Original poster

How can I get my car home?

58 replies

Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:06

My Dad has very kindly bought me a car. Its an incredible gesture and will massively increase my earning potential. The only problem is the car is in London and I'm in Devon! I only have a provisional licence but know how to drive. I don't know anyone who could come with me to pick it up.

The obvious answer is to leave it in London and go get it after I pass my test, but it seems a shame to leave it there when I could be using it here (with a driver next to me and L plates). Also where would I park it? Dad lives in London but there is no place to park it long term near his house.

Is there a (cheap) service that will bring it to me? On Google there is a company that quoted me £95 including petrol to fetch it but for some reason they can only drive cars with Spanish or French number plates.

Any ideas?

OP posts:
Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:07

I am insured on the car with my provisional licence.

OP posts:
sorryiasked · 08/03/2020 15:10

Can your dad not accompany you back to Devon (assuming he's a driver)?

Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:11

Unfortunately not. He has terminal cancer and has been housebound for a long time.

OP posts:

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Driving & parking
BitchHazel · 08/03/2020 15:13

I could be using it here (with a driver next to me and L plates)

If you have someone who can do this with you, could you not ask them to go with you to pick the car up?

Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:13

His mind is slowly slipping away also that's why he didn't think of the logistics of picking up the car. He keeps telling me to drive it home as 'it' ll be fine! ' Grin

That's another reason I don't want to leave it in London as I don't want him to think I'm being ungrateful by not using it.

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 08/03/2020 15:15

Is it your insurance or are you a named driver ? Presumably if you are going to drive it when you get it home you do know someone who will sit with you whilst you drive so why can they not come and collect it with you .

Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:15

@BitchHazel Because its very different asking someone to come for a spin around the block with me and asking them to get on a train to London, go pick up my car, then drive 5 hours home.

OP posts:
Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:16

It's my insurance. No. I don't know anyone who will give up the day to travel to London and back with me unfortunately.

OP posts:
Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:17

Plus the train is £100 return per person.

OP posts:
HerstoryRepeatsItself · 08/03/2020 15:17

Ask on a local Facebook group for someone who can bring it back. Local to me there's a private vehicle recovery truck owned by a man who does this for people :)

Driving it back yourself will be very slow as you can't go on the motorway with just a provisional license!

Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:19

Oh really? I didn't know you couldn't go on the motorway. I will check Facebook, no idea what to search for though.

OP posts:
SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 08/03/2020 15:20

Might it be cheaper to go up by National Express? I know that's only part of your problem, but...

Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:20

A recovery truck would cost a fortune!

OP posts:
HerstoryRepeatsItself · 08/03/2020 15:21

Shock good job you checked on MN!! I think you now can in an instructors car with dual controls but that's a very recent law change. I had some motorway lessons after passing my test for this reason.

Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:21

Yes alone I would go by bus, but I couldn't ask a friend to do the 6 hour cramped journey with me! I would have to buy them a train ticket.

OP posts:
shoofly · 08/03/2020 15:21

Garages / car dealers employ people to do this. You're going to need to pay their costs to get back to London again and effectively you'll be paying a day's wages. Is there a friendly local garage (who you might perhaps ask for future services) who you could ask to recommend someone? Or did your Dad buy it from a dealer/garage who might advise. Can you ask on Facebook and see if anyone has any suggestions? My cousin delivers cars all the time, but we're in Ireland so no use for you. Hope you can get sorted.

Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:22

Yes, good job! Now you've said it I remembering learning it in the theory revision.

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Largeyellowdaffodil · 08/03/2020 15:22

A learner driver cant realistically drive a car from London to Devon. How will you avoid all motorways? Are you on the point fo passing your test? If not are you competent enough to drive that far with that many road combinations.

There are recovery companies all over- contact a local one. My car was taken 200 miles by one under my insurance and it cost £500- so be prepared.

UnexpectedItemInTheShaggingAre · 08/03/2020 15:23

Would a small local garage move it for you?

HerstoryRepeatsItself · 08/03/2020 15:24

Recovery might be expensive but unless you can find a friend to do it for free you don't have much choice unfortunately. You can't drive it unless you stick to A roads and tbh I wouldn't recommend trying to go alone as soon as you pass your test, you will find it quite hair raising to drive through London then on the motorway alone as a brand new driver!

Bisforbert · 08/03/2020 15:24

Shiply or driveme? Just put London to Devon into driveme and it gave a quote of £74.00

Largeyellowdaffodil · 08/03/2020 15:24

Google car recovery london to devon- it brings up dozens of options.

adaline · 08/03/2020 15:28

Can you afford to pay your friends' train fare, food, and maybe a meal too? Then they can accompany you to London and drive the car back with you.

I don't think you should drive it home. You haven't passed your test yet and that's a long drive for a learner.

Original poster
Fedupandpoor · 08/03/2020 15:31

Shiply looks promising! I just put in the details and they are going to contact me with a quote.

OP posts:
Largeyellowdaffodil · 08/03/2020 15:31

You need a company who will be doing a drop in london/devon and will do yours on the return. Don't attempt to drive it yourself.

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