to join a car club?

[bibliomania]

Just passed my driving test (automatic). I don't own a car and don't have access to one (single parent, far from family). I've managed for a long time without a car and I don't need one for daily life. I can walk to work, to the shops etc. I want to drive fairly regularly, but the aim is to develop my driving skills and confidence so I don't lose them. I don't need to make specific journeys at specific times - the plan is just to head out for a drive on Saturdays and/or Sundays.

I've looked at buying a second-hand car, but it's not cheap, parking is limited, and I'm not sure it's worth the outlay, given what I need it for. I'm now thinking that the best option is to join a car club and not to bother buying a car. There's one where cars can be accessed pretty much on my doorstep.

Seems like a no-brainer, but are there any hidden pitfalls I should be aware of? Would you recommend something else?

A car club sounds like it's ideal for your needs.

However, unfortunately some clubs want you to have had your licence a couple of years before you can join.

If that turns out to be the case, maybe you can ask around and see whether there's anyone locally who has had to stop driving and would appreciate occasional lifts in exchange for use of the car. Try your local church - there might be someone who would be delighted to let you drive them to church and back in their car, and drive where you like inbetween.

You mention being a single parent - are the kids old enough not to need car seats/boosters?

What's a car club?

The only ones I know of are once where you meet up with others with the same model car as your own.

If you can join one as a new driver, it sounds ideal for you.

@Coulddowithanap

What's a car club?

The only ones I know of are once where you meet up with others with the same model car as your own.

It’s a car sharing thing. You pay a subscription or per journey and can use a car when you need to.

como.org.uk/shared-mobility/shared-cars/what/

I used the local co-wheels club for a while and it was fine. The only occasional frustration was if I wanted to use it and it was already booked. For what you’ve described you want it for, it sounds great.

Thanks for the comments, and I'll check out whether there's a minimum requirement for how long I've held a licence. Interesting suggestion about offering lifts, lanthanum - hadn't thought of that. I only have one dc who is 14, so car seats not an issue.

Just looked up the car club - once you're over 22, you can drive as soon as you have a full licence. I'm quite a long way over 22, so sounds like it's a plan!

Would it be worth you using someone like enterprise? I don't drive so not really clued up about things like this

That's actually the one I'm looking at, NewYear.

I use a lot of car clubs (in London so there is a choice) and I love them.
Zip car
Turo or hiya car let you 'borrow' a neighbours car (like air B and B but for cars)
Sometimes a 'normal' car hire place if hiring for a day or more.

Downsides- with young children it is a bit more complicated with car seats, have to pick up the car, drive home and fit car seats before going on my trip.

• its not really worth if it you are going somewhere for the day as you pay by the hour normally so you are paying to have it parked outside the venue
• i don't want to book/pay for more time than I need (I'm a cheapskate!) but that means you've got a deadline- it's a extra source of stress on a trip to IKEA!

Plus sides
Cost, it is cheaper for us( would depend on your own car usage)
Lowering the environmental cost of manufacturing the car in the first place (the sharing economy type idea)
Not having all the stress of car ownership, never need to worry about renewing insurance, MOT, car getting damaged by others etc
Usually a newer/nicer car than I would have bought for myself.

I think a car club sounds like a great idea for you. However, before you decide which one to go with, check the reviews online. I was with the one you're considering and they were terrible. I actually ended up buying a car because my experience with them was so painful. I had so many problems with cars I tried to use which was bad enough but the customer service was so dreadful that I gave up. They still occasionally try to bill me for my membership even now and I cancelled it almost three years ago They might have improved recently but just make sure you do you homework before you sign up.

Living in centralish London (zone 2) in my 20s I found a car club ideal for similar needs.

Try Co Wheels

We had street car but I think there are loads now

Thanks all for the advice. SaveIt, thanks for the warning about this particular company - I will definitely check the reviews.

Sounds like this is a good option for me, provided I choose the right company.