I am too short to drive safely... Any advice??? Seriously...

[Paranoid1stTimer]

I am 5ft 1 and I can only reach the pedals if I have the seat right up at the steering wheel. I have to sit on a pillow to see over the steering wheel. It is ridiculous. My driving instructor said that is just how I will have to drive since I am a short arse.

Surely there is a safer way for a short person like me to drive without the fear of being killed or severely injured should the airbag deploy...

I have heard of pedal extenders but I share a car with DH and he does most of the driving so they would have to be really easy to get on and off.

Anyone got any advice? I am scared to drive anyway as I am a nervous wreck most of the time.

Thanks

ps, obviously I'm still learning as I haven't passed my test yet. grrrr.

Is it really that bad? I am 5ft2 and I have driven many things including a Ford Torneo (essentially a Transit with seats and windows - I loved it!). When I learned to drive I used to sit on a cushion, but that was probably more anxiety as I have never felt the need since.

Learning to drive is shit and I don't envy you, but I think you are probably using this as an excuse. Sorry, I don't mean that to sound harsh, I just think you need to find ways to tackle your fear of driving because honestly, once you have passed your test you will never look back.

My second driving instructor was brilliant. She used to make me drive with one hand on the gear stick to try and relax me (i.e. stop me gripping the steering wheel tightly with both hands). This is the worst bit, you'll be fine

I have happily driven every sort of car from tiny two seaters to huge house moving lorries. Play around changing how far forward the seat is, how high or low it is, and the angle of the back bit.

I have very short legs. Before I was 14/15 I had driven several types of cars, and I was particularly small then .

Nice to hear lots of you have had no problems. And that you don't need to sit on a pillow!!!

Maybe it is down to confidence. I just am not used to how far the front of the car is and prob am leaning.

I do have short legs so maybe that is more of a problem. I also wear really flat shoes so I can "feel the pedals" as instructor says.

I didn't think sitting on a cushion was really great advice from an instructor though...

Maybe I need to get some of your confidence n I'll be better. But seriously, when I press the side bar on the seat to raise it as high as it goes and sit on it without the cushion, lower the steering wheel and look out the windscreen, (2nd hand pretty old peugot 306 BTW) I still have to kind of reach up to the wheel and literally can't see over the dashboard.

I honestly feel worse now... Confidence again.
Thanks anyway.

Any car that has height adjustable seats would be fine for you. I am 5ft 1" and have driven 3 different BMW's just fine, i just shonk the seat to its highest level. Also had no probs in a VW golf, subaru legacy, Mazda 3, and Mitsubishi colt.

Please do not buy a gas-guzzling truck otherwise known as an SUV or 4x4 if you live in a city for the 'high driving position' because it is absolutely not necessary.

I did have to sit on a cushion in this giant pontiac 'grand am' i had as a rental in the USA and that i took my California driving test in. (The seat was not height adjustable! ) The tester rolled his eyeballs at me when he got in but i scored 96/100 in the test and passed with flying colours.

YOur driving instructor is an arse imo.

--K

Hey, I am 5'1'' I never had a problem . I adjust the seat though! It is just the confidence. My friend taught me how to drive. By that time I driven a jeep and now I do a BMW. And it is just same for me all the vehicles. Let your fear go and practice well.

Zombie

I am 5ft nothing and drive with no problems, but before I could I remember wondering about it, just as you are. Especially as when I put the sun visor down on the passenger side, I still had the sun in my eyes! But most modern cars now have driver's seats that adjust both forwards and upwards. Yes, a new instructor is required, you need one that instills confidence!