Please help me.. First time license

[bsparrot]

I'm from North Carolina, and I'm 19 and i'm a second year university student. I come from a lower class background (live with mom). I've had my permit since I was 16, but now the Bus is getting ridiculous as I have to walk 5-6 miles a day and can't do much else, it's time to get a car. I get scholarships and loans through my school, and in January I will have close to $12,000 to spend on a Used car. However, I do not have my license yet. I have tried to research and ask everyone if they know, but to no avail. On the DMV of my state, it says Liability Insurance is required to take the Driving portion of my License exam. My mom does not own a car, nor insurance (she's on disability and in a wheelchair). This insurance requirement is confusing, as people said without a car I cannot get insurance, and I cannot drive the car, nor test it to buy it without insurance. I have a friend of mine (also 19) that is willing to let me borrow his car for the Driving test. However my other smart ass friend states that I will need to be under the car's insurance policy for this to be acceptable (which I can't under my friends car). Can someone please walk me through the steps of obtaining licensing and getting a Used car (from a dealership to my house, to be able to drive legally).

[oldblu65]

You need to call your local DMV and ask about the requirements concerning the test . They , more than any of us , can tell you what you need to do . As far as getting a used car from the dealership to your house , simply have a legally licensed friend or family member go with you and let them drive the vehicle home . Good luck !

[Moppie]

Congrats on getting the scholarships, but you don't have to blow 12K just to get a car, especially if it's your first car.

Something practical and reliable can be had for only 2-3k


Have you rung and talked to an insurance company about liability cover?
Also check if there is a driving school in your area, they maybe able to provide you with a car, and the cover, and a lesson before the test all for a single fee.

[bsparrot]

Thank you for the replies. One of the people on the Community Chat last night who also lives in my state told me about Nonowners drivers liab. insurance. I plan to get that, and borrow someone's car to take the test, get my license and when I buy a car I will switch it over on the insurance.

[jon@af]

To echo what as already been said, 12k on a used car is a generous amount to be spending considering possible options at half that price.

If you're currently planning on going to a dealership to look at cars, take a moment and see if there are any local sellers who are selling their cars privately. Many times, you can find a car at half the cost it would be on a dealer lot with the same features and better maintenance. Not to mention the fact that if the owner is really looking to get rid of it, they're more likely to play ball on the price.