Vehicles & Motoring

Hi all, I'm curious to know whether anyone holds an advanced driving qualification that is NOT police related. I've often considered going on the course as driving is something that I very much enjoy but wondered whether the benefits aside from being an advanced driver are worth it. Is there any kind of insurance discount as a result? For those that held the qualification before joining the police does or would this hold any merit when going on driving courses, the practical side of me tells me that the police will still want to train you to their own level especially given that most driving within the police is blue light trained. Any thoughts or a…

So as a result of non-essential travel and working from home, I haven't driven my car for over 3 weeks now, and the battery is completely dead. It was on its way out, when it was cold, it would take a few goes before the car would start. Also if I move off from stationary, the car lights dim and the air-con powers down a bit. I have a booster pack at home to jump it, however having a look online, it says if I jump a completely dead battery, I risk damaging my car. Is that true and what sort of damage could happen? Bit of background, its a 9 year old car, with a 7 year old new battery. I've got no use for the car now, so it's not a priority to fix, but should I n…

Hi all, I'm just wondering whether anyone has any experience with leasing for personal vehicles. I'm currently looking to get a new car as mine is on it's way out and can't decide between buying a second hand car or going with a lease. Has anyone got any pros/cons, handy or horror stories they can share? Does anyone recommend any particular company? I've looked at CPC drive which is run through my work and I find that simply too expensive. Thanks in advance.

I’m in the market for some new dipped beam bulbs (H7s) - what are your recommendations? I’ve just binned an Osram Night Breaker which lasted me about 9 months, probably more to do with the fact I smashed my car than the life of the bulb but I’ll replace the set together. Read good things about the GE Megalights but interested to see how they compare to Night Breakers as they are a little more expensive.

As the title suggests. A massive pothole did one of my front tyres in last week. Needed it sorted sharpish, so took the hit at Kwikfit for in excess of £80. I've got in touch with the council and they've sent me a claims form. Is this something that's likely to affect my NCD or cost me higher premiums come renewal? Cheers!

So in my current job with my miserable pay rate I'm currently sharing a car with another family member. It's a new car on finance, stereotypical for young girls who have just passed their driving tests, I bloody hate it! With my plans of moving jobs into a police staff role, I'm looking into what car I'd possibly get since by the time I'm offered the job I won't have too much time, especially if I'm relocating. For my preferred location I'm looking at commutes from 45 minutes to an hour, mostly urban and motorway driving. I'm needing something substantial that won't drop dead once the bad weather starts next winter, but also something that won't make me drop de…

Hey guys and girls, Is there any fairly new bikers on this forum that have taken their DAS (direct access scheme) as opposed to doing their tests in order IE CBT, A1, A2, A? As my brother is considering doing a DAS which is 6 days long which includes all of the tests required and legally allows you to ride a motorbike of any power. I'm just a bit concerned that 6 consecutive days of riding and testing no where near qualifies you as being a competent driver (in my honest opinion) so was hoping to get some feedback from anyone who had done this to see how they feel about it having done it? Thanks in advance

Hello All, Currently I drive a Vauxhall Vectra SRI CDTI Hatch, but looking to upgrade to an estate. I am after people's thoughts on the following line up, and also on pros / cons of Used / New - PCP / New - Leasing Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTI SRI Skoda Octavia 2.0 VRS TDI Focus ST2 or ST3 TDCI BMW 330d / 325d M Sport Tourer I'd like something with a bit of grunt, that has space for the dog and the bikes!

Hey guys, Just wanted your opinions on buying Category vehicles, for the people unaware of what category vehicles are: Category D: Category D car is one that has suffered accident damage that would cost less to repair than its value. Category C: A Cat C vehicle will have suffered significant damage in the past, probably in an accident. Category vehicle are sold for significantly less than non category vehicles In my experience cars can be signed off as CAT D for minor panel damage and as long as the seller has pictures of the damage and receipts of the repairs done I wouldn't have any issues buying a Cat D vehicle, not sure I would buy a Cat C…

Hi all, I am almost at the point of graduating from university and getting a job - as such I want a new car as a 'reward' as such for myself after 18 years of straight education! (Obviously this will be once I get a reasonable job/graduate scheme!) The question is - Audi S3 Sportback or Seat Leon Cupra (taking into account the price difference too!) Has anyone had either of these cars? Or anyone recommend a different hot-hatch or similar? Cheers, Owen