u/redfleece02

So I finally passed my auto test this morning 2nd attempt (after 1+ year learning). I was so excited and I’ve been looking at cheap, small auto cars for months so I had 2 picked out to test drive today if I passed my test.

Problem is, I’ve been learning in 2 automatic hybrids. My parents have a 2008 Prius and my instructor has a 2019 Yaris. I didn’t think anything of this until today when I test drove a 2010 Kia Picanto and nearly sent us flying out of this guy’s garage when I gently pressed the gas pedal the same way I would in the Toyota hybrids. I did this a few times (causing both my dad and the seller to shout WOAH in fear lol) but the seller reassured me I’d get used to it.

I honestly (maybe naively) had no idea how different driving a normal petrol automatic would be compared to a hybrid. I was extremely anxious about learning to drive which is why I opted for automatic rather than manual, which was a limitation I was willing to give myself for less anxiety around driving. But now I feel like I’ve unintentionally limited myself even more having only driven hybrid cars.

I would’ve loved to just get another hybrid Yaris for my first car as I love the way my instructor’s drives and much prefer the smaller size compared to the family Prius, however my budget is quite tight for a first car. - we weren’t looking to spend more than around 3 grand. So I feel like my current options are buying a small, older non-hybrid automatic that fits into my budget but I would have to adjust to the difference in the pedals (which makes me quite anxious), increasing my budget and investing in an affordable hybrid car (may have to increase it to at least 5-6 grand), or just waiting until I can inherit the Prius when my parents get a new car (could be quite far in the future and would mean I have to share a car in the meantime).

Does anyone have any advice or reassurance? I’m sad that this naivety and realisation has bummed me out a bit on a day where I was initially so excited and proud of myself.