Morris Minor Owners Club

Driving a Morris Minor will teach you how to use a gearbox very rapidly-if you don't, you won't go very far, very fast! Don't be afraid of it, maybe it looks daunting but it's not as bad as you think.
And having learnt to use a Minor gearbox, your will find a modern manual box much easier.

Yes, its hardly difficult - everyone who drove used a manual gearbox before automatics came into existence. More fun as well

To be honest getting to grips with a manual doesn’t bother me too much, I did most of my lessons in a manual many years ago and only switched to auto at the last minute to pass my test fast… so I can drive a manual - I’m just rusty!

It’s the thought of having to pass a test that bothers me… I’ve had 20 years to pick up bad habits haha. Still practice makes perfect! I’ll try and get another lesson in soon, just to help my confidence a little. Thanks for all the helpful feedback everyone

mrs.smith2012 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 17, 2025 12:07 pm I’ve had 20 years to pick up bad habits haha.

https://www.youtube.com/user/1stdrive/videos
https://www.youtube.com/@ashley_neal/videos
https://driving4tomorrow.com/advanced-driving-dvds

(I have personally used all three as resources for better driving).

ndevans wrote: ↑Fri Oct 17, 2025 11:24 am And having learnt to use a Minor gearbox, your will find a modern manual box much easier.

I disagree, I had to drive a citroen c3 and it was a sloppy nightmare getting it into gears compared to the direct connection of a Minor

Great thanks!
I’ll be taking my test in a Fiat Picanto which is actually quite a nice little car to drive… unless of course I happen to get a minor BEFORE my test… in which case I wonder if they would let me do my test in it

Yes, you can take your test in a Minor because I asked the DVLA once

You can ignore the rules about seat belts, head restraints etc. (I was told) due to them not being a requirement on a car that old.

However, I seem to recall it was up to the examiner whether they were willing to allow it.

In the end I was away from home for my own test so didn't use the Minor but the instructors car instead.

Chief wrote: ↑Fri Oct 17, 2025 5:38 pm Yes, you can take your test in a Minor because I asked the DVLA once

You can ignore the rules about seat belts, head restraints etc. (I was told) due to them not being a requirement on a car that old.

However, I seem to recall it was up to the examiner whether they were willing to allow it.

In the end I was away from home for my own test so didn't use the Minor but the instructors car instead.

Ooh that’s good to know. Not that I’m planning to get one right at this second… I’m only very casually looking… but if my test is taking forever and the right car comes along then it might happen

I looked back and they didn't mention seat belts since I already had them fitted, but the lack of head rests weren't an issue and everything else on the check list was already covered by the car itself - also turns out it was 10 years ago

Chief wrote: ↑Fri Oct 17, 2025 11:57 pm I looked back and they didn't mention seat belts since I already had them fitted, but the lack of head rests weren't an issue and everything else on the check list was already covered by the car itself - also turns out it was 10 years ago

Hmm wonder if it’s changed? If I got one I’d definitely ask… but yeah, will see what happens. I’m not rushing to buy a car but with the wait time for tests I’ve no idea which will happen first.. test or car!