Like many people, insurance, young driver's road tax and the cost of MOTs have probably left you all but penniless of late.
It is possible to find cheaper car insurance, but the other motoring expenses remain depressingly constant no matter what you do. About the only practical solution is to find a better-paid job - but with so many on offer and no clear idea of what each involves, where do you even start?
Luckily for you, the team here at Hoot has put together a series of motoring careers guides. If you've got a passion for cars (or just a mild interest), we think there's a motoring job out there that'll pay for your insurance as a young driver each month and might even cover you for a few rounds at the bar, too.
We've written guides on every career from chauffeur to driving instructor, and from bus driver to car mechanic. This latest one is the Hoot guide to becoming a car valet.
So what does a car valet do?
He or she cleans motor vehicles on a professional basis, using a variety of specialist equipment.
A typical service includes blasting dirt from the body with a high-pressure hose; cleaning detailing around windows, door handles and mirrors; polishing bodywork with wax and other products; and vacuuming and shampooing upholstery.
Besides that, there's more unusual jobs like steam cleaning engines and painting the sidewalls of tyres. Most experienced (and successful) valets offer their clients a wealth of different services, so there's a great deal to learn in this profession.
Car valets either operate from a garage or travel direct to their customers. The latter type drive specially customised vans that come complete with water tanks and a generator for pressure washers and other powered equipment.
Besides working for individuals, valets are also in demand at car dealerships, rental firms and other businesses where vehicles are being resold or loaned-out on a regular basis.
Am I the ideal candidate?
If you have an eye for detail and take pride in your work, you could be very successful as a car valet.
Hopping in and out of cars all day means you'll need to be physically fit and able, and a strong constitution is essential given the variety of solvents and other cleaning agents you'll be handling (and most likely inhaling).
Added to that, the fact that most car valets are self-employed means you'll need to be a reasonably well-motivated person to succeed, and comfortable dealing directly with your customers.
What qualifications do I need?
You won't need any formal qualifications to start work as a valet. However, experience in the cleaning or automotive trades would be an obvious boon to anyone considering the profession.
A full driver's licence is essential if you're working out of a van and a definite advantage even if you're not, given that you may need to move clients' cars before or after cleaning them.
For those seeking official recognition of their skills, The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BISC) offers a moderated course in car valeting. Alternatively, there's a valeting option on the 'Vehicle Maintenance and Repair' NVQ, available at the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
Will it make me a millionaire?
At a rough estimate car valets earn between £10,000 and £12,500 a year, dependant on how many hours you put in and the calibre of clients on your books.
However as a self-employed person there's always the possibility you'll hit the big time, especially if you do a better job or offer a wider range of services than the competition.
Further info
For more details or to enrol on either of the car valeting courses mentioned above, try the providers' websites: http://www.bics.org.uk and http://www.motor.org.uk.
If you're still making your mind up or would rather work for an established business than start your own, pay a visit to some local garages. You'll get a first-hand look at what the job entails and might even be offered a position on the spot.
Try Hoot's insurance for young drivers
Besides offering excellent careers advice, the team here at Hoot also does a great line in car insurance for young women drivers.
Thanks to a very experienced staff and the unique way we operate, Hoot motor insurance quotes typically undercut the competition significantly.
This staggering saving is in part due to that fact that we don't waste money on expensive advertising like most other car insurance firms. They say TV and radio commercials are essential to attract new customers, but we find that offering exceptionally cheap car insurance with a great standard of cover does a much better job.
So for a gleaming quote for young drivers insurance, just click below.