3 Take it slowly

Okay, so far so good. Here are the possible places to start your car writing career: a local newspaper, magazine, radio or TV station, or a website willing to offer you some time. 

You need to get those first few bits of copy from somewhere to show you've got something to offer. Unlike being a travel writer, you can't really do it as an independent blogger unless you've got extraordinary access to free cars. 

So you could offer to write a motoring piece for free to your local paper or offer to work with their existing features department for free and try to work some motoring into their output. But that's a long shot. 

A better bet is to try an get a job as a proper local journalist, get all the training and experience in all types of journalism, then try to specialise. 

It's more long winded of course but you'll have proper writing and editorial experience and, even if you haven't tested a Ferrari at 150mph around Millbrook, you'll stand more chance with applications to specialist motoring magazines and websites.

Many people in motoring magazines, websites and programmes started on humble local newspapers. Like Jeremy Clarkson. Like me. Spend a couple of years or so learning the ropes of writing with discipline and with a bit of humility, patience and enthusiasm you'll be ready to approach specialist motoring outlets direct.