Driving..

[kfred]

So, today I got my driver's license. I have always been so scared of driving, especially when I had me temporary permit that allowed me to drive with a licensed adult. I guess I'm just really bad under pressure, because I got on the road today and everything was really smooth and not frustrating, even when I was in heavy traffic.

Discuss driving and driver's licenses.

[BobbyTheCat]

I won't be getting mine for a year or so. I'm not that excited to start driving.

[MetalHeroOfTime]

I've had my car for about two months now and I'm still a horrible driver. This one time, I was driving to my cousins' house and had to turn onto the road they live on. anyways, I forgot to slow down, so I took this really sharp turn about 40 miles per hour. I didn't wreck or anything, Thank Palutena, but I swear I heard the passenger side door scrape against the road.

[DarthConker]

I'm getting my Learner's this month or next month (still need to get the book to study), and I'm pretty scared to drive. I know almost nothing about cars except that you need to stter and hold the gas to drive, and press the brake to stop. Oh and you need gas to power the car. Other than that I'm clueless. :P

[Andre]

You'll find that after a couple weeks of driving on your own, there is basically no stress at all. It will simply become second nature, like riding a bike. (Though I hate the overuse of that expression...)

[BobbyTheCat]

What if you're no good at riding bikes?

[StarFox]

I am actually planning on getting a Commercial Driver's License so I can drive commercially. I love driving. It relaxes me. :D

[The Banjonator]

Well, I'm only 15 (gonna be 16 in October), but I'm taking Driver's Ed this year. I've always wanted to be able to drive where I want instead of asking others that really don't want to drive me places.

[dragon_kazoooie]

I haven't got my DL yet, I'm thinking about getting it soon though.

[Airman]

First day I got my license I was so nervous about driving by myself I ran straight through a red light. So side note: Don't panic, it makes it worse.

Put on some music, make sure you're focused/not tired when driving and ease into harder driving situations step by step. Speaking as an ex-delivery driver, the thrill of driving wears off very quickly and soon you realise that having a car costs a lot of money. Petrol, Insurance, Licensing fees, Maintenance etc. and also the downside of occasionally having to be the designated driver. Enjoy not having to drive while you can.

[Madous]

I can get my permit at any time. Is it worth it to get one at this point in my life? I mean, I'm not going anywhere. o-O

[Jinji Mongo]

I've had my permit for about two months now. I've driven, like, three times.

[Gruntling]

I can't believe some of you! I guess it's sort of understandable if you're just beginning, but when I was 16, I couldn't wait to get behind the wheel. It's so easy! I actually find driving to be a relaxing and enjoyable activity most of the time... Well, away from the city and work traffic!

[Oz the Gay and Powerful]

I have no reason to get my permit yet, and I really don't want to drive anytime soon. Plus, lots of people are killed in car accidents per year. Some people get on others for smoking, but then you take a look at the statistics for car-related deaths and you could say it's a valid comparison. I guess it's just one of those accepted risks though.

[Korra]

I have had my Learners for around 3 years now, the main problem with me is my dad was too scared to get in the car with me and I am horrible at driving a manual car. I mean, I can change gears and everything but it puts me under too much stress, especially at intersections. Now that I have moved in with my mum she is encouraging me to drive and go places with her but its easier for me because she has 2 automatic cars and its one less thing to stress me out and I can focus on knowing the road rules and being more confident.

I have to complete 100 hours before going for my P plate test but I am slowly getting the hours and I love driving, probably the only scary thing I don't like doing is roundabouts because my mum freaks out which freaks me out.

Just another fact of life that we all have to go through.

[sam.26]

I have no need for a car, so I doubt I'll be driving soon. Oh yeah, that and the fact I'm only 14!

[Zondekel]

I'm 16 and in New Hampshire, you don't need a permit- it's just that as long as you have a birth certificate and ID with you, you can drive with a licensed adult, which I've been doing for about a year now. We've been looking into drivers ed classes, but haven't actually signed me up for one yet.

I can't wait to drive... I had a car that my uncle gave to me... but it was under the condition that it was worth it to repair... which it's not... costs $4000, and with that money, we could just get a running used car.... At any rate, the car is still in the driveway and it's "mine," so I'm getting the radio out of it when I get a car and putting it in THAT car because it can connect to my iPod...

[DekuScrubby]

Not learning to drive. Aside from the fact I don't need to, I don't fancy paying for lessons, then a car, then insurance/fuel/maintenance/tax etc.

[The Banjonator]

Actually, I live in Miami, one of the worst cities in the U.S. for drivers mostly because most of the drivers here are rude and/or don't know what they're doing.

[DarkJinjo]

Wow, who would have thought so many people would be against getting cars? I am very happy with my recently obtained license, and if you are saying you don't want a car because you don't need one, chances are you aren't even old enough to get one yet.

Or your mommy and daddy bring you everywhere.

[Oz the Gay and Powerful]

Wow, who would have thought so many people would be against getting cars? I am very happy with my recently obtained license, and if you are saying you don't want a car because you don't need one, chances are you aren't even old enough to get one yet.

Or your mommy and daddy bring you everywhere.

As opposed to your guardians paying for the maintenance and gas? I think if you thought for a second it might cross your mind that some people live in big cities where things are conveniently located and public transportation takes care of things for them i.e. It makes owning a car unnecessary.

I wouldn't be very happy with a car aka a metal box of death and people who say you want a car do so because you live in a town or a suburb where things are dozens of miles apart and you need to spend three hours going to get groceries. I can be condescending too.

[DarkJinjo]

As opposed to your guardians paying for the maintenance and gas? I think if you thought for a second it might cross your mind that some people live in big cities where things are conveniently located and public transportation takes care of things for them i.e. It makes owning a car unnecessary.

I wouldn't be very happy with a car aka a metal box of death and people who say you want a car do so because you live in a town or a suburb where things are dozens of miles apart and you need to spend three hours going to get groceries. I can be condescending too.

Right, but you suck at it.

I live in a big city and I drive all around it without any problems. You just have to be aware of your surroundings and not be afraid. I also don't understand your logic; because public transportation exists, cars are unnecessary?

[Guitar]

I can't wait for a permit.

[Oz the Gay and Powerful]

Right, but you suck at it.

I live in a big city and I drive all around it without any problems. You just have to be aware of your surroundings and not be afraid. I also don't understand your logic; because public transportation exists, cars are unnecessary?

They are if you live where I live. You took two things I said out of context in a way. I didn't say "Public transportation exists for everyone everywhere which makes cares unnecessary", which is what it seems you've inferred. I was making a point that some people don't need cars, and that they are costly. It isn't a hard point to miss. I walk or take public transportation everywhere I go, unless it's way out of the city. The same applies to a lot of people so don't jump to the stupid conclusion that people who don't have cars aren't old enough to own one. lol @ me sucking at being rude. Thanks for the compliment and the laugh.

[Twi]

Oh my! What an appropriate thread! 8D

I was gonna make one on First Driving Experiences a few weeks ago, but I already made a certain thread (http://www.therwp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38755) that day and would've been told to get a blog so...


Anyways, I had my first driving experience on June 22nd. I've almost had my Learner's Permit for a year, and have been saving up to buy my Mom's Mazda (http://blogs.trb.com/features/family/parenting/blog/mazda-cx-7-732533.jpg) (have about 3K into it now).

We all have bad first driving experiences, but mine wasn't even my fault.

Y'see, my Dad had a moment of seniority and thought the 'R' on the shift board thing meant "Run." I was gonna say something about it until we started going backwards. Stupid me thought she had the wrong pedal for the brake and ended up hitting the gas and propelling us farther back. I had my foot in the right place before and ended up braking us quickly though. My Dad, in a moment that's rare for him, claimed complete responsibility for that mistake.

So after taking me out to an abandoned parking lot (belonging to a closed Saturn dealership for added irony), a few times, my Dad drives me up to the northern, more or less, empty part of town to drive on the roads. He doesn't mention this until I notice him going to opposite way of the parking lot.

I got to drive up and down a long road, practicing U-turns (which I'm bad at), using turn signals (down is left, up is right) and staying in the speed limit (45). My Dad says I'm doing very well, but then again, he's my Dad. And a good driver is completely different from a comfortable driver, which I'm not yet really.

I'm mostly worried about cops (we came across one on the road just the other day), and forgetting my road rules.

And I really need to start looking more before I pull out. Nothing bad has happened yet, but I'm aware I don't look very often.

Edit: Adding on to the 'people don't need cars' thing, one of my managers drives a motorcycle everywhere because he doesn't want to worry about insurance and other car crap.

[DarkJinjo]

They are if you live where I live. You took two things I said out of context in a way. I didn't say "Public transportation exists for everyone everywhere which makes cares unnecessary", which is what it seems you've inferred. I was making a point that some people don't need cars, and that they are costly. It isn't a hard point to miss. I walk or take public transportation everywhere I go, unless it's way out of the city. The same applies to a lot of people so don't jump to the stupid conclusion that people who don't have cars aren't old enough to own one. lol @ me sucking at being rude. Thanks for the compliment and the laugh.

Well at least you'll stay fit walking everywhere :thumbsup:

Can't really argue further because you are right, some people in big cities do use public transportation instead of personal vehicles. I'll just leave it at this: the majority of adults, where I live at least, drive their own cars around rather than taking buses, trains, etc.

[1UP]

I wouldn't be very happy with a car aka a metal box of death

I can't stop laughing at this comment.

[Pies]

I've got my theory test coming up in August, then I plan to book my Piratical test right after (if I pass theory that is o-O).

[Evandy]

I'm only 15 but I drove on the freeway for the first time on Sunday. It was pretty exhilarating.

I swear this is deja vu though. These exact same arguments came up about a year ago.

[IronCrue34]

I have never found driving anything but common, it just feels too normal to be unnerving. I plan on getting my permit soon, but I have enough driving experience to be comfortable with it as is.

If I were in a bigger city with a well-established mass transit system, I would definitely use it. I live in a highway city where walking or anything else is inconvenient because of the sprawl and lack of sidewalks, so it really is the only viable option.

[blackcobra]

missed the test. now i have to come back in a couple of weeks to find the guy. I just get too worked up over the car that i scare my cousins girlfriend. i practice on her car :P

[Nate_825]

Driving.... how can I say it. I really isn't whats its cracked up to be. With all the stupidity that happens on the road, especially when I'm going to work...it becomes annoying. I lose all desire to drive anywhere, even if its going to hang out with friends or something. (Especially since I'm driving a 22 year old Plymouth Town and Country minivan)

It all depends. I'd probably like driving more if I had a better car, but what can you do?

[DarthConker]

Driving.... how can I say it. I really isn't whats its cracked up to be. With all the stupidity that happens on the road, especially when I'm going to work...it becomes annoying. I lose all desire to drive anywhere, even if its going to hang out with friends or something. (Especially since I'm driving a 22 year old Plymouth Town and Country minivan)

It all depends. I'd probably like driving more if I had a better car, but what can you do?
Well, you also live in Florida, which is one of the worst states for drivers. Everyone here is an asshole and shouldn't be allowed a license. But I still want to get mine. :D

[kfred]

Guys driving rules you are all mad. I love it. I drove thtough Wendy's on my first day, and I felt like a man.



I also look 12 so every time I step out the car in a parking lot people are like "the *****?".

[pinkbull]

I can get my permit at any time. Is it worth it to get one at this point in my life? I mean, I'm not going anywhere. o-O

I have no reason to get my permit yet, and I really don't want to drive anytime soon. Plus, lots of people are killed in car accidents per year. Some people get on others for smoking, but then you take a look at the statistics for car-related deaths and you could say it's a valid comparison. I guess it's just one of those accepted risks though.

You guys are stupid. Why not at the very least get a license? Just because you get one doesn't mean you have to all of a sudden start driving a car every day. Why not get it just for the sake if you need to drive a car somewhere you can, I dunno, actually drive a car? It's such a useful thing there's no reason to not at the very least have a license.

[Dr. Worm]

Driving would be a lot nicer if there weren't so many other people who drive horribly.

[Airman]

Wow, who would have thought so many people would be against getting cars? I am very happy with my recently obtained license, and if you are saying you don't want a car because you don't need one, chances are you aren't even old enough to get one yet.

Or your mommy and daddy bring you everywhere.

Just want to emphasize that if I knew how much running a car would cost me, I'd be happy to let my mummy or daddy drive me everywhere. These are just ballpark figures but;

$4000 for a car
$50 a week minimum on fuel. (Times 52)
$400 every 6 months for Licensing
$200 every six months for servicing/maintenance
$300 a year for insurance (which is compulsory)

And theres always something unexpected that happens with your car that you need money for (especially second hand cars). For example I need new brakes, new tyres, new power window motor and a new catalytic converter. Thank you, shady second hand car dealer!

[Oz the Gay and Powerful]

Hmm, yeah pinkbull you're absolutely right. :p

[DarkJinjo]

Just want to emphasize that if I knew how much running a car would cost me, I'd be happy to let my mummy or daddy drive me everywhere. These are just ballpark figures but;

$4000 for a car
$50 a week minimum on fuel. (Times 52)
$400 every 6 months for Licensing
$200 every six months for servicing/maintenance
$300 a year for insurance (which is compulsory)

And theres always something unexpected that happens with your car that you need money for (especially second hand cars). For example I need new brakes, new tyres, new power window motor and a new catalytic converter. Thank you, shady second hand car dealer!

Hm, I'd say get a more cost efficient car.

[Hey, I'm Grump]

Been on my L's for about 5 months now under the same laws as Nature. Haven't clocked a single minute behind the wheel.

[Mr. Pokeylope]

I got my temporary permit renewed yesterday (and had to spend nearly two god damn hours waiting in line at the BMV...), all I really need to do is get out driving more and I can take the exam to get my license.

Well, you also live in Florida, which is one of the worst states for drivers. Everyone here is an asshole and shouldn't be allowed a license. But I still want to get mine. :D

I don't even live in Florida and I agree with this, I mean I guess I've been there enough to know. Also whenever we go there, there's always a shit-ton of road construction, everywhere...

[Nate_825]

Well, you also live in Florida, which is one of the worst states for drivers. Everyone here is an asshole and shouldn't be allowed a license. But I still want to get mine. :D

I wouldn't really know since I haven't had the chance to drive out of state yet. I'm planning on taking a trip with friends up north so I'll see how different it is.

I don't even live in Florida and I agree with this, I mean I guess I've been there enough to know. Also whenever we go there, there's always a shit-ton of road construction, everywhere...

You know, that's very true..... I guess I'm so used to seeing road construction that it seems normal. There's always roads around here that are being repaved, widened, or rebuilt. Haha!

[marshallh]

Truth #1
Wow, who would have thought so many people would be against getting cars? I am very happy with my recently obtained license, and if you are saying you don't want a car because you don't need one, chances are you aren't even old enough to get one yet.

Or your mommy and daddy bring you everywhere.

Been driving for 5 years, would share some of my experiences. On the third car now (by choice), here are some tips. These are from my expeirences in the US so yours may differ

-- Buy used cars off craigslist, common sense applies - go with a parent/friend and some idea of the cars worth beforehand and don't lowball, avoid dealers. Bought two and sold one car on there.

-- Regular maintenance. GREAT way to keep from causing problems down the road. Change oil every 3k miles (dino) or 5k (synthetic). Run seafoam through your car every other oil change. Know how to check your oil level

-- If you have the SLIGHTEST mechanical aptitude or desire, you will save a LOT of money doing your own maintenance/repairs. In fact with some cars like the one I have now it is mandatory. Anyone who says they can't change their own oil is either handicapped, a millionaire, or completely stupid. You know those $20 oil changes? You will spend a bit more than that doing it yourself, but you will have a good quality oil and filter.

-- Know how to change your spare. Yeah, this sounds obvious but some people have no idea. Make sure you have a jack and know where to put it. Instead of an hour trying to figure out how it works, you can do it in 5 minutes.

-- Go the speed limit, unless weather is bad. You can do 5mph over without getting a ticket most places.

-- Plan for the WORST possible scenario while driving. PLAN on some jackass cutting in front of you in the parking lot, it WILL happen, and if you are prepared, you can react in time.

-- Guys, you WILL speed (don't lie, we all did) but screw up once and your life could be over in a split second. Girls stay off your damn phones.

That's all I can think of for now, stay safe, know what you are capable of, and respect other drivers.

Just want to emphasize that if I knew how much running a car would cost me, I'd be happy to let my mummy or daddy drive me everywhere. These are just ballpark figures but;

$4000 for a car
$50 a week minimum on fuel. (Times 52)
$400 every 6 months for Licensing
$200 every six months for servicing/maintenance
$300 a year for insurance (which is compulsory)

These are US figures, here's what I'd say
$2000 for a reliable old honda
$50/week if you drive all the time, much less for occasional driving
$120/year for licensing on that cheap honda
$400 every 6 months for service (worst case)
$1200/year for insurance (male teen) versus $900/year (female teen)

[Airman]

Hm, I'd say get a more cost efficient car.

This is a cost efficient car :(
2 Liter non-turbo. And the figures that I pay are actually less than anyone else I know here. I could've bought a new car which wouldn't have given me as much trouble maintenance wise, but at the end of the day, I won't be keeping a second hand car my whole life. Just a cheap first car. Because mine is a Japanese import though, parts are harder to come by, so mechanics feel justified charging me $300 for a part which should only cost $40.

Also, this.

-- Regular maintenance. GREAT way to keep from causing problems down the road. Change oil every 3k miles (dino) or 5k (synthetic). Run seafoam through your car every other oil change. Know how to check your oil level

-- If you have the SLIGHTEST mechanical aptitude or desire, you will save a LOT of money doing your own maintenance/repairs. In fact with some cars like the one I have now it is mandatory. Anyone who says they can't change their own oil is either handicapped, a millionaire, or completely stupid. You know those $20 oil changes? You will spend a bit more than that doing it yourself, but you will have a good quality oil and filter.

I'd like to give an example. I took my car to a Silvia specialist, the only one in Perth and he charged me $400 for a full service (ridiculous, I know) but at this stage I wasn't confident doing my own maintenance. Not only did he say "there's nothing wrong" but the thing that *was* wrong was so blatantly obvious I feel like he didn't even look at it. There was no transmission fluid. My car needed a whole new transmission just because I took this guys word for it. If you're not sure, look online theres heaps of tutorials etc.

Those figures for licensing a vehicle are pretty cheap. We get the option to pay for 6 months or 1 years rego (1 year being around 550 opposed to 400 if I remember correctly) Though my insurance is only that cheap because it's in my dads name with me as a secondary driver and isn't full comprehensive.

[DarthConker]

Quote
Thanks. I'll consider all of this when I start driving.

[StarFox]

Ooh, boy, should I share some driving experiences!? HELL YEAH!

Make sure your tires are not completely worn. I almost slid into a curb a week ago because of the combination of rain / wet roads / worn tires does not do well. Nearly got into an accident 3 times that day because I was sliding when I tried braking and was inches away from hitting the car I was behind.

Make sure you change lightbulbs promptly after they go out. If you don't, others tend to start going out quickly too. It's weird. All of my brakes went out at like the same time.

More later, yo, gotta leave now.

[Andre]

-- Go the speed limit, unless weather is bad. You can do 5mph over without getting a ticket most places.


False. If you're driving on the freeway, most likely driving the speed limit is more dangerous than driving over it. People aren't going 65 mph, they're going 80. So instead, go with the flow of traffic. Don't speed past everybody, that'll just get you a ticket. But if you're the asshole going the speed limit on the left lane, just kill yourself.

[StarFox]

False. If you're driving on the freeway, most likely driving the speed limit is more dangerous than driving over it. People aren't going 65 mph, they're going 80. So instead, go with the flow of traffic. Don't speed past everybody, that'll just get you a ticket. But if you're the asshole going the speed limit on the left lane, just kill yourself.

This is so true. On my bi-weekly trip to Burlington for supplies, usually there are cops on the side of the road. Speed limit it 55mph, we're usually going 65 or sometimes over. They just watch it without their radar guns unless the road isn't packed.

For a new driver, I'd recommend staying in the right lane.

[marshallh]

I've been ticketed for following with traffic on the highway, then again my car sticks out like a sore thumb.

Agree about the slow drivers and left lane issue. I drive in the right lane all the time because I've had it with tickets.

[Twi]

Make sure you change lightbulbs promptly after they go out.

Because the cops will totally nab your ass if you don't. They've got a quota.

[kfred]

I just went through my first drive-through alone. :) It was Wendy's. Feels good man.