What's it like to drive when you're young?

[Sapphire225]

Out of curiousity, since I only have to wait 8 months, I just wonder: What is it like to get your first car and driving permit/license and what's it like to drive?

Sorry, it just popped into my head.

[K. Ayato]

It's a relief. You can drive (while still following the handbook) your own way.

[JasonPratt]

I loved every moment of it, even when I was scared out of my mind that I was going to do something wrong and kill or cripple numerous people including myself and whoever was riding with me. {g} But that fear was mainly confined to times when I was around a number of other fast moving cars.

And it was a very rational fear, so don't feel bad--but don't be surprised--if you feel it. Some people do, and some people don't; but still, the fact of the matter is that we are bare moments away from shattering wounds or death at just about every moment on the road, even when only driving 30mph (much moreso at highway speeds). The other cars, coming your way on the other side of the road: 10,000 pounds of steel careening together at total speeds exceeding 120 mph (60 for you, 60 for them), and only, what, 48 inches between you and that? Time after time after time after time after time after time after...

After a while, I think our minds just kind of go numb and we forget how madly dangerous what we're doing is. But that's pretty normal, and a lot of the things we do are madly dangerous, strictly speaking. {g}

On the other hand, some people get past this by treating every passing brush of death as a victory. {shrug}{g} But just like fear, that gets old after a while, too. It won't be long before you'll be far more interested in adjusting the radio or your cell phone while driving.

At which point you're likely to find yourself rather suddenly stopped in a field. {g} Happened to my cousin this year already; partly because she was driving somewhat faster on that road than she should have been doing. Pay attention to the speed limits; they aren't just there for government oppression. {s} Engineers build the roads and the connecting driveway/road access points based on those speed limits and what a car can reasonably be expected to do at those speeds.

Oh, and learn to drive a stick shift if you get a chance; I mean a real manual transmission with a clutch. Not only does this sometimes cut down on the cost of the car, but it also improves your performance and/or gas milage if you do it right. Also, some really nifty cars only come with sticks. {g} I expect to see a shift (pun intended {g}) in coming years, back to manual transmissions for a while.

[Radical Dreamer]

I love driving. Absolutely love it. XD It's so fun for me. Plus, there's the bonus of being free to go places and not have to have someone drive you everywhere. XD

[USSRGirl]

Fun for you, not fun for the poor person over 18 who has to sit next to you while you almost cause a 50 car pile up and run over a prairie dog. On that note - BEST OF LUCK TO YA! Save a prairie dog - drive defensively.

[Okami]

Personally, I've only been behind the wheel of a car twice...I'm taking Driver's Ed this summer...

I've got Cerebral Palsy, though, meaning I have to get a special car, I need one of those bally-things on my steering wheel and a left-foot gas pedal...(the CP affects my right side) and when they asked me whether or not I'd even like to give right-foot driving a shot my insant reaction was "Oh HEEECCCCKKKK NO!" Lemmee tell ya, "special ed." Driver's Training is going to cost one major pretty penny...

Personally, I'm scared out of my wits to drive, once I got used to it my 2nd time around, I did lighten up, but I found it hard to control the car...like keeping it in the right lane without being directly next to the lines. I think that had to do with the fact that I was steering with one hand, and I kept forgetting to bring the ball back around and make the wheel straight ^^U

Heheh, my experience for driving will probably be a whole lot tougher than yours will be, though. Don't sweat it, Sapphire, all I do is continually remind myself "It's in God's hands". And do not, ABSOLUTELY do not, think of Stellar Kart's song, 'Student Driver"!!! XD! It's the reason why I've been so edgy to driving...

It's a pretty free feeling, though, I guess I kind of like it. Once I'm more familliarized and whatnot, I'm sure I won't be so on-the-edge scared and nervous ^_^ It's good to know I'm not the only one fairly in the black on cars and the driving experience I mean, c'mon, I get nervous just turning on the car for my mom, it scares me something crazy, usually because I overdo it or underdo it (I've done both) and I just can't start the stupid Honda without getting critisism thrown out at me >.< I try my best. That's all I can really say, when it comes down to it, do your best and try, try again!! ^_______^-

[Danderson]

I'd say it depends on your personality and attitude towards it...when it comes to driving there's about three (I know from personal experiance):
1. There's the person who really can't even wait to get her permit and once she does loves every moment she gets to drive (that's my sisters attitude)
2. Then there's the person who totally dreads driving for some odd reason or another. (A few friends of my sisters attitudes)
3. Then there's the person who just says, "I got my liscence...big deal," and just uses it as a means to get from point A to point B (that's usually my attitude...though I get those adrenaline rushes every now and then)

[ADXC]

Im not a fan of driving because of traffic and all, but its okay. Im still a little nervous when going on the road, but I get used to it. I just hope that I don't get in a wreck and if I do I hope its not soon! Driving can be fun, but mainly its a form of transportation that is essential for everyday life. (Unless your a big fan of the bus.)
I hate tailgaters as well, they are so mean the creep up on ya and then they want to pass you just because your going the speed limit! Ohh driving is crazy, fun, and tedious at the same time. Just hang in there and you'll get it!

[EricTheFred]

It's been a while, but I've got a clear memory on this subject.

It was fun until the time I 360ed my way through an intersection during a rainstorm. Then it was terrifying for a while, but I had to get over it to get to my job.

Stay safe.

[Sammy Boy]

I learnt driving when most cars in the city I live in did not have power steering.

It was "fun" doing a u-turn with a station wagon.

Driving is good late at nights or early in the morning on weekends. Otherwise, the traffic makes it too hard to get anywhere quickly.

I understand that some people find driving a thrill ... I find it tiring. LOL

[andi]

I got my permit/lisence really late--so please don't be like me and put it off--it's kind of embarrassing when all your friends, and people younger than you have their permits/lisence and you don't! It didn't help that my parents didn't push me either. I wish they would have pushed, but I just sat back and was lazy. I was kind of nervous first driving, and not very confident, but now I drive pretty well. Good luck when you start!! It's not too scary!

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I'm a new driver. It's scary because I have to focus all the time, yet it's really fun.

[Okami]

it's kind of embarrassing when all your friends, and people younger than you have their permits/lisence and you don't!

Boy don't I know it...there's one boy I know who's had his lisence since 9th grade! (we're going into 11) and I've yet to begin training

[CreatureArt]

I finally obtained my full drivers lisence last month. Its a bit different in New Zealand, where we have to pass three levels of test over three years to be able to drive ourselves and passengers.

The first time I drove myself was bittersweet, actually. I loved being able to take myself wherever I wanted... but I realised I'd just lost much of my childhood by becoming independent.

[Warrior4Christ]

I got my licence/permit pretty much as soon as I could. I like driving. Actually, make that: I like driving with a manual transmission. And I like driving late at night with little traffic.

I finally obtained my full drivers lisence last month. Its a bit different in New Zealand, where we have to pass three levels of test over three years to be able to drive ourselves and passengers.

That's very similar to what it was for me. Three levels of licence over three years (not equal), ending at 19 (the third level being the full licence). It's likely to be changed by now ("back in my day...").

[Mave]

I love driving, especially if the car is mine. It gives me a sense of freedom and independance. I don't mind picking up my friends and being the designated driver.

Traffic jam doesn't bother me as long as I have good music playing.

The only time I didn't like driving is when the distance is far (+ 3 hours *groan*), when it snows and everyone is skidding (Kyaaaa!!!!) and when the gas prices went up (ouch!).

Drive safe and have fun.

[CreatureArt]

The only time I didn't like driving is when the distance is far (+ 3 hours *groan*), when it snows and everyone is skidding (Kyaaaa!!!!) and when the gas prices went up (ouch!).

Eeek.... I'm driving for nine hours next Tuesday and might encounter snow/ice for the first time. ^^;

I got my licence/permit pretty much as soon as I could. I like driving. Actually, make that: I like driving with a manual transmission. And I like driving late at night with little traffic.

That's very similar to what it was for me. Three levels of licence over three years (not equal), ending at 19 (the third level being the full licence). It's likely to be changed by now ("back in my day...").

I love driving manual, too, especially since I don't do a lot of heavy traffic driving. And I love driving at night also.

Our license is being challenged now, too. If people take a defensive driving course to cut down the time, they can have their restricted license (can't take passengers) by age 16, and their full license by 16 1/2. (@_@)

[Sapphire225]

Ouchies. 9 hours!? I'll pray for you.

New Zealand has snow?

[ADXC]

Actually New Zealand has all types of weather. So its a little unpredictable.
I would think though that the snow is in the mountainous regions of New Zealand.

[CreatureArt]

Anime Dude's hit it on the button - we have all sorts of weather but most of the snow is in the mountains or lower parts of the country. It gets almost tropical at the top of the North Island, and you're getting closer to Antarctica down around Steward Island in the south. (Yes we have very creative names for our two main islands: North Island and South Island. Any guesses which one's up top?).

Not much snow in the two main cities, but plenty on the slopes, lower part of the North Island and the mainland/South Island.

Thanks, Sapphire! The thing I'm most worried about is running into ice.


Any tips on what to do in icy conditions, everyone?

[ADXC]

Drive carefully and slowly is probably the best tips to driving through icy conditions. If you get onto icy paths and your car goes out of control try to straighten up, be calm, drive safely back onto the road, and pray for safety!

[Syaoran]

All I will say to those that want to drive or getting there permint. driving is over rated. oh and your parents will bug you for doing errands for them and stuff. arrrg

[Warrior4Christ]

(Yes we have very creative names for our two main islands: North Island and South Island. Any guesses which one's up top?).

And Australia is the West Island. XD

Our license is being challenged now, too. If people take a defensive driving course to cut down the time, they can have their restricted license (can't take passengers) by age 16, and their full license by 16 1/2. (@_@)

Actually, I was meaning that ours is doing the opposite... having the intermediate licences longer.

[JasonPratt]

Any tips on what to do in icy conditions, everyone?

The local agéd elder {old g!} adds (to the other good advice already given):

Stay in low gear once the roads start to look problematic. Even automatics can be manually shifted into low gears; stay in 1, or maybe 2 for cruising.

If you have a manual transmission, this can be a little tougher, because trying to stay in 1 will run your car ragged and threaten a stall out. So as usual, only use 1st gear for getting your car moving from a stop, and shift to 2nd asap. (No chance of a stall if you have an automatic in 1st gear, so it's safer.)

If you have a powerful car _and_ a manual, try to find something else to use for icy conditions. {g} (Unless it's something like the old Mitsibushi 3000VR5 or many modern Suburus, and you have _all_-wheel drive along with traction control. AWD is not the same as 4wd, it's better; power goes to all four wheels instead of one in front and one in back. I think that's the improvement, anyway--might be slightly off.)

Use your gears as your first way to slow down, unless you're in an emergency braking situation. Which, if you stay in 2nd, means you'll only need to downshift to 1st to slow down. This is very similar to what your anti-skid computer will try to do for you (if you have traction control on your vehicle). Try not to use the brake except for the final stop. It sounds weird, but it'll help keep your tires from going into a slide.

If you do start to slide, your instinct will probably be to turn away from the slide, but paradoxically this can make things worse. Turn toward the slide instead. What happens then, is that more of your tires will be turned at right angles to the slide, giving you more friction to stop with. (But if you stay in lowest gears, you won't be sliding much once you start moving.)

Here in America we use mile-per-hour, and a good rule of thumb is to never go over 30mph in icy conditions, no matter what road you're on. (Unless it's a _very_ well kept highway system salined down.) Most other countries use kph, but I don't know what the parallel speed is. Still a good rule of thumb though: the speed road designers mandate by law for inner-city driving.

Flying snow and ice can be highly hypnotic, and at least increases strain on the eyes. Pull over and take a few minutes' break every half hour or so, don't turn the heater up high, and listen to music that isn't likely to put you to sleep. Music you can sing to (not chant! {g}) may be best, but whatever will help keep you awake. (I semi-disrecommend lots of caffeine, as it might make you jumpy. Jumpiness + ice == not good. {g})

God's hope to you!

Jason

[Hitokiri]

I didnt take drivers ed or nothin. I got my temps, my parents threw me in the car, and I started to drive. It took me a year and a half to get my liscence though cause I was so scared. I finally decided to get my liscence and now I've been driving 2 years almost.

I love it.

[CreatureArt]

Actually, I was meaning that ours is doing the opposite... having the intermediate licences longer.

Oh, ok. ^^]Drive carefully and slowly is probably the best tips to driving through icy conditions. If you get onto icy paths and your car goes out of control try to straighten up, be calm, drive safely back onto the road, and pray for safety![/quote] Thanks, Adude! I'll keep that in mind. Even if a 9 hour trip has to take another 2 hours or so by going slower, it'll be worth it to keep all the passengers safe.

The local agéd elder {old g!} adds (to the other good advice already given):....

Wow - thanks so much, Jason! Those are perfect tips: very few people that I know have experience driving in icy/snowy conditions so your experienced advice is very welcome. Truly - I appreciate it. It'll help keep 12 people and four cars safe during our ride.

[Warrior4Christ]

Use your gears as your first way to slow down, unless you're in an emergency braking situation. Which, if you stay in 2nd, means you'll only need to downshift to 1st to slow down. This is very similar to what your anti-skid computer will try to do for you (if you have traction control on your vehicle). Try not to use the brake except for the final stop. It sounds weird, but it'll help keep your tires from going into a slide.

In my car, you need to be travelling very slowly to be able to shift into first without grinding the gears - below 10km/hr, anyway.

[Alexander]

I've been driving for over a year and a half. But I don't have my license because my parents can't afford insurance. I might not actually drive a car that often due to the rising prices, and a moped will probably be my mode of transportation.

As for how I feel about the freedom, I can't say yet. I'm still getting there. XD

[Fiore teh Duck]

I just finished drivers ed. XD;;
At first I thought it was awful... but by the end, I really liked it.