Driving: what do you think about it? Do you love it? Hate it? Are you terrified of it? Can you drive? Are you excited to drive (if you cant yet)? In California (thats where im from) they are thinking about changing the driving age to 18. I think that is outrageous! Im 14 almost 15 and i cant wait until i can drive myself! Can you imagine having your parents drive you everywhere you go until you are 18?!? *shivers* Some people do, but i wouldnt want to! I rele hope they dont change the driving age.
As for me, im excited to drive but at the same time, i am terrified!
Your thoughts please...

In the UK, you can't learn to drive until you are 17, and personally, I think even that is too young. Statistically, more drivers under the age of 21 are killed in accidents when they are carrying passengers, than any other group in the UK. They are more likely to be found to be over the drink drive limit and to be under the influence of drugs.

I am not tarring every one of this age group with this brush, to be frank, I actually think the most dangerous drivers on the road are those over the age of 65. I think everyone should be retested when they get that age. I learned tp drive as soon as I could but didn't get a car until I was in my 20's. I have been driving for 26 years and I can honestly say, it's not the most pleasurable thing I do in my life. At times I find it quite terrifying. Imagine being on the motorway and sandwiched between 2 juggernauts going 60 miles an hour! The only saving grace is that I have a pretty fast car and I can just floor it to get out of situations I don't like!

But, in saying this, I cannot wait for my 18 year old daughter to finally pass her driving test. I don't know how things work as far as driving tests go in other parts of the world, but over here, you need to pass a theory test before you take the actual driving test. The theory test has just been made supposedly a lot harder but my daughter managed to pass it without too much difficulty. Her car is sitting on the driveway just waiting, the days of being mum's taxi need to come to an end!

Here, in the U.S., or atleast in Louisiana, you get your liscense at 16. But at 15 you can get a learner's permit. Which is where you are only allowed to drive if a liscensed driver over 21 is in the car with you. Anyway, I am 17, I turn 18 in about 3 months. I got my permit when I was 15 and my liscense as soon as I turned 16. It was really fun to have a liscense at first, I have a twin brother and we got our liscense's at the same time, we have to share a car, so we just rotate, one will drive to one place, than the next time we drive, the other drives. Of course, we still get into arguments about who drives. What is funny is that for the first year or so, we would fight because one of us wanted to drive. But, now it is more of the opposite. We argue about who HAS to drive. So, it is alot of fun at first, and it is much more convenient than haveing a parent drive you, but eventually it is just not a big deal. It sort of loses it's excitement at some point...

etphonehome that is a valid point, i can understand were ur coming from. That is true, but its not always the teens fault, it can be that te other person is drunk Its sad the people drink and drive in the first place. . Yes, im pretty sure you have to pass a theory test in the US also. You have to pass the theory test to get your permit, than the driving test to get your license.

lancelot243, to be truthful, i think your scenario is kinda funny how you and your brother fight over who HAS to drive . Yah, i can understand the excitement going away after awhile. It IS just the same thing every time...

In the UK, (or anywhere else in the world) dont they drive on the left hand side of the road? And the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car? In America, its the opposite!

well i do get the sensation of harry when he was flying with his broomstick. when i am driving i feel that i'm totally in control, that i am the only person that matters when in my car. i sometimes even felt relaxing, it's a great feeling when i am behind the steering wheel. i do get lazy when i need to drive but when i am already driving, there's a different feeling, it's just felt good.

Ima_LoOnYLoVeGoOd- i think you should have a poll asking who can drive and who cant....




I am 17 and i have been allowed to drive since the age of 15. Before i was able to drive i was crazy about it allways bothering my parents to take me to the dmv to get a permit.Once i got my permit i didnt want to drive anymore i was like i like sitting around in the car and looking out the window and sleeping. But now im ok with it, its no big deal anymore. When i was on this period where i didnt want to drive, my mother was making me drive, but now that im ok with driving she wont let me drive..... lol

In Costa Rica (Central America, that's where I live) driving isn't allowed until you're 18. I think that's reasonable because of all the accidents that eager teenagers have.
I consider that the fact of driving is overrated. Yes it's liberating and all, but a car is just an instrument for transportation!
I can't deny that you get to party a lot when you drive yourself, but well, since the culture is so different here, you get used to being drived by your parents or your older friends, or just taking the bus.
The biggest problem here isn't actually driving, but getting a car to drive because they're extremelly expensive here!
Too bad!

In Greece the age limit is 18 as well. Well, i myself, didn't wait anxiously to drive, though i started taking courses as soon as i turned 18. The thing is that drivers in the city are pretty much crazy. I have a license and i drove during holidays, which was kind of awesome! But now, i can't drive inside the city. They are all nuts here!! Oh my...i don't know how to overcome this fear... And let me remind you that our streets are tiny and all messed up with cars parked everywhere and stuff. Nothing like the amazing roads in the Us!... *sigh*
When i go out, i simply use buses etc. I am really familiar with mass means of transformation and i must admit they are well-organised, so they can take you almost everywhere around Athens. My problem is getting back home cause i have to catch the last bus around midnight and it can be so frustrating...

Where I'm from, you have to be 18 to drive. I am 18, but I can't afford drivinglessons But I really want to learn, so I don't have to go by bus anymore. Cause I hate that I already got a job, but it's not helping so far... Guess I'll have to wait till I finish university and that's going to take a lot of time!

I've been lisenced to drive for about 2 years now...loving it!

I love being able to just jump in my car and go wherever. I can visit my family in Kalgoorlie whenever I want and if I get annoyed at everything I can just drive off. Plus there's the occasional speeding fine and wheelie bin, but hey, it's all fun and games...Jks. lol

-thesolitaryone-

Apparently, I lived the rare part of the world where you can get your driving license very young. I got my license when I was 14 and 3 months, exactly. So, I have been driving for almost 9 years. No accidents, clear driving record. And I laugh at people who cannot drive on ice.

In North Dakota, USA (an extremely rural farm state), you can get your driver's license if you are 14. There are stipulations, of course.

1.) You must have had your learner's permit for six months. You get an LP by passing a theory test. It allows you to drive as long as you have an adult licensed driver (18+) in the passenger seat. Moreover, they must have had their license for at least 3 years. You can get your LP on your 14th birthday.

2.) You must have passed a Driver's Education class. This class must have had both a theory and practical component to it.

That is all that is needed to drive on public roadways. I got mine three weeks before they changed the law from 3 months to the current 6 months.

Oh, and you can drive on private property anytime...no matter your age or experience. If you are driving a farm vehicle, you can drive it within 100 miles of your home without any experience. This is how my younger brother learned to drive. He worked on a farm and had to drive the grain truck and a pickup when they drove around fields to fix fences.

I live in Oregon, and my part of the state is rural. Here, you can get your drivers permit when you turn 15, then your lisence, if you fufil the requirements at 16. For the first 6 months of your liscence, you can only drive yourself, then the next 6 months only 3 people under 18, unless they are immediate family, and then you can drive anyone. I think the whole process really helps to cut down on accidents. We're right on the border between Oregon and Idaho, and I know I hear about a lot more crashes in Idaho, where the laws are not nearly as strict. I'm exited, I can go take my permit test any day now!! I ride my bike everywhere, so I can't wait 'til I can drive myself where I want to go.

I live in the US, and I think it would be wonderful if they changed the driving age to 18. Before you all go ballistic, this is coming from a 15 year old, not from somebody's mother. So many people at my school have died in car accidents, nearly all of them were stupid mistakes that could have been avoided. Not a year has gone by for about the past 7 years that someone hasn't died in a car accident from my school, and some of the accidents had multiple deaths.

I took driver's ed this summer, and it was terrifying. I remember the first time I drove, I went up to about 25 mph, and I was like "Oh my God, this is so fast!" 25 mph can kill someone. Just 25 mph. People don't stop to think about it. Changing the driving age to 18 would make it so much better because you're so much more mature, and can handle things better than a 15 year old could.

Well having to wait to drive a car until you're 18 was absolutely usual here in Germany until very recently. Nobody bothered really.
Now there is a new system that allows you to drive at the age of 17 but only with one (ans always the same) adult in the car with you. As far as I'm concerned that is utter nonsense. Why do I want to drive? Surely not to prove myself I can handle a car, right? I drive to get from A to B and I have to admit that I seriously doubt the ability and responsibility to drive a car of everybody who thinks differently. Don't get me wrong: driving can be fun (especially on the rare occasion that you find a German highway not totally overcrowded and can make use of the fact that there is no general speed limit *hehe*) BUT first and foremost it's to bring you from one place to another and you are responsible not only for yourself but everyone around you. And that surely isn't all simply fun but rather tiresome. I know what I'm talking about, I drive more than just a few thousand kilometer a year and surely don't just drive around the neighborhood to the next supermarket but spend a whole lot of time on long distance journeys

So - long story short: I don't quite see what you're complaining about. Or, to say it in different words: I would like you to rethink your intentions to drive as you sound a bit like you felt as if someone was to spoil your fun

Here in Mexico it's like in the states, you can get your learners permit at 15 and you license at 16. From what I've read everyone who isn't old enough to drive wants to, but those of us who are find it annoying. I for one find driving a really big hassle! Here in my city it's horrid! Alkisti if you think Greece is bad come down to Monterrey Mexico and you'll be wishing you could go back to Greece! People here have killer road rage! That is one of the reasons why I don't like driving here! Everyone drives horrible!

Ok I will confess something here, I've been driving since I was 14 (without my parents authorization thank you very much) and I don't have a license. The thing is do to some problems with ermm some things I'm sort of scared to get my license because I know they'll deny it. So I'm just a very good driver!

I'm also ashamed to say that I'm a very very fast driver! My mom never gets in the car with me because she reckons I drive bad... pff I've never crashed and I've never been pulled over by a cop. I know where I can go at 120 KPH (how fast would that be in MPH?). I will admit that once when I was very hiper I did what the guy from The All American Rejects did in the video "The Last Song". But other than that I'm very responsible and Darron I can drive on ice

Driving is a big deal, it does get boring after while (unless you drive stick, then that is never boring).

Hooray! You have the skills that half my town does not. I welcome you to drive on the sheets of ice that is Bozeman. As for driving stick, I will never go back to driving manual. I feel so lazy. Even if I lose a foot or hand, I will still drive stick. I know because I have practiced both skills. First hear with one foot is VERY hard.

Oh, and 120 kph is approximately 75 mph. That is slow. My personal best is 736 miles in just over six hours. That is 120 mph, or 190 kph. And yet, I have never gotten a speeding ticket, though I deserve one.

Well I've driven down the ice filled streets of Denver Colorado, so I get it. Oh I totally get what you mean about first gear with one foot I once tried to drive with a sprained ankle (hurt like hell) and I had a hard time, well more like a painful time. I do think driving stick is better.

Well I guess it's slow but when you're driving down a street where the limit is 30 KPH I'm pretty sure that's not considered slow. Lets see my all time fast was in a friends car after he said that girl can't drive fast... *thinks* I think I went up to 160 or 180 KPH. He was yelling for me to cut it out . He's own fault for taunting me.

I hope I never get pulled over by a cop. That wouldn't be good seeing as I don't have a licence. I guess I can always pretend I don't speak spanish and frustrate him

If you had driven like that in the UK, you wouldn't have gotten away with it at all. The roads are 'policed' by speed cameras waiting to take your picture doing the deed. There are traffic cops at every M-way junction just gagging to catch you, and apart from anything else the roads are not built to travel at those speeds. At the moment a fixed penalty for speeding 10% over the limit is 60 pounds and 3 penalty points on your licence. Twice the speed could be an automatic ban for 2/3 years. 12 points is also a ban. I have 3, thanks to my husband who was driving my car. I took the points as he needs a clean licence for his job, he learned his lesson, I was not happy!

I have very little patience for speeding drivers. They are reckless and cannnot possibly be in control of their vehicles. I am no saint, I go above the limit everyday, but I'm talking by 5 or 10 mph not 20 or 30 or more, and I'm talking about on the motorway where the limit is 70 and there are no pedestrians. Last week a speeding driver knocked over a 12 year old boy near where I live. The driver didn't stop, because he was driving too fast. The boy is in a critical condition. Luckily an eagle eyed witness saw the incident and the guy has been caught. He was driving approx. 60 in a 30 zone, utterly ridiculous!

Sorry Elaine but I promise you that I'm not reckless. I know where I can go fast and where I can't. The streets where I live are filled with little kids and dogs so I know I can't drive fast here but there are streets that are empty because it's where elderly people live and I'm very guilty of speeding. Where I drove 160 was in a free way (I have know clue what you guys call them in the UK), it was a sports car. I've yet to loose control of a car even when I've driven on ice.

Over here if you drive fast and get caught, cops give you two choices. One, you can get a speeding ticket and you have to pay 500 pesos (A wee bit less than 50 dollars), or (and this is what everyone does here *shakes head*) you can bribe them. You can give them from 50 to 100 pesos. That's what happens here. I know it's bad but that's the way it is. Cops don't give a damn if your driving recklessly all they care about is getting a bit more money. Money rules the world *shrugs* even driving

Tell me about it, you cannot use a cell phone in your car, you cannot drive 10% over the speed limit, soon you won't be able to smoke, not that I do but, it's just taking your rights away.

I didn't mean to particularly judge anyone for thier driving! All I am saying is you just wouldn't be able to do those kinds of speeds in this country without getting caught even on our Motorways (free way). The maximum limit is 70 mph about 113 kph.

My husband always drives to fast, but he knows all the areas the police are likely to be, plus where all the cameras are. It doesn't mean I approve, especially with accidents involving pedestrians are concerned. Higher speeds mean that drivers have less time to identify and react to what is happening around them, and it takes longer for the vehicle to stop. Inappropriate speed removes the driver’s safety margin and turns near misses into crashes.

This
graph shows the tendency to overtake by age. Unsurprisingly, the percentage in my age group is relatively low.

The thing is, most people agree that the majority of road accidents in the world are caused by driver error, as a result speeding.

Well I don't really think driving fast is generally bad. Though that may be due to the fact that I grew up in Germany and spend a fair bit of time each year on German highways. I usually drive about 140 to 150kmph which I'm comfortable with over ling distance and leaves my poor old Opel (Vauxhaull or GM for you ) Corsa with about 20 more kmph to give before it starts to sound funny and leaves myself with the possibility to speed up in case this should be necessary. Truth be told I'm often enough too slow for a good number of others, those with the big BMWs, Audis etc.
Yes there are irrisponsible drivers that are too fast for the situation. Just like you can't attempt to go 200kmph when there are only two lanes and the right one is totally crowded with trucks, which leaves one lane to all the others. But you have them everywhere. I don't think it's more dangerous in general as long as everyone drives in a way he's comfortable with and he can handle, no matter if the others are faster or not. Basically if you don't know it any other way you can handle it. It's a bit like overtaking (correct word for context?) on both sides in the Untied States. Nothing really happens because of that. On the rare ocassion some idiot attempts to overtake on the right side here it usually causes any other driver around a heartattack just because no one expects anyone faster than himself on his right. Similarely If I go 120 kmph and want to change lanes because the truck in front of me is too slow I expect someone to come with 230something kmph from behind because that's just what is at least somewhat likely to happen, so I just look a little closer and that's it.

Being totally honest, driving on an American highway to me felt like "Hey, I could just as well get out of the car and push" because 65mph is about what I'm used to drive on a curvy countrylane, not on a perfectly straight highway. (Plus, as a consequence, I miscalculated the time I would need). I didn't have that feeling in England though. But that may be due to the fact that driving a right-side stirred car was a novelty to me and so I really had to keep an extremely close eye not only to the traffic but to the car as well. For the first two days I had basically no feeling for where the car ends and was quite surprised that I only managed to bump the car into the curbstone twice within 8 days

Very long story short: I don't think it's the speed or the rules per se but the ability to adjust to the situation that makes driving more or less dangerous. The sensitivity to the fact that no matter what you do you don't only have to think for yourself but for the others as well. The faster you go or the tighter the traffic the faster you will have to think and there are limits to how fast one can react.

Those graphs are very interesting and I agree with you on the most part. I know driving fast is dangerous but I really can't help it. I was taught to drive by my older brother (who really is a reckless driver). I'm a huge fan of cars really so I love the feeling of speed and the sound of the engine when you drive fast! Oh and they barely implemented the cell phone thing here in my city. That is why everyone has a cell phone with speaker phone now a days



I seriously thought that the majority of road accidents were caused by drunk driving. I might be wrong but I've seen several statistics that say that drunk drivers cause more accidents than any other drivers.


See that is why if I ever go to England I'll be sure to use the "tube" . I think driving on the other side of the road and the car must be really weird! I might try it once but I don't think I'd get use to it. I'd probably be way to busy laughing to concentrate on driving but then again I laugh way to much.

The only thing that really makes me angry here when I drive are taxi drivers I swear I have some sort of issue with Taxi drivers here (no offence to anyone who might happen to be or know a taxi driver). Over here they're rude and the cut you off all the time! Then when they almost hit you they swear at you and kindly insult your mother. I usually just wave and smile to make them even angrier but there are times where I mutter angrily the rest of the day! Taxi drivers and rich kids in BMWs or some other fancy cars are what make my blood bubble. I've actually raced stupid little dim witted rich kids (because my brother's school is next to a snotty university) in their beautiful sports cars. Needless to say that my tiny little Tsuru has beaten them time and time again . But I know it's wrong but I guess that's why it feels so good!

I have only done that 3 times ......ever ! Well, ever in my driving time, of 26 years! And here's the embarrassing bit, I did it today. Not my fault, I was driving down a country lane...single track as many of them are in my part of the UK, when I saw a bus coming in the opposite direction. Since I had the right of way I kept going, but he didn't stop, he just kept coming. The road wasn't wide enough for both of us and there were no 'run ins' so he forced me to reverse back down the lane by driving so close to my front end that I scuffed the kerb with my front tyre/wheel. He then stuck two fingers up at me...jerk! Public transport drivers in the UK are rude and think they own the road. He knew he was in the wrong, but what is worse is I was driving my husbands car...oh well payback for those 3 points he landed me with.

Anyway Misto, I think you have hit the nail on the head, different speeds are acceptable in different countries and within those countries, different states, counties and regions find different things acceptable. I know that amongst most of the men I know, the majority would give their right arms for a whizz along a German autobahn and more so the Nurburgring!!

Alas, you do not have the benefit of having 71,000 square miles to drive. It is impossible with the funds available to police all the highway miles around here. Soooooooo, I take advantage of what I can. In the UK, I would not try to get away with it.

Some day (If I ever become a great writer) I'll go to the UK and try out the whole driving on the other side of the street and car. Must be a very interesting experience. Then I'll go Greece and drive in their tiny streets and get sworn at in greek To finish off my wonderful travelling experience I'll fly to New York (which I am going to visit next year) and I'll get sworn at in english because I hear it's terrible to drive down town.

I wonder where else it's interesting to drive...

hey fany_monkey, if you want a crazy place to drive in the US, you should go to Boston! That has got to be the scariest place I've ever watched my sister drive!! You will definetly get cursed at in english... not that I'm implying anything about your driving skills ( ) but it's pretty much a given that if you drive in the city, you'll get cursed at, along with getting the bird flipped at you...
As for me, I get my learner's permit later this year when I turn 15. I have to say, I'm kind of afraid of being out on the road with some 15-year-olds I know out driving!! They're sooooo irresponsible! But I'm mostly excited!! I think it's going to be lots of fun. But the gas prices are TERRIBLE!! Oh my goodness. I don't know about where the rest of you all live, but here it's sooooo bad... but just because our president is a... *mumbling of inappropriate words* but this isn't the place to express my views on the government, so I won't get into that.

I'm almost 18 so I've been driving for almost two years now and I never thought I would learn to drive because it never really interested me and I didn't care if I drove or not. But it comes in handy I guess because I can take the car whenever I want it so ... I suppose that's a plus!

I love driving, I am a big fan of driving. It really gives you a sense of independence. The only thing that I dislike about driving, is the traffic. Oh boy, I distaste traffic. People are CRAZY. At least once a day, you will see me completely shocked, mouth open agape because of some ridiculous stunt some driver pulled. I tell you, I have no clue how some people got their licenses. I go out to get milk and I come back with a giant headache from driving. Worst thing about it, is that I don't see it getting any better, anytime soon.

I have had my learners permit since about a week after I turned 14 and on the first day I drove I got pulled over and got a warning for crossing the center line. After that I have pretty much been terrified of driving and im surprised that I havent had any other problems. Im now 15 and I have been since May 19 so im guessing one year ago today I got my learners permit.

Whoa, 14?! Here in England you have to be 17 before you can get behind the wheel! I personally think 14 is way too young to start driving. A 14-year-old hasn't got the responsibility to drive in my opinion, I only have a few more months to go before I can finally start!

I'm going to be sixteen next month and am going to get my permit right away! I can't wait! Living on a farm I've already gotten some experience driving. It works out well. I think driving is a lot of fun. I might change my mind once I'm driving on the road, but I don't think so. I am so looking forward to it! My mom is not.

I've had my permit for a couple months now, and I'm trying to drive as much as I can because where I live, they made it a new law that I need to drive 40 HOURS with a sponsor (parent), 12 hours driving with an instructor, and 6 hours observing other student drivers, so I'm trying to get as many hours done as possible.

Drivings not too bad I guess, I'm extremely over cautious and I'm the kind of person who slows down even if I have the right-of-way. Its bad enough all the horrible things that can happen to you if you're a reckless driver, but when I went to drivers ed they also showed us all these videos of people who were killed or horribly maimed, and the accidents WEREN'T their faults! Thats what makes me so nervous...you can never control what the other drivers are going to do!

I think I'm getting better, though. (except for parking! and I've yet to brave the highway)

I'm so jealous at you, Nasuada, where I live, driving is not permitted untill you turn 18 (though you can starting taking lessons as 17), but that's why I've just taken mine (turned 18 one and a half month ago). It's so strange finally being able to drive, and it gives you a feeling of freedom. Just the other day I lent my dad's car and drove to the nearest city with one of my friends. You feel so grown-up haha.

When we were younger we saw all kinds of movies like you, Aguamenti353. It was like they were warning us to NEVER sit in a car or behind the wheel. Like they didn't want us to drive a car. But yes, like you, they frightened me too. I'm very careful when driving in the city, but I must admit when driving on long empty rodes I tend to drive a bit over the permitted speed limit.

But as a new driver I can recomand everyone who does not yet have one; go fetch a driver's licence! It's the best thing that has happened to me about turning 18 (I really, really hated turning 18, I felt old, I don't anymore)-

I'm basically terrified of driving, I have had my learners permit since I turned 14 and basically I hate it. I am so terrified I'm going to accidentally kill someone or hurt someone. I actually just got my permit renewed and this one lasts for a year instead of just three months. I am going to get 50 hours of practice because I really would rather avoid drivers ed.

I am so jealous of those of you who live in a country, where the driving age is 16. I live in Denmark, and here you can first take you driving license when you are 18! I turned 18 in February, and got my license 4 days after my birthday, so I've been allowed to drive for quite some time, and I love it. Especially when you can get some speed on, really feel the engine. This might sound strange, since I am a girl, but I love it. It has now led to a major inner conflict, since I believe we should reduce the CO2 discharge. But I love driving, it makes me feel free, no more asking my mom or dad to take me somewhere, no more biking in the rain if they can't drive me, it is great!
There is only one good thing about that you have to wait so long to get the license: It makes you feel special, mature, like a real grown up. Coming of age is an odd thing, you are an adult, but you don't really feel like it until you get the license. It is the best! My parents were so cool about it, my mom was getting a new car, so they kept the old one for me!!! I have a car of my own which means: NO BOUNDARIES!
Driving is absolutely FANTASTIC and magical

Aww I remember when I started driving I adored the feeling of it. Its true, it does give you freedom but then you begin to deal with all the dumb people out there with a car and it gets rather annoying!

I still don't have my baby back, though they are working on it, so I haven't done a lot of driving.

I came on this thread to say that I have finally found a car I don't like to drive. I never though it would be possible but I have found it... a suburban. Don't get me wrong, I can drive it but it just really annoys me! I love small cars and this suburban my dad recently got is not small at all! I honestly fear for the side mirrors! Then there is also the fact that I can't drive it fast! I love Todd (yes I name all cars) but only when I don't have to drive it!

-Stef

Yay! I got my permit on my birthday! (Two days ago.) My mom took me out on a back road afterward so I could drive. It was so awesome! I did get a little nervous when I saw cars coming at me from the other way, but my mom assured me that it happens often. But I'm really looking forward to driving places. I've been dying to drive for a long time and now that I can, I am so super excited!

Driving is possibly the best thing in the world. I am in Las Vegas for a week, and I have already gotten three speeding tickets. So it is safe to say that this is not the place for me. I currently am driving a mazda 626, but am awaiting the title to a 1987 mazda RX7 13b two rotor multi point fuel injection, 5 speed. The car is pretty much amazing.

But again I state that driving is the best thing in the world and I'm gonna be the one guy eveyone sees rollin up to the gas station in the year 2035. After everyone is driving little electric cars.

Hey

This is the first time I have seen this topic. damn

In South Africa you can get your learners licence at the age of 17 and then you have 18 months to get your licence. I have my licence for 2 years now and I got my bike licence 3 months ago.

My dad sent me for an extreme driving lessons where they teach you how to handle a car when is starts to go side on a wet road and when driving at high speeds. I got to drive he car that they use at a crazy speed of 220 km/h, it was the Renault Clio Sports 6 speed. that was real fun. As or driving an automatic I will never drive on because you can't accelerate so quickly as a manual. But the best thrill is driving a bike,do your self a avour and go to a race track or drag strip and go down the main straight at crazy speeds.

Driving is the best thing that happen to me and the worst. I was knocked of my bike by a car going at 120km/h I spent a week in the hospital with torn muscles in my arms and a broken ankle.

DW

im 17 and its my 18th birthday present from my parents
im taking over my elder sister's slot and her last lesson was last week but my provisional hasnt come back yet !!!
oh dear
im nervous and i havent even started yet

I 'm probably the only one here who doesn't want to learn to drive... It's just not for me, I don't think I could pay attention constantly, I'd probably start thinking or daydreaming for a moment and then end up in a tree.
There's always public transportation. And I simply couldn't bear the responsibility, the lives of all the people sitting in the car!!!

Plus, thus, I'm also greener...
Honestly, I'm fine with it.

Driving is horrendously fun. The best part of driving is the scenery. I am fortunate enough to live in a place where the roads are winding, and the sky is big and beautiful. Coming over a mountain top and seeing the sun rise is breathtaking.

And though it is not technically driving, riding a motorcycle is pretty amazing, too. It is like driving a convertible, because the wind in your hair is enjoyable. I highly recommend it to everyone.

uzzkata, you are not the only one. My younger brother Duston (about to turn 21) has no desire to drive. He has never gotten his licence because of this. The other day he mentioned an interest in riding a motorcycle, so he might have to get his driver's licence to do that. In the US, you have to have a valid driver's licence before you can get a motorcycle license.

I got my driver's license when I turned 18 (that's the legal age for driving in Costa Rica) and I used to drive an automatic car. Afterwards, for life issues, I had to learn how to drive a stick. Automatic cars are not that usual in my country, and my actual car is manual, and ever since I learned, I had never had the opportunity to ride in an automatic car.

My mom's car had some engine problems and after 3 months on the shop, the dealership decided to rent us a car while it gets finally fixed. They gave us an automatic, and now I don't want to step down from it! I love the feeling of just being able to look out the window and do nothing but accelerate and break!

If I ever have the chance of buying a car in my future, I'll pick an automatic. Shifting gears is fun for racing and all that stuff, but unless you're a great driver, it's hard to avoid the car from going backwards a little when you're stuck in traffic in the middle of a mountain! (Costa Rica is a very rocky country!) So, at least for me, I'll say automatic are a lot less stressful!

How about you guys? What do you drive: automatic or manual?

Anita you're lazy just kidding!

I don't like driving automatic anymore, it makes me feel lazy actually. It frustrates me that I normally drive automatic a lot faster than I should because since I don't have to shift gears then I don't really notice the speed! My brother and sister have the same problem with manual cars, it goes back when they try to go up hill! I don't have that problem because I've driven some pretty tough cars, which is why working at an auto shop was good for me! Honestly I love manual so much when I buy my car it will be stick!

-Stef

Oh yes Stef! I can become lazy quite easily! I've had the car for 3 days now, and I'm in love!

You know I wouldn't change my baby for anything in the world (I love it with my whole whole heart!) but this tiny little car is so extremely cute! Since my car is shared with my brother, he won't allow me to drive ours until my mom's comes back from the shop... He claims himself a man, and he wouldn't be caught dead in that ice scrapper car we got from the rental! Hahaha!

Not having to care about the clutch all the time makes me want to drive everywhere! Hahaha! Plus, its engine is so small, that it's actually better for my budget! That's the only reason why I'm dying to have my mom's car back: it runs on diesel!!! (Fuel is getting really expensive nowadays!)

So I plead guilty, I'm lazy! But, hey, chicks who can drive sticks? We're both so so cool!

I've been driving since I was 15. I got my permit when I was 15 and then a month later I went to take my test. I failed the first time because I glided through a stop sign, practically cut somebody off, and I was speeding. I was only going 37 in a 35 mph zone. Apparently I am supposed to drive 5 miles below the speed limit when taking the test. Oops. But anyways, I went back a week later and took it again and passed . So I've been driving since 15 and now I'm 17 and it isn't as interesting as it was before. Haha, my sister is just staring to learn to drive and right now she hates it. I think it's because she has my dad next to her screaming in her ear. Well, now she knows what me and my brother had to go through, hehe. We always criticize her because she did the same to us when we first started off.


That's funny because I do that sometimes. I daydream way too much but I've gotten so talented with it that I can control the car at the same time.

I am scared crapless to drive! I do not have my driver's license and I really don't want to drive ever. When I get settled into my apartment when I get done with school and all that stuff, I will by a 3 wheeled bike! LOL!

Im sorry. Im 15 and all and well i was really terrified to start driving. But we were going down to the beach just recently and well my dad forced me to drive from Montgomery down a little ways. He said I only had to drive fourty-five minutes. But after I went I couldnt stop! It was so easy i started laughing. So instead of fourty-five minutes I drove for a solid two and a half hours.

So now im not scared at all. Once you do it everything just comes easy! Just like anything else you do!

Best Wishes!
_Andrew_

I'm only 11 so I am not able to drive yet. I can't wait till I can drive. My brother is turning 17 soon so he will be able to get his drivers licence soon, he only has his permit. He's a little nervous about driving but he won't admit it. Unlike him I want to be able to drive!

I drive with a stick. The only times I drive with an automatic is if my father has been drinking to a family thing, then I drive home (I don't like drinking in front of my parents, so no problem there). I like driving with a stick. Then I have something to do while driving. Plus I can accelerate faster. The thing with going backwards when stuck in traffic. Well, we have hills in Denmark, not mountains, but still, it takes some getting used to not to do so. But it is not difficult at all when you get the hang of it.
Driving an automatic makes me feel really lazy. There is nothing to do at all. You just sit there, and I think it is kind of boring actually. Then I'd rather drive a car with a stick.
Love driving, I feel bad for those of you who haven't got your licenses yet.