Alright, alright, call me a loser, but I do not like to drive. I am starting this thread asking you people to come out and say that you do not enjoy driving so much that you don't do it. If I'm the only person, I'm just gonna delete this, but I've already lost any shred of dignity by saying this. I'm 18 years old, nearly 19, and I do not drive. I know I should, but I don't. Why not? It scares me to death. It might all go back to when I started driving at age 16 and my mom terrified me by screaming and seeming really, really tense. I haven't driven in about three or four months. It bothers me that I don't drive because I know I have to drive eventually, but it scares me so much. Does anyone else know how I feel?

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I didn't even learn how to drive until I was 19. Of course, now that I know, you can't keep me away from my car. It also helps that I have a fun car to drive.

I'm @ college now and don't have to drive anywhere, but back home, I did drive around a lot, and let me tell you, there were a lot of stupid drivers out there that almost caused wrecks with me. Still, I was able to avoid the wreck by just being careful and staying near the speed limit most of the time (except when on the high/tollway. It's really nothing to get yourself worried about, it's just a mindset you have, but if you're careful, then most of the time you'll be okay. Some big rules that you should follow but people rarely do follow are things like, if you're coming to a two way stop, then slow down a little bit in case someone doesn't know it's only a two way stop (which isn't rare), also, if you're going through even a somewhat busy intersection, even if it's late at night, be sure to look both ways, if someone's coming on fast, even if they do look like they may be slowing down, wait to make sure before going on. Also, keep an eye on the rear view, and probably most important, don't ride people, I know there's been plenty of times where someone's been riding on me and I've just felt like slamming on the brakes and letting them hit me (don't do that either), but if they do, just lightly tap the brakes enough so the brake light goes on so they may think you're stopping and they'll slow down. If they keep coming up on you, keep doing it. Eventually they'll either get the message, or they'll fly up to your side, flip you the bird, then speed past you, oh well, their loss having the short temper. Those are just a few tips to having the safest time on the road that you can have. They've helped keep me accident free behind the wheel (with others behind the wheel though, it's another story, but luckily I've never been in the car with the driver at fault, but unluckily, I don't have the life I'd have if the accidents never happened (I'm not crippled or anything, just have some bad bones)).

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by haux [/i]
[B]It might all go back to when I started driving at age 16 and my mom terrified me by screaming and seeming really, really tense. [/B][/QUOTE]

Aren't ALL moms like that?? That's the way mine was when I learned how, so it was my dad that taught me. My sister started driving about 3 years ago (she was 19) and has had two accidents already. My brother, who is 18, has had his temps more than once but it expires because he claims to have no time to drive. Yet he has all these extracurricular activities that my parents don't seem to mind driving him to, although deep down I know they would rather have him driving himself. When I come home to visit, I always get asked to chauffeur him around.
When I turned 16 I couldn't wait to drive. It gives an unexplainable freedom. Friends can drive you around too, but sometimes it isn't the same.

I recommend getting behind that wheel again and possibly having someone other than your mother teach you.

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My son is on his learner's permit now, and sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get him to drive. He always has an excuse (don't have my wallet with me, don't have my glasses). So when I do get him out, he's sometimes tense and gets flustered easily. I have NEVER screamed at him, and when he makes a mistake, I remind him that why he's got to practice. Each mistake is a learning experience, and nothing to be upset about.

I think it's a matter of practice. The more you practice, the more you drive, the more comfortable you'll be with it.

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I would love to drive but I have to wait a couple years to be old enough!!!

You get to drive at 16 in america? im 18 and only just learning. Theres not much point in driving here though unless you have lots of money. do you all drive automatics or manuals? (dont know how to spell that?) learning in a non auto car is definatly much harder but worth it. do you all have your own cars as well?

I'm pretty sure that it's all automatics in the USA. Which are easier, but I prefer a manual for the engine control that you get. I also think that in some states you can get a license at 14 to drive to school and back; no doubt someone else will know if this is true or not.

I agree with what Pantera Psycho,said. I think if you gradually get back into driving - go first round the block, then to your nearest mall, etc, you'll soon get back into it. There are tailgaters, speeders everywhere of course, but if you ignore them as best you can and take things steady you'll be fine. I've driven in the USA plenty of times, including all around Los Angeles' freeway system, and have found it to be far easier than in England. IMHO, if you don't rush then you'll be OK.

Finally, I have to like driving really as my job is a truck driver, so I'd be screwed if I didn't like it!

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Andy Rathe

Old CP'er is right, the more you practice, the more comfortable you'll be.

My driver's ed instructor was horrible, yelled and screamed and made me really nervous. Then two years went by until I got my license (my mother wouldn't let me until I turned 18), and I'd hardly driven at all. When I moved to college, I had to drive from northern Michigan to Florida (east coast) with my uncle, but I hated it -- I was nervous and tense and afraid of doing something wrong. Then my car sat in the parking lot for 3 months with the same tank of gas, I was so terrified -- more of getting lost, since I grew up in a really small town and had moved to a much busier area. But my husband (first boyfriend then fiance then husband) showed me that you don't have to be so tense, and it can be fun, though certainly not a game.

Now, I drive daily (just a quick commute to work, 5 minutes, and back again to pick up my husband at the end of the day), and I have no problems with it. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and freedom, knowing that this is something that you can do for yourself. If we're together, my husband does most of the driving since he is more comfortable with it, but I encourage you to give it a shot.

There's nothing to be embarrassed about -- much better to be scared and have that put sense into you, rather than think you're invincible and put all our lives at risk. Take it slow and easy -- drive in deserted areas (have a friend take you to them, if necessary), or start with just short trips that you do more frequently. There's no law that you have to love it or just drive around for pleasure, but it would be safer for you to become more accustomed to driving so that when you do have to, you're not nervous and tense like that, since that can be a danger as well. Good luck!

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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Skye [/i]
[B]You get to drive at 16 in america? im 18 and only just learning. Theres not much point in driving here though unless you have lots of money. do you all drive automatics or manuals? (dont know how to spell that?) learning in a non auto car is definatly much harder but worth it. do you all have your own cars as well? [/B][/QUOTE]
YES!! When I get a Celica, it is definitely going to be manual. I love driving stick, and I don't even have my license. I can drive stick better than my sister. And she is 17.

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I only have my permit, but i dont like driving. I should have my license, but i waited to long. I dont like driving, because i once drove through a stop sighn, and now i get nervous.

I have my permit right now, and I'm able to take my road test at the present time. I'd rather have some more practive though. As soon as I turn 17, I'll be driving. I honestly can't wait, I just want a little bit of freedom.

When I started driving, i was absolutely terrified. I had no idea how to, and I had no desire to learn. All of my friends were so excited about driving, and I was dreading it. After a few times out with my mom though, I actually found myself liking it. My mom isn't bad when I drive, she just yells at me because she thinks I break too late (I don't shes just a nervous mother. ;) )

And as far as driving ages go, every state is different. I'm pretty sure that in some rural states you are able to get a license as early as 14, like Andy said.

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*Evil*Princess*

I used to love to drive. I did it all the time, for business, pleasure (cruising) and various other reasons, but after having lived in a big city for several years of my life and driving in the conditions that exist there, I find I hate to drive anymore. It simply seems like, no matter where I go or what I do, people are trying to kill me when I am driving...I think its because everyone driving in the city are complete and utter morons, aggressive drivers, tailgaters, slow peeps in the fast lane, etc. It makes me sick.


Big problem though...the old saying is true, "if you can't beat them, join them" and now that I am out of that atmosphere, I find I drive excessively aggressive. And I admit, I'm damn bad at tailgating.

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I've got my permit, but I don't really like driving. Partly because of the car. My dad has his mirrors adjust incredibly wierd. The side view mirrors actually look AHEAD a bit. You really can't see behind you. Makes for a HUGE blind spot. I'm the same height as my dad, so that's not the problem. It's just the way he likes it, I'm not gonna stop him.

I guess it's kinda fun, but I still don't want to, it's hard to explain. It's like playing a musical instrument. You might love playing it, but you still don't want to practice (at least I don't)

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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Andy Rathe [/i]
[B]I'm pretty sure that it's all automatics in the USA. Which are easier, but I prefer a manual for the engine control that you get. I also think that in some states you can get a license at 14 to drive to school and back; no doubt someone else will know if this is true or not. [/B][/QUOTE]

You'd be surprised at how many cars are manual transmission. Half of Saturn's are manual. My SL1 is a 5 speed manual, and I'd rather drive that than an automatic. One thing my parents did when I started to drive was require me to learn on a stick shift. You never know when you'll waltz into a dealership and find that you can't get a manual transformed to an automatic. You can do that now, but I think it is an extra $1,000 or something.

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Errr........

Well, everything has it's first time. Don't afraid of making mistakes. After repeating it over and over again, it become easy.

It took me almost a week to at least get use of the clutch (unfortunately, most country other than US require you to learn to drive in a manual transmission car). But after practising for some time, it became some sort of reflex action.

The worst things that can affect driving are distraction and hesitation. Having someone at the next seat provides an extra pair of eyes. But that person shouldn't be the decision maker. Also, no matter what , do it or don't do it, dont' think for too long before deciding to do it or not.

By the way, the best lesson you can ever had is from car accident. You won't be matured until you had at least one accident. It's better than thousands advices.

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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by CedarPoint_Mark [/i]
[B]

You'd be surprised at how many cars are manual transmission. Half of Saturn's are manual. My SL1 is a 5 speed manual, and I'd rather drive that than an automatic.[/B][/QUOTE]

Thanks - I didn't know they were as widespread.

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Andy Rathe

in Maryland, the law is that you have to be 18 to drive.

Ive done 4 outta 6 hours for my permit, and i will say i love it. i cannt wait for tomorrow when i get my permit, though im sure in about 5 years itll just be any other normal habit.

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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by trock476 [/i]
[B]Ive done 4 outta 6 hours for my permit, and i will say i love it. i cannt wait for tomorrow when i get my permit, though im sure in about 5 years itll just be any other normal habit. [/B][/QUOTE]

In Arizona, I'm pretty sure all you have to do to get your permit is turn 15 and seven months. To get a license is another story now. If you're under 18, you have to have 25 hours of driving, 5 have to be at night. It's a stupid new law. When you can prove that, you can get a "Class G" license. I was 17 when I got mine, but it was a Class G since I wasn't 18 before the year 2001 or something. It's a strange new law, but now if I get pulled over (if I ever drive), police can see that I have a Class G license and maybe they'll go easy on me or something seeing that I had 25 hours before I got it or something like that. I don't quite understand the Class G license, I think it's stupid, but I shouldn't care. I don't drive!

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Do I like to drive? Hmmmm....well in the past year I've driven from Milan, Ohio to San Diego twice, and drove from San Diego to Milan once, and will be again in december. Last year, i drove to Worcester Mass from Milan Ohio twice. Before that I drove from San Diego to Lake Tahoe and back. Before that I drove from Houston TX to San Diego. and since I started college in 1997, i go to and from school in Cincinnati every few months which is a 4 hour drive. So yes, i like to drive.

-seth

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I just passed the written test today! (uk pple will know what i mean).

i always thought most usa cars were autos ( is that what you mean by "stick"?!!!????!). learning in an auto is lazy really, cause manual licences let you drive autos still. I prefer them anyway, autos take too much power from the engine, and are less fun to drive. Driviings fun but i supposed its loses its novolty. you americans are so lucky to be able to afford your own cars. my first car is years away.........:(

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Skye [/i]
[B]I just passed the written test today! (uk pple will know what i mean).

i always thought most usa cars were autos ( is that what you mean by "stick"?!!!????!). learning in an auto is lazy really, cause manual licences let you drive autos still. I prefer them anyway, autos take too much power from the engine, and are less fun to drive. Driviings fun but i supposed its loses its novolty. you americans are so lucky to be able to afford your own cars. my first car is years away.........:( [/B][/QUOTE]

That's interesting...our licences make no difference between automatic and manual transmissions. I think they're preferred here since most drivers are too busy putting on makeup, talking on their cell phone, drinking a double latte, and taking notes on their Palm Pilot to worry about shifting. I know a guy that drove a car in second gear all the time...he didn't know how to shift.

-seth

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Goats

Good news! Got my permit today! So if you live in the PA/NJ/DE area...you beeter be extra cautious on the roads when im out there.

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I don't know about you, but I can't wait until I'm able to drive. What I really want to do is go to a place where there's no cops and and speed up to 90-100 MPH. That would be awesome, hehe.

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oramonster, you get put in prison (well get in a LOT of trouble anyway) for doing just about all those things here. Seriously, if you killed someone whilst useing a phone, you get up to 10 years. Recently a guy killed someone whilst retuning his radio got about 3 years. Another got 5 for texting someone.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Skye [/i]
[B]oramonster, you get put in prison (well get in a LOT of trouble anyway) for doing just about all those things here. Seriously, if you killed someone whilst useing a phone, you get up to 10 years. Recently a guy killed someone whilst retuning his radio got about 3 years. Another got 5 for texting someone. [/B][/QUOTE]

wow...time our US lawmakers enacted the same laws. Here in Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland was the first community to ban hand held cell phones and other devices while driving and soon many other communites around the country followed suit. Maybe soon we'll see harsher penalties for vehicular homicide while using a cell phone.

-seth

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Goats

I like driving. Unfortunately, my car isn't the most fun thing to drive. It's a 1991 Camry. Oh well. I want to get a Mazda Protege5, but my parents seem to find my Camry suitable enough. They said I can get what I want when I graduate high school next year. Until then, I'm the badass in the Camry.

I said it once, Ill say it again. I hate driving unless i can go over the speed limit. But with my permit, if i get pulled over once i have to retake the course 1. When I hear the POD Alive song i go crazy and go 85 on back roads in the country. Not safe. I feel the need for SPEED very often. Especially when driving to CP, I cant wait so I flore it the whole way cause i want to feel the adrenaline and get there sooner.