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- Jul 26, 2003
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It is!
Do you drive?
- Thread starter Snow63
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- Dec 29, 2013
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I was always told "Nine you're fine, Ten you're mine"
Im a very non aggressive driver though so I'm usually closer to 5 over.
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- Jun 28, 2014
I know it was discussed a few weeks ago but this is how one gets a license in Brazil (a process I am currently in the middle off)
1. Physical and paychological exam. In the physical, not only sight is tested, but grip strenght and hand/leg mobility. There is a special process if one has specific needs. The psychological is a little trickly - one logic test, one that checks how fast you react and one that... well, I think there is one for how well you perform a task (I had to draw sticks - are they straight, properly spaced, how many did I do, were they carefully done?).
2.1 Study of traffic laws, mecanics, first aid, nature and adverse conditions. It lasts at least nine days, four hours a day. Mine was completed last week.
2.2 You learn the basics of a car by using a simulator. All simulators are manual. 4 hours, split in at least 2 days. Finished mine today.
3. Theory exam on what was learned back at 2.1. 30 multiple choice questions, must score over 70 per cent to pass. Waiting to do this (currently on a strike (?).
4. Lessons in a real car with a professional, then a pratical exam.
Passing, you have a provisory license of one year. All it takes is one or two tickets, such as crpssing a single red light, and the license os revoked.
2.
1. Physical and paychological exam. In the physical, not only sight is tested, but grip strenght and hand/leg mobility. There is a special process if one has specific needs. The psychological is a little trickly - one logic test, one that checks how fast you react and one that... well, I think there is one for how well you perform a task (I had to draw sticks - are they straight, properly spaced, how many did I do, were they carefully done?).
2.1 Study of traffic laws, mecanics, first aid, nature and adverse conditions. It lasts at least nine days, four hours a day. Mine was completed last week.
2.2 You learn the basics of a car by using a simulator. All simulators are manual. 4 hours, split in at least 2 days. Finished mine today.
3. Theory exam on what was learned back at 2.1. 30 multiple choice questions, must score over 70 per cent to pass. Waiting to do this (currently on a strike (?).
4. Lessons in a real car with a professional, then a pratical exam.
Passing, you have a provisory license of one year. All it takes is one or two tickets, such as crpssing a single red light, and the license os revoked.
2.
I name my cars... The last one was Bruno ( wanted to name him Ayrton, but didn't want to jinx myself, so I chose the nephew Bruno (Senna) instead), and the present one is Michael... yes, I name them after F1 drivers. I'll be getting a new one in a couple of years or so, so I"ll soon be thinking of names again...
and wow, what a complex process to get a license in Brazil!! I took some in class sessions, got a learner's permit, then got in a car with 2 other students and a teacher and we drove around town learning how to drive for a few weeks..then had a practical exam and, voila, finished! This was in Canada (Ontario) in the early 90s....
I have heard that the hardest places in the world to get your license are UAE and Japan. My coworker got his license in UAE and then moved here to Canada years later... funny thing is, he failed his practical exam here 2x, LOL, and it's a small city without much difficult driving.
and wow, what a complex process to get a license in Brazil!! I took some in class sessions, got a learner's permit, then got in a car with 2 other students and a teacher and we drove around town learning how to drive for a few weeks..then had a practical exam and, voila, finished! This was in Canada (Ontario) in the early 90s....
I have heard that the hardest places in the world to get your license are UAE and Japan. My coworker got his license in UAE and then moved here to Canada years later... funny thing is, he failed his practical exam here 2x, LOL, and it's a small city without much difficult driving.
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- Apr 18, 2014
My car: Acura TSX. 10 years old and still drives like a beauty. Good cars are worth the price.
Best car I ever drove - My mom's Acura TLX
Worst car - 2009 Jeep Commander I once rented. It was an under powered pile of junk with blind spots galore and my heart raced every time I entered a highway. It only confirmed my opinions about American makes.
Best car I ever drove - My mom's Acura TLX
Worst car - 2009 Jeep Commander I once rented. It was an under powered pile of junk with blind spots galore and my heart raced every time I entered a highway. It only confirmed my opinions about American makes.
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- Jul 28, 2003
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I generally go 3-5 over.
But not in school zones! I had to pay a $250 ticket for speeding five over.
School zones are so hard to stay at 25 mph and normally I have to cut way back. I'm usually going at least 10 or so miles over. I do understand that we need to have complete control over the car just in case one of the little ones run into the street.
I try to do no more than 20 kmph over the limit, but sometimes I do 30-40 kmph over if I'm on a nice road with the limit of 90.
So, yesterday my new car hit the total of 800 km of road! Only positive emotions so far. It took me some time to get used to automatic transmission, and I'm still learning how to use it correctly, but overall I'm over the moon! My white tiger
So, yesterday my new car hit the total of 800 km of road! Only positive emotions so far. It took me some time to get used to automatic transmission, and I'm still learning how to use it correctly, but overall I'm over the moon! My white tiger
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- Jan 1, 2013
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- Joined
- Jul 28, 2003
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Any funny stories about taking your driving test.
When I first took my driving test at 16 years old, it had started to sprinkle just a little and then started to rain. Going for a short distance,the Examiner said....don't you think you should turn on the wipers?? I said...oh I can see OK. Needless to say, I had retake the test and hopefully on a sunny day!!
When I first took my driving test at 16 years old, it had started to sprinkle just a little and then started to rain. Going for a short distance,the Examiner said....don't you think you should turn on the wipers?? I said...oh I can see OK.
Needless to say, I had retake the test and hopefully on a sunny day!! 
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2003
My brother and I shared a Chevy Chevette in college. During a internship, I drove a brown Corolla hatchback that my mother bought from my uncle after she wrecked the Chevette.
The 1st new car that I bought was a Nissan Sentra in 91. Late 99, I bought Sebring Convertible - really enjoyed that car( as did my then young nephew and niece), but it got wrecked when a student driver hit the driver side door and rear panel in 2009. I couldn't open the door from the outside and couldn't imagine climbing over the console every morning to go to work, etc. I replaced the Sebring with a 2010 Rogue, which I really do enjoy.
I also learned the rudiments of driving a stick in my grandfather's old corolla and my brother's ford escort. I was fine once I got into 1st - LOL. I guess I could do it well enough if I absolutely had no option.
My dad made us practice driving at our hold elementary school. It had a circular drive. He would take us there on Sunday afternoon's and have us drive backwards around the circle. My brother was much better than I was at it, but I managed to get around at a slower pace. So, I can parallel park and backup decently.
The 1st new car that I bought was a Nissan Sentra in 91. Late 99, I bought Sebring Convertible - really enjoyed that car( as did my then young nephew and niece), but it got wrecked when a student driver hit the driver side door and rear panel in 2009. I couldn't open the door from the outside and couldn't imagine climbing over the console every morning to go to work, etc. I replaced the Sebring with a 2010 Rogue, which I really do enjoy.
I also learned the rudiments of driving a stick in my grandfather's old corolla and my brother's ford escort. I was fine once I got into 1st - LOL. I guess I could do it well enough if I absolutely had no option.
My dad made us practice driving at our hold elementary school. It had a circular drive. He would take us there on Sunday afternoon's and have us drive backwards around the circle. My brother was much better than I was at it, but I managed to get around at a slower pace. So, I can parallel park and backup decently.
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- Jul 28, 2003
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Good for your Heyang, your dad was smart to have you learn how to backup and parallel park. I can't believe how many people who can't do one or both of those driving skills.
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- Mar 5, 2004
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After I passed my driving test, I took one more lesson in parking. I needed it!
For the first few months as a driver, my mom (a non-driver) had me put up a sign in the back window - NEW DRIVER - PLEASE BE PATIENT! It was a good idea, and I didn't mind it @ all. Back in those days (early 1970's) people were mostly respectful about that - no road rage episodes that I can remember.
For the first few months as a driver, my mom (a non-driver) had me put up a sign in the back window - NEW DRIVER - PLEASE BE PATIENT! It was a good idea, and I didn't mind it @ all. Back in those days (early 1970's) people were mostly respectful about that - no road rage episodes that I can remember.
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Love it, Gail!!! Your mom was very smart to recommend that.
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- Jul 26, 2003
Umm, yes I do. I find that if I'm not in a hurry and not following anyone, my natural inclination is about 5 miles over the speed limit.
However, if I'm in a hurry and behind someone going the speed limit, I will pass if possible. If the person is in the right lane, it doesn't bother me and I just pass. However, if the person is in the left lane and can move to the right, it really bugs me.
People are a lot less diligent about basic driving considerations. Every day I see people not picking a lane, cutting the turn short enough that they would've hit oncoming traffic even though there was no obvious reason for not completing the turn in the correct lane and some of these people aren't on their cellphones when they drive this badly. This morning someone I saw someone make a left turn into the perpendicular street's left turn lane and proceeded to drive down that lane . Person switched to the correct lane when the they reached the light where someone was correctly in the turn lane. Sigh.
In the US, it's not that hard to get your license. 'Written' test and then a driving test. However, there are several restrictions when initially getting licence as a teenager - need to be home before a particular time, not allowed to have more than one other non-adult person (under 21) in the vehicle, etc. My nephew just got his permit. He had to take a 6 hour driving course. Now, he's allowed to be on the road with either of his parents for the next 6 months before he can go for his road test.
The rules do vary somewhat from state to state.
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- Mar 3, 2015
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So,,,,,,, two years ago, after YEARS driving stick shift, I bought a car with automatic transmission... Concerned lest I might forget I was driving automatic, I repeated to myself over & over "left foot on floor left on floor"... and everything has gone just fine UNTIL two days ago. Approaching a right turn near my home (which I've done thousands of times in the automatic) I promptly shifted into third gear to take the corner ... except I was driving an automatic and put the car in PARK!!! Took me a couple of seconds to figure out what happened as my wheels whined and spun... but I was shaking scared. Fortunately no one was behind me!! The brain is a funny thing (gulp).... guess, in addition to my "left foot on floor" mantra, I must now add "right hand on wheel" 
has this ever happened to anyone else? Just curious....
has this ever happened to anyone else? Just curious....So,,,,,,, two years ago, after YEARS driving stick shift, I bought a car with automatic transmission... Concerned lest I might forget I was driving automatic, I repeated to myself over & over "left foot on floor left on floor"... and everything has gone just fine UNTIL two days ago. Approaching a right turn near my home (which I've done thousands of times in the automatic) I promptly shifted into third gear to take the corner ... except I was driving an automatic and put the car in PARK!!! Took me a couple of seconds to figure out what happened as my wheels whined and spun... but I was shaking scared. Fortunately no one was behind me!! The brain is a funny thing (gulp).... guess, in addition to my "left foot on floor" mantra, I must now add "right hand on wheel"
I had such problem in like first 30 minutes of driving a car with automatic transmission. But now I'm totally fine. By the way, my car will not let me to put it in park if it's moving. Same with reverse. I can only switch it in SPORT and NEUTRAL when it's moving.
P.S. By the way my new VW Polo is at 3100 km total now and is doing just fine.
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- Mar 3, 2015
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Congratulations on your new car... Enjoy it to the full!!
Yup.. my old model Chevy automatic is no longer made. I checked with the dealer: all models made after 2011 (my car) have the same safety feature as your new VW. Guess I need to be careful mindful going forward... that, or, get a new car!! (Not a bad idea...)
Many many thanks for sharing your ideas... and for "liking" and responding to the post; feelng vindicated somewhat but proceding with caution. :scowl: my very best to you....
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My cars so far - a 1974 Datsun 1200, 1982 Datsun 310GX, 1987 Nissan Stanza, 1995 Chevrolet Convertible Camaro and 2008 Nissan Sentra. I'm only on my fifth car and I've been driving for 41 years. As you can tell, 4 of my 5 cars have been Datsuns/Nissans. The only reason I even got the Camaro is because I won it in a nationwide drawing!
