Driver's License...

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Jpec07

Jpec07

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Forgotten Wing
Ok, I'm sure I could probably go through the forum and find well over a dozen license/permit threads, but I figure I'd start my own. Yeah, I got my license today (plastic is on its way). So, this bit of information sparks another question in my mind: who else has their licenses here, or how long have you had yours (because I'm assuming most people have theirs)? That's all. :)
 
"balsy"?
:confused:

If you mean daring or unsafe driving, I did gun it on an eighth-mile straight to see what kind of power my mom's minivan actually had. Turns out it's got a mean sound when you open it up, and a good deal more acceleration than I had hoped for. But that's all I did; there was a sharp turn right after that, so I had to slow down unless I wanted to end up in a lake.
 
I had my driver's license within 45 minutes of the Motor Vehicle department opening on the morning of my 16th birthday. I was waiting when they arrived to unlock the door...

That was, let's see, 23 years and 9 months ago today, in fact!

Congratulations on getting your license! Glad to hear you're being prudent. At this stage of the game, nothing is 'balsy', it's just 'stupid'. I did stupid stuff in cars too when I was a teenager. And having lived through it, it's now my turn to try to pass the benefit of my hindsight. Keep the 'balsy' stuff off the streets. The SCCA has a great program for young drivers to get them involved in autocross, where they can safely learn car control and limits driving under controlled conditions. Check it out!

Good luck, Jpec~!
 
I get mine in may next year 👍 Though I need to get more hours up first, lol. Good luck!
 
Had mine for a little over 2 years now. Still no tickets and I'm hoping to keep it that way.
 
I got my Learner's License about 5 months ago. I hold the Record there (according to a couple of the RTA people) for the quickest 100% Correct test: 6 minutes. And I wasn't meant to rush. I told myself beforehand to give myself some time. :lol:

I already feel at home driving on the road. The only thing I'm a bit 'iffy' about is Reverse Parking. I still can't centre the car between the lines properly, and I always give one side hardly any room to get out.

I'll get better.
 
Here in Canada, we have "Graduated Licensing" which means you have three stages. First, when you turn 16, you go take a written test to get your "G1" (or "learner's permit, which used to be called the 360). With this license you can only drive if there's someone else with 3 years experience ( I think) in the front passenger seat. You can't go on any major highways and are expected not to be on the road after midnight. You also cannot have ANY alcohol in your system at all.

Then you can either wait one full year or take a driver's course and have that wait shortened to eight months, when you can go take your first driving test, to get your "G2." Now you can go anywhere anytime on your own, but still cannot have any alcohol in your system (or a lesser amount, can't quite remember).

From here you have 5 years in which to take your second driver's test to get your "G" license. This test costs $75.00 (CAD) and you can take it two or three times if you fail, but not back to back (you have to wait three weeks between consecutive tests).

Myself, I got my G1 when I was 17, then took a driver's safety course and got my G2 eight months later. Then I waited a while to get my G, like almost four years.

Then I started driving professionally and had to get a "B" license, which means I can drive single-axle trucks, city transit buses, school buses, ambulances, taxis, and any other delivery/courier vehicle. The only thing I can't drive are 18-wheelers.
 
neon_duke
I had my driver's license within 45 minutes of the Motor Vehicle department opening on the morning of my 16th birthday. I was waiting when they arrived to unlock the door...

That was, let's see, 23 years and 9 months ago today, in fact!
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I've had mine for 17 years but in the UK, you have to wait until you are 17 to get it. I had my provisonal license for my 17th birthday and had my first driving lesson that night.
 
I had mine for about a year. The only thing I can recommend is to take it reallly easy on the first day it snows alot. Last year on the first snowy day I hit black ice on the very first corner I took. I was trying to stop at a sign at the busiest road in my town but I slid straight through it. I got reaaaaaally lucky as there was a gap in the traffic and I also managed to keep the car out of a ditch.
 
29 years. Will be 30 years in March...in that time I've had 5 speeding tickets (most written down to "Failure to Obey a Speed Control Device" - it pays to be polite to the police), 3 accidents (only the first one was my fault, when I was 17), and 12 cars...
 
neon_duke
Congratulations on getting your license! Glad to hear you're being prudent. At this stage of the game, nothing is 'balsy', it's just 'stupid'. I did stupid stuff in cars too when I was a teenager. And having lived through it, it's now my turn to try to pass the benefit of my hindsight. Keep the 'balsy' stuff off the streets. The SCCA has a great program for young drivers to get them involved in autocross, where they can safely learn car control and limits driving under controlled conditions. Check it out!
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That I shall, but I don't have a car of my own yet so I'm not sure if my dad'll let me take the Altima out to the track (I don't even think we have a local track :boggled:). I'll see what I can do about advanced driving, but I think I'll work on getting my own car first. 👍

demon of speed
I don't think I'll ever get a licence, I'm just too lazy to take lessons. Very sad indeed.
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Dude, let me tell you this right now: having a license is one of the betterest things that can happen. It basically adds a whole new dynamic to life. Take my advice; get a license as soon as you can. ;)👍

Jimmy Enslashay
I already feel at home driving on the road. The only thing I'm a bit 'iffy' about is Reverse Parking. I still can't centre the car between the lines properly, and I always give one side hardly any room to get out.
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Yeah, reverse parking isn't the easiest thing in the world. If you're having trouble with it, take my strategy:
  • Go SLOW. I can't emphasize this enough.
  • Drive a good way past the spot you're backing into (not enough to let the guys behind you have it, but still enough to give yourself room to maneuver). Make sure you're not too close to the side you're pulling into, so that you have room to let the car swing around. Usually I keep it right in the middle of the lane.
  • Back the car up until the rear axle has just passed the car next to the spot you're in (so that the tail of your car is sticking into the area behind the empty spot).
  • Cut it hard to make the car turn in, and straighten out as best you can. If all went well, you should be perfectly aligned.
  • If you're too close to one side, pull forward straight a bit, and then back in, making the necessary adjustments as you go.

Hope I've helped some

xcsti
I had mine for about a year. The only thing I can recommend is to take it reallly easy on the first day it snows alot. Last year on the first snowy day I hit black ice on the very first corner I took. I was trying to stop at a sign at the busiest road in my town but I slid straight through it. I got reaaaaaally lucky as there was a gap in the traffic and I also managed to keep the car out of a ditch.
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Yeah, I intend to. My dad, on the way down to Connecticut to see my grandmother, was explaining to me how sometimes in Autumn, when the leaves fall on unkept roads and then it rains; the roads are just as treacherous as after an ice-storm. Meh, I have yet to do any winter driving, but it's on its way. :scared:
 
No indeed it isn't, in Alberta (province of western Canada for those of you who don't know, who consequently also have the highest insurance rates) you can get your learners at 14, compared to 16 in Ontario.
 
I've had mine for a little over 3 months. I think I'm pretty good now, although I'm still bloody horrible at backing-in-parallel-parking… I'm always way too far from the curb, and too paranoid about backing into the car behind me (I'll think the rear bumper of the truck is just inches from the bumper of the other car, and it turns out to be like 3 feet). I don't have any problem backing into normal parking spots for some reason though. And, I know all the tips, but they don't help. ;)
 
I find its generally easier to park in European cars. They tend to have more visibility because the roads are much smaller and eveyrhting is crammed in in Europe so visibility tends to be more of a priroity. I like the early 90's Saab's and Volvos...VERY easy to reverse-paralell park in. And yes, I know im not allowed to be behind the wheel of a car.
 
Sage
I've had mine for a little over 3 months. I think I'm pretty good now, although I'm still bloody horrible at backing-in-parallel-parking… I'm always way too far from the curb, and too paranoid about backing into the car behind me (I'll think the rear bumper of the truck is just inches from the bumper of the other car, and it turns out to be like 3 feet). I don't have any problem backing into normal parking spots for some reason though. And, I know all the tips, but they don't help. ;)
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Yeah, perception, I'm finding, is the toughest thing to master (and knowing the boundaries of the car). The examiner yesterday commented on how when she told me to pull over there was still another 2 feet before I would've hit the side of the road, so I'm thinking I'll have to work a little more on that...
 
Jpec07
Yeah, perception, I'm finding, is the toughest thing to master (and knowing the boundaries of the car). The examiner yesterday commented on how when she told me to pull over there was still another 2 feet before I would've hit the side of the road, so I'm thinking I'll have to work a little more on that...
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A lot of it is just knowing the boundaries of your own car. Sometime my passengers get freaked out at how close I drive to the side of the road. But I haven't nicked anything yet. Its just that I know the dimensions of my car, and have an instinctive "feel" for where it's edges are. Those low concrete parking barriers got me for a long time before I figured out how close I could pull up without scraping a tow hook.
 
If I may, I'd like to give a little advice to all the new drivers...take it as a few words from a graduate of the school of hard knocks ;)

First, let all your attention be towards your driving, especially in town. Don't have your music so loud that you can't hear yourself think...or that you can't hear the emergancy vehicle barreling up in your blind spot, with sirens blaring.

Don't be using the cell phone while you're driving in town. If you absolutely have to make a call, pull over. If someone calls you, while your in traffic, tell them you call them back as soon as you are out of traffic. There was horrible accident here in Orlando this week, where a 22 year old girl ran a red light and killed two little girls (one in a stroller) who were crossing the street, because she was on the damn cell phone and didn't "see" the light change.

Be alert. Scan your rear view and side view mirrors constantly. Try to create a "zone of awareness" around you, so that you can deal with any contingancy that may occur. "Situational Awareness" will get you out of a lot of problems that a less attentive driver will suffer in.

Wear your seat belt. Always. Not only is it the law (nearly everywhere) but it may save your life, or the life of your passenger, someday.

Its ridiculous to tell young drivers not to speed. They're going to do it. Just please try to be aware of the physics that you are dealing with, and the fact that flesh and bone will lose to metal and plastic every time.

Don't tailgate. Not only is it hazardous (do you trust the idiot in front of you enough to follow that closely?), but in most states (and I assume provinces and other countries) if you rear end some one, you're the one going to be charged.

Also, there a lots of nuts out there. Some of them have anger issues. Some of them carrying guns. Some of them will think nothing of popping a cap at, or beating the hell out of "that annoying punk riding my ass"...

Be safe. Have fun. Enjoy the freedom associated with "driving" yourself around. Just remember, driving is not a right, but a priviledge.
 
I have no problems with reverse parking, my nstuctor tought me a heap of handy hints and I find it very easy now, though I'm still paranoid if there is a car behind me :lol:.
 
Anderton
Here in Canada, we have "Graduated Licensing" which means you have three stages. First, when you turn 16, you go take a written test to get your "G1" (or "learner's permit, which used to be called the 360). With this license you can only drive if there's someone else with 3 years experience ( I think) in the front passenger seat. You can't go on any major highways and are expected not to be on the road after midnight. You also cannot have ANY alcohol in your system at all.

Then you can either wait one full year or take a driver's course and have that wait shortened to eight months, when you can go take your first driving test, to get your "G2." Now you can go anywhere anytime on your own, but still cannot have any alcohol in your system (or a lesser amount, can't quite remember).

From here you have 5 years in which to take your second driver's test to get your "G" license. This test costs $75.00 (CAD) and you can take it two or three times if you fail, but not back to back (you have to wait three weeks between consecutive tests).

Myself, I got my G1 when I was 17, then took a driver's safety course and got my G2 eight months later. Then I waited a while to get my G, like almost four years.

Then I started driving professionally and had to get a "B" license, which means I can drive single-axle trucks, city transit buses, school buses, ambulances, taxis, and any other delivery/courier vehicle. The only thing I can't drive are 18-wheelers.
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Wow, I'm glad I got my licence before that came into affect :)
 
NoQuarter
If I may, I'd like to give a little advice to all the new drivers...take it as a few words from a graduate of the school of hard knocks

First, let all your attention be towards your driving, especially in town. Don't have your music so loud that you can't hear yourself think...or that you can't hear the emergancy vehicle barreling up in your blind spot, with sirens blaring.

Don't be using the cell phone while you're driving in town. If you absolutely have to make a call, pull over. If someone calls you, while your in traffic, tell them you call them back as soon as you are out of traffic. There was horrible accident here in Orlando this week, where a 22 year old girl ran a red light and killed two little girls (one in a stroller) who were crossing the street, because she was on the damn cell phone and didn't "see" the light change.

Be alert. Scan your rear view and side view mirrors constantly. Try to create a "zone of awareness" around you, so that you can deal with any contingancy that may occur. "Situational Awareness" will get you out of a lot of problems that a less attentive driver will suffer in.

Wear your seat belt. Always. Not only is it the law (nearly everywhere) but it may save your life, or the life of your passenger, someday.

Its ridiculous to tell young drivers not to speed. They're going to do it. Just please try to be aware of the physics that you are dealing with, and the fact that flesh and bone will lose to metal and plastic every time.

Don't tailgate. Not only is it hazardous (do you trust the idiot in front of you enough to follow that closely?), but in most states (and I assume provinces and other countries) if you rear end some one, you're the one going to be charged.

Also, there a lots of nuts out there. Some of them have anger issues. Some of them carrying guns. Some of them will think nothing of popping a cap at, or beating the hell out of "that annoying punk riding my ass"...

Be safe. Have fun. Enjoy the freedom associated with "driving" yourself around. Just remember, driving is not a right, but a priviledge.
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Thanks, but it sounds almost exactly like my Dad. :lol:

I also used to have a little trouble with knowing the car's, but not anymore. Well, I do have a little trouble with that when Reverse Parking, but it's only because I am currently driving my Dad's car (still have to get ownership signed over on mine), and my Dad's car has a wide rear, which also angles up. On top of that it has a small spoiler, which you can't see under, so the car is very difficult to see when looking behind you.

I would like to try it with my car, as it's less wide and easier to see behind me.
 
I just got my G2 on Wednesday! And like Jimmy, I'm a great driver (I got 92% on my test, which is about as high as my instructor has ever seen), but I have trouble driving in reverse. I always have to straighten myself out. But, I guess it's something that will come with practice.

One thing that confuses me though is that both my parents are very uncomfortable when I'm driving. I am a very safe driver, which is the opinion my instructor. I don't speed, I don't tailgate, I check my mirrors and blind spots, and I use lots of common sense. Yet, whenever I'm behind the wheel, if you could gauge their facial expressions you would think I was taking them through downtown Baghdad... I would like to hear others comment on their experiences with driving with their parents in the passenger seat, I'm sure some interesting stories will come up.

PublicSecrecy
I find its generally easier to park in European cars. They tend to have more visibility because the roads are much smaller and eveyrhting is crammed in in Europe so visibility tends to be more of a priroity. I like the early 90's Saab's and Volvos...VERY easy to reverse-paralell park in. And yes, I know im not allowed to be behind the wheel of a car.
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I have to agree there. My instructor's '03 VW Golf has the best visibility of any car I've ever driven. My dad's '93 Explorer has mediocre visibility, while my mom's '03 Hyundai Santa Fe has horrific visibility to the rear (blind spot checks are nearly impossible because the pillars are extremely thick). But I really can't compare the VW's parking ability fairly, since it's obviously going to be easier to park than a pair of SUVs.
 
Ev0
I have to agree there. My instructor's '03 VW Golf has the best visibility of any car I've ever driven. My dad's '93 Explorer has mediocre visibility, while my mom's '03 Hyundai Santa Fe has horrific visibility to the rear (blind spot checks are nearly impossible because the pillars are extremely thick). But I really can't compare the VW's parking ability fairly, since it's obviously going to be easier to park than a pair of SUVs.
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You also can't compare the visibility of a car vs. that of an SUV. Generally, larger cars tend to have more blind spots / less visibility than smaller ones, and most European cars are smaller than North American ones because of the layout of the cities there.
 

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