Driving

[WarxePB]

So, I just got my driver's license today. I can finally drive without my mom around. In Canada, we have a system called "Graduated Licensing", where you get a "beginner's" license after passing a written test, which restricts you to driving with an experienced driver and other things. After 9 months, you can go for a road test, and if you pass that (which I did, after 2 other attempts), you get the full license with a few restrictions (no blood alcohol and you can only drive with 4 people). After a year and a bit, you get the full license.

So anyways, what's driving like in your countries? Do you own a vehicle? And what kind of experiences have you had on the road? Let's hear.

[SonicChaos7]

I got my license quite a while back. I've had it for a year and a half now, and driving isn't all it's cooked up to be, but it's still fun. I own my own vehicle, a 1998 Ford Taurus (I got stuck with it). Me and my parents are going to look into some other cars for later. I've almost been in several wrecks, but I glided out of them.

[Drace]

Don't know how it's here in Holland and personally, for 2 years I don't care. Driving here is from 18+ for safety. Though, at 16, almost all the teens get scooter or motorbikes (they're like motors, but go slower).

[DragonBlaze]

In the US, its pretty much the same, after you pass the written test, you have a temperary licence where you have to drive with a guardian or driving instructor, after 6 months (and once your 16) you can take your road test, after you pass that, you get your probationary licence where you can drive with 1 other person (other than family). Then after 9 months, you can have as many people in the car as you want. I've had my licence for a little under two years now. I drive a 1979 poniac bonneville. Its more of a boat than a car, but I don't know of one person I know that doesn't like it.

[Sephiroth rocks]

I live in Denmark and that seriously sucks from a driving point-of-view because:
1. You can't get a driver's license before you're 18
2. The prices on cars are the most expensive in the world an ordinary car costs about 40000 $ and a crappy old one costs about 10000 $ so most ppl can't afford a car before they turn 25 or something.

[ZeroKirbyX]

I never really cared about driving. I can drive but I just haven't bothered to get my liscense. Money reasons mainly.

[Smokey_locs2006]

Yeaah and in the US if you're 18 or older you don't have to get a permit. You can get a full licence. I drive two cars a 2005 Kia Optima and a 1999 Honda Civic Si.
I've been driving since I was 14 and I just recently got my licence.
I got pulled over one day and they told me if I just get my licence they'll remove my ticket. (For 400 bucks)

[Drighton]

I'm all for the 18+ law here in the States. I realize that some teens are responsible and that the others ruin it for them, but the majority seem to be fukwits behind the wheel. I nearly had a head on with some moron in a fast car (thanks mommy and daddy) who decided that blazing across my lane would impress his girlfriend recently. I've come close to being run off the road by another not paying attention, and I can't count the number of teens I've seen playing with their (parent's) cars.

I've been in two wrecks since I began driving 4 or 5 years ago. My first car was officially in my name for two weeks before some broad turned and paniced when she heard my tires screeching as I floored my brakes. Unfortunately her Dodge Ram (Why do people buy trucks if they aren't going to haul anything in them? I guess if you have the extra money to throw away paying for gas, tires, etc...) acted as a wedge and created a nice triangular dent in my car, totalling it.

The fender-bender was my fault, as I was not paying attention to the cars halted to allow a driver to make a(n uncessesarily) slow, 90 degree turn without signalling, and rear ended another girl in a truck. Her rear bumper was bent downward and my car had some stress marks on the bumper.

I can proudly say that my parents did NOT buy me a car. Though, they have assisted me in repairs that I in no way would be able to afford. Not to say that I don't pay for repairs or maintenance. Sure my paychecks go into my car, but I would rather have that than an XBox or some other trivial item.

[Almeidaboo]

Brazil: 18+, written + practical test = full license.

Iīm 22 and still havenīt gotten it Money issues and fear of becoming my parents private driver XD

[VulcanRaven336]

I drive a F-150 without  a license. I know it's a stupid thing to do, but until september, there's no other way to get to work!

[SonicChaos7]

Originally posted by Drighton
I'm all for the 18+ law here in the States. I realize that some teens are responsible and that the others ruin it for them, but the majority seem to be fukwits behind the wheel. I nearly had a head on with some moron in a fast car (thanks mommy and daddy) who decided that blazing across my lane would impress his girlfriend recently. I've come close to being run off the road by another not paying attention, and I can't count the number of teens I've seen playing with their (parent's) cars.

I've been in two wrecks since I began driving 4 or 5 years ago. My first car was officially in my name for two weeks before some broad turned and paniced when she heard my tires screeching as I floored my brakes. Unfortunately her Dodge Ram (Why do people buy trucks if they aren't going to haul anything in them? I guess if you have the extra money to throw away paying for gas, tires, etc...) acted as a wedge and created a nice triangular dent in my car, totalling it.

The fender-bender was my fault, as I was not paying attention to the cars halted to allow a driver to make a(n uncessesarily) slow, 90 degree turn without signalling, and rear ended another girl in a truck. Her rear bumper was bent downward and my car had some stress marks on the bumper.

I can proudly say that my parents did NOT buy me a car. Though, they have assisted me in repairs that I in no way would be able to afford. Not to say that I don't pay for repairs or maintenance. Sure my paychecks go into my car, but I would rather have that than an XBox or some other trivial item.

You live in the Houston area right? Well, there's your answer. XD

[ZeroKirbyX]

Augh, Houston. Ew. Driving in Houston is as bad as driving in the DFWM area. Except worse somehow.

[Drighton]

Originally posted by ZeroKirbyX
Augh, Houston. Ew. Driving in Houston is as bad as driving in the DFWM area. Except worse somehow.

Perhaps to tourists, but I know plenty of backroads. I only drive through main thoroughfares if traffic is light or when absolutely necessary. Currently I take Hwy59 to and from work because construction makes my alternate routes slower.

[SonicChaos7]

if you go around the place enough, you should be able to know backroads. I wouldn't know how to get out of Houston to save my life. I hardly ever go into the city.

[Drighton]

Originally posted by SonicChaos7
I wouldn't know how to get out of Houston to save my life.

Perhaps that is part of the problem. Drivers don't know where they are going, thus they drive insane because they are too busy not knowing where they are.

A manditory class on highway, major roads would do the trick. I'll call Bill White.