Driving.
Kroney's post below got me wondering........how and where did you learn to drive?
Husbandthefirst taught me in a beat up 1969 VW Beetle as he insisted I learn to drive stickshift (as everything is automatic out here).
I can still drive a stickshift, and can change my own oil and tyres thanks to him.

I passed my driving test in an automatic, but there's no rules here about automatic vs stickshift, and in fact when I passed my test the examiner told me I qualified to be...well, an examiner. I got 100% on both the written and the physical test.

What's your driving test stories?
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:15, 75 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

I can't drive.

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:21, Reply)

Plenty of time.
I learnt when I was 39.
( girlinthehole, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:22, Reply)

Really? Good to know.
I've never needed to drive in my life, but as a parent this situation is bound to change at some point. It's been bothering me a little. My daughter's mother cannot drive either, due to being partially sighted.
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:34, Reply)

It's never too late to learn.
Get good lessons, and the sense of acheivement is awesome!
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:37, Reply)

partially sighted a complete liability
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:40, Reply)

With her temper she'd be mowing down pedestrians
and ramming people off the road every five minutes.
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:46, Reply)

Aye
My aunty's car was like a dodgem, for similar reasons.
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:47, Reply)

I learned to drive out here
as there's no other choice. However, whenever I go back to England, I'm like "fuck it. I'll take the bus or train or whatever".

Our streets are 2 lanes wide, basically on a grid and easy!
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:23, Reply)

Show off :P

(wehttamman via B3ta for microwave, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:22, Reply)

is nearly 23yrs since i passed my car test, 9 lessons, passed first time, one minor fault.
(i turned left instead of right but did it correctly).
since then i've made a point of driving anything and everything i could. in any conditions. just for the practice.
mind you, i did learn to drive in the winter...
( blaireau69 , the Cumbrian Travis Bickle., Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:22, Reply)

Like Wesley Willis above me there ^
I can't drive
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:23, Reply)

I would also like to point out
I failed 3 UK driving tests. Here, the manouver they had me do was back up 20 feet in a straight line........
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:24, Reply)

I learnt to drive mostly on rural lanes in Devon
where there is only just room for two cars most of the time, and only enough for one some of the time. Around most corners is a bus or a tractor or a herd of sheep. Means I can reverse like a motherfucker, as can everyone else who learned to drive the same way.

Fucking love driving the lanes.

What I find absurd is that people who will happily speed through a city with cars and hard surfaces on all sides will suddenly become terrified of the soft verges and banks that surround the roads here.

morons.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:29, Reply)

Trees and fast cars don't mix
I also giong for a burn up the back roads, paticularly at night. There is a bit were you actually take off if you are going fast enough. Fun and fear, a great combination.
(Cancer Joy was short lived, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:35, Reply)

that is true
but you don't really see many narrow lanes with trees right by the road around here.

Haven't got air in a car for a while. I know all the spots around here my parents old house and my friend's parents' places where it's possible, and how fast you need to be going.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:38, Reply)

I laugh like mad out here.
I learned to drive in the UK, so I understand that driving system. Also, the one roundabout we have within 70 miles, I get round that quite easily.

I've been pulled over twice, and both times the cops have said I'm a good driver (yes, even the one that gave me the DUI which I fully deserved, but I did laugh like made when he said that and then arrested me). The other time I got pulled over for doing 50 in a 45 zone but the cops daughter was at Hull university on an exchange program, so I got out of that ticket.
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:35, Reply)

the very fact that most cars are automatic out there amuses me
and in films and stuff were they make kind of a big deal out of "being able to drive stick"

executing a smooth gear change is an enjoyable part of the driving experience, as is popping it down a gear or two to overtake someone.

having an automatic takes half the fun out of driving
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:40, Reply)

Honestly, it makes driving a lot easier
especially as the freeways are constantly backed up.
There have been times though when I have wanted to just tear it up, smack the car into 2nd or 3rd and whiz through traffic before hawking it into 5th on a long stretch of road.
And also, being a spacker, automatics are easier for me to drive.........
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:45, Reply)

Traffic jams
You can't beat an automatic in a traffic jam - stops you getting ankle-cramp.
(misspiggy In danger of having to get a job, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:49, Reply)

automatics are ok
my car has enough torque to make it roll along of its own accord on 2nd gear, useful for car parks and slow moving traffic jams, and I've found having a decent car prevents it from becoming uncomfortable.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:53, Reply)

I passed my test in 1977
just after the fellow with the red flag was retired.

I thought I had done really badly, but I was asked one last question by the examiner. "What should you do before pulling out?"
"Ermm...Look in my mirror?"
"Yes, please make sure you do so in future."

He passed me, and I have always used my mirrors since then.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:46, Reply)

'77?
You just made me feel young again.

*flounces around being young*
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:48, Reply)

Yes, 1977, I'm very old
And thanks for making me feel just that bit older. I was driving a Morris Oxford at the time.

This is why I hang around with you young'uns.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:53, Reply)

I normally feel old in here
But as I was born in 78 I'm feeling like a whippersnapper right now, granpaaaw.
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:55, Reply)

Me too!
1974!
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:57, Reply)

Young kid!
I graduated from High School in 74.

Is there a geriatric b3ta I should be on instead of one?
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:58, Reply)

Nah, I'm just gonna call you
daddy.
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:01, Reply)

I like that!
(Don't worry, I'm not a dirty old man or a Politician))
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:31, Reply)

Oi, watch it with the ageist insults
Or I'll report you to the mods.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:01, Reply)

I didn't do it!
Wasn't me!

*gazzes mods* *rob throws my cat through window*
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:02, Reply)

No, it was Roota
Burn the scouse witch now.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:04, Reply)

I'll fuck you up in a minute daddio!!

( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:22, Reply)

You don't deny you are a witch then?
Did you celebrate the solstice yesterday?
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:27, Reply)

I am a witch or something
A lad put ice down my top and minutes later the coffee machine waited for him to pass, then fired hot grounds all over him.
I didn't wish it on him but the karma or something, ooh, it is on my side. I have loads of tales like that. They call me Carrie in work.
So you just mind your cock doesn't wither away tonight.
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:33, Reply)

That's powerful magic
Can I get you a nice cup of tea? I don't want my willy to shrivel any more than it has.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:39, Reply)

I'll have a glass of pretend Bailey's please
No ice.
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:46, Reply)

*hold out silver salver*
Will that be all mistress?
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:48, Reply)

Are you sure you
want him to go away and fix that for you? Something else may be in it.
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:48, Reply)

*Wipes dick on Curtains*
No, nothing added.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:50, Reply)

I don't need to know
The mystical forces will know, and they will dish out the retribution on my behalf.
They're a bit like the Modgazzer...
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:52, Reply)

Bugger !

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:54, Reply)

It made you feel young?
I wasn't even born then!
( SpikeyPickle wishes he was mabazaritchie, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:54, Reply)

If 77 makes you feel young,
I passed my test when I was 16 in 1972 (like everyone elase I knew).

In Vermont kids can get a learners permit and drive with parents once they turn 15. It's sort of a rite of passage.

These rites can also unfortunately/sadly include really bad car accidents once they get their licenses. There are restrictions on the times of day new drivers can drive and the number of people in the car, but many kids ignore these, drive trashed and every year there are a few kids killed from being stupid. Of course being the land of cars, we have really poor public transportation which I assume would be part of the world wide Obama socialist plot to force one world government. )I am sure some people would say this if he did try to push public transportation a little as so many people are mesmerized and hypnotized by the crap they hear on FOX “News”).
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:57, Reply)

Well, if they're stupid enough to listen to Fox News.....
sorry. I just hate that program.
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:00, Reply)

I agree:
They are stupid (and getting stupider). It's really sad how many people really believe the shit spouted on that channel. (I refuse to have cable tv at my house so we can't get it at home; but sometimes I watch it when traveling just so I can know my enemy a bit better.)
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:06, Reply)

I tend to watch the CNN channel or
BBC America. However, yesterday, CNN was full of Brittany Murphy stuff and it PISSED ME OFF. Sorry she died, I actually met her a few times, but there was no need to dedicate the whole fucking channel to her death.
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:14, Reply)

I have no idea who
she even was (I gernerlly tune out those portionsof the news).
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:35, Reply)

You are like so old.
HaHa Grandad
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:02, Reply)

I was born in 1981
:-P
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:03, Reply)

Mr V, you are a wise person
I was born the day the music died.

When?
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:05, Reply)

if it is the one referenced by don mclean
that was about buddy holly wasn't it?

59? not sure what date
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:07, Reply)

More accuracy required
but yes.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:09, Reply)

I'll have to resort to google in that case
3rd of February
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:10, Reply)

Done
Only I don't plan to fly into a mountain
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:11, Reply)

Fuck.

( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:16, Reply)

Fuck?
What, that I'm that old, or you wish me to fly into a mountain soon?
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:23, Reply)

"Grandad"
Not yet you young whippersnapper! I'm not ready for that yet. (I almost was but my daughter had a miscarraige).
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:08, Reply)

*Withholds witty ripost*
Sorry about that.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:10, Reply)

What year were you born?

( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:23, Reply)

Ahh....
1956
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:32, Reply)

Same year as...
My lil pop!
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:33, Reply)

Thats it
I need a new hobby. I wonder if they have train spotting in the us?
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:36, Reply)

My dad's just started going on walks
try that. :-P
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:38, Reply)

I wonder if they have trains?
Try airplane spotting. There are always a few people looking through the fence at Luton Airport trying to see an interesting jet. 90% of which are 737s.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:42, Reply)

Nothing could possibly go wrong
With lurking around an American airport with a set of binoculars taking notes.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 13:17, Reply)

I passed first time
in 1993.

I'm so glad I learned before the whole theory test business.

During my last lesson before my test I got to a mini roundabout that was painted in the road. My instructor said that you can drive straight over them.
On my test I got to one of the painted roundabouts and drove straight over it as instructed. I didn't realise that it was actually a bump until I was on top of it!

With regards to automatics - my last car was automatic and I never want one again.
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Tue 22 Dec 2009, 11:58, Reply)

the theory test was the easiest thing I have ever done
and that includes breathing

you are given 40 minutes. it took me 3, and that included reading all the questions, answering them, then checking all my answers.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:02, Reply)

I got 100% on my UK theory test.
I just couldn't reverse around a fucking corner without smacking the curb!
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:03, Reply)

'kerb', dammit.

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:04, Reply)

Fuck.
I'm turning Merkin.

Shall I kill myself now?
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:06, Reply)

What the fuck is a "kerb"?
(Now "curb" makes sense)
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:09, Reply)

curb means to restrain or similar
kerb is the raised bit at the edge of the road where the pavement* is.

*sidewalk to you
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:14, Reply)

Restraints can be fun
BUT WHILE DRIVING?
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:44, Reply)

2005 at the age of 25
Been driving about 4 years now.

I can't stand automatics, they remove most of the manual control you have over the car's speed. Engine braking alone is an awesome safety feature, particularly in the snow/ice.
( Kroney, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:18, Reply)

You should still be able to shift down on an auto box to get some braking
I could on my Carlton.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 22 Dec 2009, 12:30, Reply)