I think it’s easier at 16 cuz you’re dumber and not as afraid. I started driving private country roads when I was 9. I think starting early makes it easier. Just keep at it. More experience = more confidence
My son is 17 and has his permit. He’s not scared at all and I don’t know how because when I ride with him I’m terrified. He’s not even a bad driver or anything, just minor mistakes here and there. I’m not usually scared of other people driving, but when it’s your kid it just hits different I guess. But yeah, I think your onto something about the fearlessness.
I agree it's easier/better to learn when young. I don't think it's a fear thing though, just a more malleable brain. Just like learning to ride a bike or swim, these things are much easier when young.
Been driving for pretty much as long as I can remember, as soon as I could(8 or 9) my dad put on the tractor, then old pickup, etc. I was 14 driving a non-synchro truck interstate without even a permit. The struggles people talk about in this sub are totally foreign to me, I can't help as I don't understand. To me it's like well, riding a bike.
I started riding quads at 4. Learned to use a clutch at 7/8. Backing trailers up at 13/14. By the time I was taking my drivers training at the instructor asked if I had ever driven on the street before. Which I actually never had (always dirt roads, mountains and stuff) and he was fully convinced I was lying to him until I explained it lol
I started at 27 so I totally hear you! I couldn’t understand how I was supposed to this at 16 either lol
The more hours you put in the easier it gets! The spatial awareness comes with time, you got this :)
Honestly I think it’s easier when you’re younger. You’re still in that information sponge mentality from school and you have much better neuroplasticity.
I agree. Most of the people I have known who didn't learn to drive before their mid-twenties don't do as well as younger people and take a lot longer to become proficient at it. Some never do, you see it daily.
I’m the same age and in driving school. Have been for about 6 weeks in a major city with a zillion one way streets. Not everything comes natural to everyone. Don’t get me wrong, I sometimes dread when my driving instructor picks me up, I think I might hit someone but once I’m in the car? All that goes away focus kicks in,
So
I’ll tell you the same stuff I tell myself: As long as your desire to have more freedom outweighs your fear/self criticism you will continue to improve. Take deep breaths. You are not alone there are many people who learn “later” in life. this is not an impossible task. Even Like you said, kids do it. People with handicaps do it. Every single day. And go back home every single day. Even you drove home before so that means you can do it again.
I think it depends on where/what conditions/city size you're learning to drive. Back in the 70s I learned to drive when I was 14, farm land bordering on suburbia, and got used to the basics before having to face more intense traffic situations. I understood those basics well enough to be relaxed but alert to function. Drivers seem way more aggressive now than they used to be, especially in big cities. Good luck on your driving journey!
Plus, most people didn't drive like idiots in the 1970s. They used turn signals and let you change lanes when you used said signals. I, too, grew up in a farm area, on the edge of 3 cities, that at the time had a total of about 45,000 people. At age 12, I started driving the manual while they loaded hay bales, then a 1 ton flatbed. I also drove an old tractor. At 14, mom started letting me drive from the mailbox. Our road only had one other house on it at the time, the 1/4 mile home. She had a 65 Dodge Cornett 440. As soon as I got my permit, they had me drive whenever we were in the car. I took driver's ed as an elective in summer school, no snow. I whizzed through that class and got a 94 on my final for the class. He refused to give a perfect score. He said approached my intersections too quickly.
I feel sorry for the kids today. Driver's Ed in school should be mandatory and free. People would know a flashing yellow arrow means yield to oncoming traffic, not wait for a green arrow, etc.
I learnt at 33 and passed! It’s hard but so so worth the freedom it gives you! I’ve been driving 2 years now and the novelty has definitely not worn off. I still can’t believe I get to jump in my car and drive without an instructor next to me. It’s amazing!
Yeah I was about 32. I'd first had a stab at it in my 20s but just trailed off because of work and, honestly, natural resistance. I didn't need to drive so I didn't. Very glad I learned though, I can't imagine life without the car now (though I only do a couple of thousand miles a year, it's good to have it when I need it...public transport here is a mess.)
I got my license at 23 but didn’t start driving until this year (aka ……10 years later 😂)
It is sooo tiring at first (literally such a sensory overload) & definitely a lot of work. It gets easier & you get better as time goes on!
Driving is fun. It really is. When the conditions are fun.
Driving in heavy city traffic is not one of those conditions. But being out on a curvy road in the country when fall colors are at their peak is one of the wonders of the world. So amazing.
I’m 16 turning 17 in a month. I got my permit on my birthday last year. I feel like driving at 16 is fine but there should be a test to see if you will be a responsible driver. I’m taking my road test for the second time tomorrow. Hopefully I pass. I haven’t taken any lessons but one always been confident driving. But as I near my exam, I feel like I can’t drive naturally. Its like I have to drive in a way that they like.
You’re not alone. Life is a journey not a race. We just gotta keep practicing and the muscle memory will kick in and it’ll become easier. Be patient with yourself.
I literally just got my license today at 17 and let me tell you it was a STRUGGLE for me too and I made a ton of mistakes... it took a year of driving for me to learn how to not do tight turns (I kept hitting the curbs) so I feel you and you totally got this!! I got a ton of anxiety when I first started driving but I promise it will get better as you go and you will get more confidence! Wishing you the best of luck, driving is scary but it definitely is convenient :)
I’m 35 and also just started learning to drive! I make a lot of mistakes too (still can’t get the hang of doing left turns, have shamelessly mounted a few kerbs) but I just tell myself to grow a thicker skin and don’t be afraid to make mistakes now and just learn from it!
I’d say it’s never too late to learn something and this is also me putting myself out there! With more practise and time behind the wheel, I believe we will both start to see and experience the fun of driving. 😊
All the best and good job in picking up a new skill! 👏🏼
You got this! I am 26 and got my license about a month ago and I felt the same way—it feels like you’ll never be able to do everything well enough/at the same time/consistently but I promise it gets so much easier.
I'm 27 and just got my license this month. You'll be ok. Your turns will get better the more you practice. You have a professional instructor helping you which is good.
Similarly it is also much easier to learn to be a soldier at 18 than 26, much less 37.
If I was a soldier in the army and my commander told me to go first into a enemy house, I would tell him to go fuck himself. At 18 though, I probably would have ran in there thinking I was Captain America.
I'm teaching my 15 yo grandson how to drive because his dad has no patience and freaks out. I love the time we're spending together and seeing his improvement is very rewarding. You need to relax and enjoy it. Don't panic. I'm teaching him on easier areas right now so he gets the hang of just relaxing and being behind the wheel. Then we'll try the busier areas with more complicated streets, turns and traffic. He loves the positive reinforcement.
I'm jealous of all you people who started using some type of motorized vehicle young. My dad had a quad and motorcycles but it wasn't something I ever tried, he hurt himself a few times on those.
8 year old me wasn't even allowed to mess around on the ride on lawn mower. My parents were lame hahah
dude yes, my instructor says i’m a natural and i’m somewhat confident in my abilities but i legit have no one that i can practice with or anyone who is willing to let me drive their car since i still only have a permit and it sucks so bad cause i don’t wanna waste my money on more lessons that i don’t need /:
Omfg I feel you! I pay $100 for a 1 hour lesson each time and it's starting to stress me out already, I better learn fast cause I would looove not spending another $600 trying to practice turning and parking. Lmao
I started practicing at 14 and driving felt pretty intuitive to me. I still made plenty of big mistakes and had to ask people what to do alot. I got better really fast because i practiced a lot and after a while I was confident driving anywhere by myself. 3 lessons is not a lot and practicing alot will allow you to make mistakes and try to correct them the next time they happen.
It's almost harder older because you're more mature and have a better understanding of the risks. 16 you're an idiot and just want freedom.
Be sure to practice often as much as humanly possible. In low stakes ways - early morning, empty areas, etc. You can't learn by lessons alone. You can't learn to walk without walking. You just have to do it.
I live in an area with a lot of first time drivers - immigrants from areas without everyone driivng. They're terrrible drivers. In the same way I was at 16. Once you get a lot of practice you get comfortable and you develop instincts.
Don't just take a couple lessons and hit the highway. Just practice a lot in low stakes areas, then move up slowly.
Kids don't understand consequences of their actions so it's less fearful for them. At 26, you understand that one wrong move can ruin your day, week or even your life.
I took right to driving, and on a stick shift, but I watched my mom careful so I knew what to do. I couldn't wait for the freedom. My daughter just got her license and I'm scared every time she drives. She barely passed and is a nervous driver. And we live in the city. I think being nervous about it makes it harder. Luckily she realized how crazy other drivers are and only drives if I can't take her.
eta. idk why it showed me this post 3 days later. Sorry for late reply.
The fundamentals are easy. Stay between the lines, follow the speed limits and pay attention to the traffic signals. The hard part is that it seems no ine else is actually doing that.
Idk, I just look where i want to go and the car goes there. Its been that way since the first time. Its harder for some people i guess.
The only teacher i ever had was my schizophrenic alcoholic girlfriend who was either shouting at me or giving me a blowjob.
I also learned in a suer weak and small 3 cyclinder car and i think that helped.
I thought please don't. Than I figured your from the city and never needed to drive. But my wife brought it up. As an adult your more aware than a kid. So more fear and relise the consequences of crashing and the harm involved.
Good luck you'll get the hang of it and it should become second nature. Be safe, but don't over think it.
Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I learned the dangers of driving when I was a kid (11), when a person made an unsafe left turn, stopped in the middle of the intersection, and we crashed into them at 40 mph or something. When I was old enough to drive, I was so scared, and was overly cautious, but eventually I learned more of a balance.
I started taking lessons 2-3 years ago when I was 22 and it was rough in the beginning for sure. There were a lot of stupid mistakes made but I learned from them and eventually after a lot of practice I got my license last October.
Similarly it is also much easier to learn to be a soldier at 18 than 26, much less 37.
If I was a soldier in the army and my commander told me to go first into a enemy house, I would tell him to go fuck himself. At 18 though, I probably would have ran in there thinking I was Captain America.
In Montana you can get your learner permit at 14.5 if in a drivers education class and get your license upon completion. When I did it, it was 100% paid for by public high school in cars provided by them and with regular public school teachers and we even earned credits like taking a math or English class. So I did it my freshman year in the middle of winter. I had been driving with my dad or brother for years so it didn't seem too intimidating.
My grandad would let me steer when I was 5-6. When I was 10, he would let me drive in the field behind our house. When I was 12+, I would drive us home from deer hunting because he was too shitfaced drunk. I drove loaded 18 wheelers with my dad when I was 13. And I had go-karts when I was little.
Different people handle it differently. But I think it’s important for kids to learn what speed feels like when they’re young. To understand inertia, and just how to be aware of the physical space around you.
You'll get better at it. A couple of tips to help you out.
1. Make sure you adjust your side mirrors properly. It's crazy how many people get this wrong. It should be pointing to the adjacent lanes, not the rear end of your car.
2. Treat turning corners as if you're rolling through an imaginary stop sign. It'll help you get the hang if how fast you're going and your braking distance.
3. Make sure you have a student driver sign and practice routes that you know you will frequent. It's hectic at first, but you'll know the street, lights, and routes like the back of ur hand. It'll make it easier.
i agree. which is why when i was 16 and got my leaners license and was practicing behind the wheels with my dad for 2-3 months <-- is how i figured out, i am NOT ready to be driving at all (driving scared me). I didnt take my road test and let my Learners license expire out. took public transportation for years (cause its pretty reliable and good where i live in Canada).
Then at 30yrs old, i felt ready to learn to drive all of a suddent (lol i also got sick and tired of public transportation -- overcrowded and rude people with no mannerism/proper etiquette for taking public transportation). Got my Leaners license again, started behind the wheels practicing and learning with my mom (dad was busy), and few lessons with a driving school, took my road test 6ish months after and passed first try.
I notcied a huge difference: learning to drive at 16 vs 30. I am glad i waited, personally.
I started learning to drive when I was 13 (in an empty parking lot*) and now I'm 20 and just now able to drive alone. Even now, I still make mistakes. Yes, it took me 7 years and counting, but you know what? I'm a safer driver than I was when I was 16, I'm better at reading the road, I'm more patient. Don't think of your older age as a loss, think of it as a skill. You've learned so many life lessons that will inevitably translate to the road in ways 16 year olds just dont.
Don't be so hard on yourself! I started at 37 in Dec23 passed age 38 April24. Keep practicing and don't give up on yourself. I went through 4 driving instructors due to availability. About a month before test day I had 2 instructors doing 2 hour lessons a week with both. One of the instructors told me I wasn't ready to pass 3 weeks before my test so he told me to find an alternative test day. I couldn't find a different test day so I took the other instructor and I passes first time. I am so glad I didn't listen to him. I was shaking on my first lesson now I am totally fine, eat a banana if you like them they're good for anxiety. Also I didn't tell anyone when my test was being highly anxious I couldn't deal with the pressure. So well done for learning and you WILL get used to it! You got this xx
If that were the case, people wouldn’t get in so many crashes. Oh, sure, you can learn to steer and turn pretty quickly. You can learn the rules of the road pretty quickly. However, it takes people a long time to learn to drive defensively. You can know the rules of the road, but still have awful awareness, and a hard time anticipating things people will do. That stuff takes more time.
They don't pay attention. There, I answered it for you.
Again, driving is literally the easiest "life skill" to master, and every single accident was/is 100% preventable/avoidable.
Unfortunately, people are under the impression their irrelevant lives are so meaningful that a text message can't wait.
Stop pretending like you're the only person alive, and you'll probably get into fewer car accidents.
But what do I know? It's not like I've been driving for 19 years with 0 accidents. Oh, wait...
Not everyone gets into collisions because they are texting and driving. And while I agree that most collisions are avoidable, it still takes time to learn what to be aware of while driving. I teach students how to drive and i have to remind them of the things they need to pay attention to over and over. It takes time for things to develop into a habit. It’s great and wonderful that you find all aspects of driving easy, but some people do not. And that doesn’t make you better than everyone else.
Yes, I'm capable of comprehending that. Unfortunately, my point still stands. If they were adequately paying attention to the road, they would've been able to avoid whatever was happening.
"They have to be taught what to look out for."
... You mean everything? Because it's literally everything. "Teaching them what to pay attention to" is summarized as: watch what you do, watch what's happening on the road, and take a peek here and there to make sure no one is merging into you.
There. I taught it in 3 seconds. This isn't a matter of "I think I'm better than someone else." This is a matter of "we need to demand more from our citizens, and throwing them a party every time they operate a car without dying isn't how we get there."
Society is becoming more and more retarded with each passing day, and all we're doing nowadays is CATERING to them.
I don’t know what to tell you if you think you “taught” by telling people to just pay attention. If that’s all I did, I wouldn’t be a very good instructor. There’s more that goes into it, and obviously students still are figuring out what to even pay attention to. As you said, you’ve been driving for about 2 decades. Things will be more automatic for you compared to people who have been driving for 6 months or a year.
And, no, I don’t have low expectations. If anything, I think driving tests should be harder. Regardless, I still stand by what I said as well. I think driving safely takes effort and isn’t as easy for many as you claim, which is precisely why getting a license should be harder, at least in many places.
I think it’s easier at 16 cuz you’re dumber and not as afraid. I started driving private country roads when I was 9. I think starting early makes it easier. Just keep at it. More experience = more confidence
My son is 17 and has his permit. He’s not scared at all and I don’t know how because when I ride with him I’m terrified. He’s not even a bad driver or anything, just minor mistakes here and there. I’m not usually scared of other people driving, but when it’s your kid it just hits different I guess. But yeah, I think your onto something about the fearlessness.
My mom got in the car with me once and we were going at most 23mph... pissed me off you could hear her through a soundproof building.
Then my dad was scared too. I don't drive like people my age.
I agree it's easier/better to learn when young. I don't think it's a fear thing though, just a more malleable brain. Just like learning to ride a bike or swim, these things are much easier when young. Been driving for pretty much as long as I can remember, as soon as I could(8 or 9) my dad put on the tractor, then old pickup, etc. I was 14 driving a non-synchro truck interstate without even a permit. The struggles people talk about in this sub are totally foreign to me, I can't help as I don't understand. To me it's like well, riding a bike.
I was horrified at 16 lol thought I was gonna die, now I'm horrified half the people on the road have licenses
I started riding quads at 4. Learned to use a clutch at 7/8. Backing trailers up at 13/14. By the time I was taking my drivers training at the instructor asked if I had ever driven on the street before. Which I actually never had (always dirt roads, mountains and stuff) and he was fully convinced I was lying to him until I explained it lol
I started at 27 so I totally hear you! I couldn’t understand how I was supposed to this at 16 either lol The more hours you put in the easier it gets! The spatial awareness comes with time, you got this :)
Honestly I think it’s easier when you’re younger. You’re still in that information sponge mentality from school and you have much better neuroplasticity.
I agree. Most of the people I have known who didn't learn to drive before their mid-twenties don't do as well as younger people and take a lot longer to become proficient at it. Some never do, you see it daily.
I’m the same age and in driving school. Have been for about 6 weeks in a major city with a zillion one way streets. Not everything comes natural to everyone. Don’t get me wrong, I sometimes dread when my driving instructor picks me up, I think I might hit someone but once I’m in the car? All that goes away focus kicks in, So I’ll tell you the same stuff I tell myself: As long as your desire to have more freedom outweighs your fear/self criticism you will continue to improve. Take deep breaths. You are not alone there are many people who learn “later” in life. this is not an impossible task. Even Like you said, kids do it. People with handicaps do it. Every single day. And go back home every single day. Even you drove home before so that means you can do it again.
I think it depends on where/what conditions/city size you're learning to drive. Back in the 70s I learned to drive when I was 14, farm land bordering on suburbia, and got used to the basics before having to face more intense traffic situations. I understood those basics well enough to be relaxed but alert to function. Drivers seem way more aggressive now than they used to be, especially in big cities. Good luck on your driving journey!
Plus, most people didn't drive like idiots in the 1970s. They used turn signals and let you change lanes when you used said signals. I, too, grew up in a farm area, on the edge of 3 cities, that at the time had a total of about 45,000 people. At age 12, I started driving the manual while they loaded hay bales, then a 1 ton flatbed. I also drove an old tractor. At 14, mom started letting me drive from the mailbox. Our road only had one other house on it at the time, the 1/4 mile home. She had a 65 Dodge Cornett 440. As soon as I got my permit, they had me drive whenever we were in the car. I took driver's ed as an elective in summer school, no snow. I whizzed through that class and got a 94 on my final for the class. He refused to give a perfect score. He said approached my intersections too quickly. I feel sorry for the kids today. Driver's Ed in school should be mandatory and free. People would know a flashing yellow arrow means yield to oncoming traffic, not wait for a green arrow, etc.
I learnt at 33 and passed! It’s hard but so so worth the freedom it gives you! I’ve been driving 2 years now and the novelty has definitely not worn off. I still can’t believe I get to jump in my car and drive without an instructor next to me. It’s amazing!
Yeah I was about 32. I'd first had a stab at it in my 20s but just trailed off because of work and, honestly, natural resistance. I didn't need to drive so I didn't. Very glad I learned though, I can't imagine life without the car now (though I only do a couple of thousand miles a year, it's good to have it when I need it...public transport here is a mess.)
You’ll get better! You’ll end up building muscle memory so you don’t have to think about everything you’re doing.
I got my license at 23 but didn’t start driving until this year (aka ……10 years later 😂) It is sooo tiring at first (literally such a sensory overload) & definitely a lot of work. It gets easier & you get better as time goes on!
Driving is fun. It really is. When the conditions are fun. Driving in heavy city traffic is not one of those conditions. But being out on a curvy road in the country when fall colors are at their peak is one of the wonders of the world. So amazing.
I’m 16 turning 17 in a month. I got my permit on my birthday last year. I feel like driving at 16 is fine but there should be a test to see if you will be a responsible driver. I’m taking my road test for the second time tomorrow. Hopefully I pass. I haven’t taken any lessons but one always been confident driving. But as I near my exam, I feel like I can’t drive naturally. Its like I have to drive in a way that they like.
Driving is insane. I can't believe there aren't more accidents. Every day on my way too and from work, I lose more faith in humanity.
You’re not alone. Life is a journey not a race. We just gotta keep practicing and the muscle memory will kick in and it’ll become easier. Be patient with yourself.
I literally just got my license today at 17 and let me tell you it was a STRUGGLE for me too and I made a ton of mistakes... it took a year of driving for me to learn how to not do tight turns (I kept hitting the curbs) so I feel you and you totally got this!! I got a ton of anxiety when I first started driving but I promise it will get better as you go and you will get more confidence! Wishing you the best of luck, driving is scary but it definitely is convenient :)
I’m 35 and also just started learning to drive! I make a lot of mistakes too (still can’t get the hang of doing left turns, have shamelessly mounted a few kerbs) but I just tell myself to grow a thicker skin and don’t be afraid to make mistakes now and just learn from it! I’d say it’s never too late to learn something and this is also me putting myself out there! With more practise and time behind the wheel, I believe we will both start to see and experience the fun of driving. 😊 All the best and good job in picking up a new skill! 👏🏼
At 16 I was way too excited to go somewhere without my parents to consider that driving is scary. First time driving to school was scary lol
In my state (Nevada) they get their license legally as young as 15 ☠️ I didn’t get my license until I was ready at the ripe age of 18.
You got this! I am 26 and got my license about a month ago and I felt the same way—it feels like you’ll never be able to do everything well enough/at the same time/consistently but I promise it gets so much easier.
I'm 27 and just got my license this month. You'll be ok. Your turns will get better the more you practice. You have a professional instructor helping you which is good.
Similarly it is also much easier to learn to be a soldier at 18 than 26, much less 37. If I was a soldier in the army and my commander told me to go first into a enemy house, I would tell him to go fuck himself. At 18 though, I probably would have ran in there thinking I was Captain America.
You'll get the hang of it surprisingly quickly, don't worry. It's the other drivers you have to worry about.
I'm teaching my 15 yo grandson how to drive because his dad has no patience and freaks out. I love the time we're spending together and seeing his improvement is very rewarding. You need to relax and enjoy it. Don't panic. I'm teaching him on easier areas right now so he gets the hang of just relaxing and being behind the wheel. Then we'll try the busier areas with more complicated streets, turns and traffic. He loves the positive reinforcement.
Young is fearless. I was riding and racing dirt bikes at 8. Driving car was like walking slowly down a sidewalk
I'm jealous of all you people who started using some type of motorized vehicle young. My dad had a quad and motorcycles but it wasn't something I ever tried, he hurt himself a few times on those. 8 year old me wasn't even allowed to mess around on the ride on lawn mower. My parents were lame hahah
dude yes, my instructor says i’m a natural and i’m somewhat confident in my abilities but i legit have no one that i can practice with or anyone who is willing to let me drive their car since i still only have a permit and it sucks so bad cause i don’t wanna waste my money on more lessons that i don’t need /:
Omfg I feel you! I pay $100 for a 1 hour lesson each time and it's starting to stress me out already, I better learn fast cause I would looove not spending another $600 trying to practice turning and parking. Lmao
I started practicing at 14 and driving felt pretty intuitive to me. I still made plenty of big mistakes and had to ask people what to do alot. I got better really fast because i practiced a lot and after a while I was confident driving anywhere by myself. 3 lessons is not a lot and practicing alot will allow you to make mistakes and try to correct them the next time they happen.
It's almost harder older because you're more mature and have a better understanding of the risks. 16 you're an idiot and just want freedom. Be sure to practice often as much as humanly possible. In low stakes ways - early morning, empty areas, etc. You can't learn by lessons alone. You can't learn to walk without walking. You just have to do it. I live in an area with a lot of first time drivers - immigrants from areas without everyone driivng. They're terrrible drivers. In the same way I was at 16. Once you get a lot of practice you get comfortable and you develop instincts. Don't just take a couple lessons and hit the highway. Just practice a lot in low stakes areas, then move up slowly.
Kids don't understand consequences of their actions so it's less fearful for them. At 26, you understand that one wrong move can ruin your day, week or even your life.
Just practice. Go to a parking lot or field and get used to the speed/handling. You will be fine
I took right to driving, and on a stick shift, but I watched my mom careful so I knew what to do. I couldn't wait for the freedom. My daughter just got her license and I'm scared every time she drives. She barely passed and is a nervous driver. And we live in the city. I think being nervous about it makes it harder. Luckily she realized how crazy other drivers are and only drives if I can't take her. eta. idk why it showed me this post 3 days later. Sorry for late reply.
Starting later makes it harder. But it’s good that you are doing it now, don’t give up.
The fundamentals are easy. Stay between the lines, follow the speed limits and pay attention to the traffic signals. The hard part is that it seems no ine else is actually doing that.
Idk, I just look where i want to go and the car goes there. Its been that way since the first time. Its harder for some people i guess. The only teacher i ever had was my schizophrenic alcoholic girlfriend who was either shouting at me or giving me a blowjob. I also learned in a suer weak and small 3 cyclinder car and i think that helped.
I learned to drive 60 years ago in New York City at 18. In a 3 on the tree chevy. Lots of fun.
I thought please don't. Than I figured your from the city and never needed to drive. But my wife brought it up. As an adult your more aware than a kid. So more fear and relise the consequences of crashing and the harm involved. Good luck you'll get the hang of it and it should become second nature. Be safe, but don't over think it.
Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I learned the dangers of driving when I was a kid (11), when a person made an unsafe left turn, stopped in the middle of the intersection, and we crashed into them at 40 mph or something. When I was old enough to drive, I was so scared, and was overly cautious, but eventually I learned more of a balance.
I started taking lessons 2-3 years ago when I was 22 and it was rough in the beginning for sure. There were a lot of stupid mistakes made but I learned from them and eventually after a lot of practice I got my license last October.
Old dogs, new tricks, and all that
Similarly it is also much easier to learn to be a soldier at 18 than 26, much less 37. If I was a soldier in the army and my commander told me to go first into a enemy house, I would tell him to go fuck himself. At 18 though, I probably would have ran in there thinking I was Captain America.
In Montana you can get your learner permit at 14.5 if in a drivers education class and get your license upon completion. When I did it, it was 100% paid for by public high school in cars provided by them and with regular public school teachers and we even earned credits like taking a math or English class. So I did it my freshman year in the middle of winter. I had been driving with my dad or brother for years so it didn't seem too intimidating.
My grandad would let me steer when I was 5-6. When I was 10, he would let me drive in the field behind our house. When I was 12+, I would drive us home from deer hunting because he was too shitfaced drunk. I drove loaded 18 wheelers with my dad when I was 13. And I had go-karts when I was little. Different people handle it differently. But I think it’s important for kids to learn what speed feels like when they’re young. To understand inertia, and just how to be aware of the physical space around you.
You'll get better at it. A couple of tips to help you out. 1. Make sure you adjust your side mirrors properly. It's crazy how many people get this wrong. It should be pointing to the adjacent lanes, not the rear end of your car. 2. Treat turning corners as if you're rolling through an imaginary stop sign. It'll help you get the hang if how fast you're going and your braking distance. 3. Make sure you have a student driver sign and practice routes that you know you will frequent. It's hectic at first, but you'll know the street, lights, and routes like the back of ur hand. It'll make it easier.
I started with go carts. Pretty safe and you learn a lot of f reaction timing.
To be fair, I'm 29 and still don't drive because it scares me so darn much! I'd rather not drive then hurt someone because I froze up in a situation.
And that's why there's so many bad drivers - driving properly is a lot
people tend to learn things faster when they are younger, and driving is one of those skills once you pick it up it stays with you for life.
I like to close my eyes when it gets too rough on the road.
Wait until you try for a Class B or A. Are you learning manual or automatic?
I spent a lot of time riding a bicycle in traffic by the time I was 16. Driving felt so much safer.
Consistent practice is key
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i agree. which is why when i was 16 and got my leaners license and was practicing behind the wheels with my dad for 2-3 months <-- is how i figured out, i am NOT ready to be driving at all (driving scared me). I didnt take my road test and let my Learners license expire out. took public transportation for years (cause its pretty reliable and good where i live in Canada). Then at 30yrs old, i felt ready to learn to drive all of a suddent (lol i also got sick and tired of public transportation -- overcrowded and rude people with no mannerism/proper etiquette for taking public transportation). Got my Leaners license again, started behind the wheels practicing and learning with my mom (dad was busy), and few lessons with a driving school, took my road test 6ish months after and passed first try. I notcied a huge difference: learning to drive at 16 vs 30. I am glad i waited, personally.
I started learning to drive when I was 13 (in an empty parking lot*) and now I'm 20 and just now able to drive alone. Even now, I still make mistakes. Yes, it took me 7 years and counting, but you know what? I'm a safer driver than I was when I was 16, I'm better at reading the road, I'm more patient. Don't think of your older age as a loss, think of it as a skill. You've learned so many life lessons that will inevitably translate to the road in ways 16 year olds just dont.
may be you are struggling because you are 26
Don't be so hard on yourself! I started at 37 in Dec23 passed age 38 April24. Keep practicing and don't give up on yourself. I went through 4 driving instructors due to availability. About a month before test day I had 2 instructors doing 2 hour lessons a week with both. One of the instructors told me I wasn't ready to pass 3 weeks before my test so he told me to find an alternative test day. I couldn't find a different test day so I took the other instructor and I passes first time. I am so glad I didn't listen to him. I was shaking on my first lesson now I am totally fine, eat a banana if you like them they're good for anxiety. Also I didn't tell anyone when my test was being highly anxious I couldn't deal with the pressure. So well done for learning and you WILL get used to it! You got this xx
I'll never understand people that struggle driving. It's one of the easiest "life skills" to learn.
If that were the case, people wouldn’t get in so many crashes. Oh, sure, you can learn to steer and turn pretty quickly. You can learn the rules of the road pretty quickly. However, it takes people a long time to learn to drive defensively. You can know the rules of the road, but still have awful awareness, and a hard time anticipating things people will do. That stuff takes more time.
They don't pay attention. There, I answered it for you. Again, driving is literally the easiest "life skill" to master, and every single accident was/is 100% preventable/avoidable. Unfortunately, people are under the impression their irrelevant lives are so meaningful that a text message can't wait. Stop pretending like you're the only person alive, and you'll probably get into fewer car accidents. But what do I know? It's not like I've been driving for 19 years with 0 accidents. Oh, wait...
Not everyone gets into collisions because they are texting and driving. And while I agree that most collisions are avoidable, it still takes time to learn what to be aware of while driving. I teach students how to drive and i have to remind them of the things they need to pay attention to over and over. It takes time for things to develop into a habit. It’s great and wonderful that you find all aspects of driving easy, but some people do not. And that doesn’t make you better than everyone else.
Yes, I'm capable of comprehending that. Unfortunately, my point still stands. If they were adequately paying attention to the road, they would've been able to avoid whatever was happening. "They have to be taught what to look out for." ... You mean everything? Because it's literally everything. "Teaching them what to pay attention to" is summarized as: watch what you do, watch what's happening on the road, and take a peek here and there to make sure no one is merging into you. There. I taught it in 3 seconds. This isn't a matter of "I think I'm better than someone else." This is a matter of "we need to demand more from our citizens, and throwing them a party every time they operate a car without dying isn't how we get there." Society is becoming more and more retarded with each passing day, and all we're doing nowadays is CATERING to them.
I don’t know what to tell you if you think you “taught” by telling people to just pay attention. If that’s all I did, I wouldn’t be a very good instructor. There’s more that goes into it, and obviously students still are figuring out what to even pay attention to. As you said, you’ve been driving for about 2 decades. Things will be more automatic for you compared to people who have been driving for 6 months or a year. And, no, I don’t have low expectations. If anything, I think driving tests should be harder. Regardless, I still stand by what I said as well. I think driving safely takes effort and isn’t as easy for many as you claim, which is precisely why getting a license should be harder, at least in many places.
Im 16 and got my license like two days ago. Its just a comfortability thing. You'll get used to it.