Do You Like Driving? Is It A Different Experience To When You First Started?

Things have changed drastically since I started driving. My father taught me to drive a stick shift at age 13. We took some of the old country, gravel roads in another state and it worked very well. I've been driving 52 years and have a perfect record. No tickets either. The best way to describe the roads today with all the phones and text messaging going on behind the wheel is to be a good defensive driver. I watch what the other drives do and never anticipate they will make good decisions. Wish they would ban text messaging in our state. I have seen some close calls and generally it was someone coming in my lane when I was already there. My brakes and horn work very well.

I got my driver's license when I was 16. Austin has grown considerably since that time, but I think the crazy people running red lights is what scares me most! and kids (or people who act like kids) who speed and weave through traffic!

My first real test drive was with my best friend in his mini van which later had brake problems and lead me to almost hitting and probably killing three people drinking on a sidewalk. It was really funny and heart-pumping experience. I was driving a bit fast until I realized I miss the turn the I should have taken, I was hitting the breaks and tried to still make the turn but the breaks were not working well, so I had to step on it several times,like pumping it with my foot. I was not going to make the road and was heading straight towards three people who were drunk by their looks but had absolutely turned sober when they saw this vehicle approaching them. Fortunately the break worked just in time and the car stopped a few inch in front of them. I actually laughed as I saw their expressions, but I did apologize sincerely. It was so dumb of me, and I took it as a lesson. One thing I noticed about me is road rage problem. I think I have this because I easily get mad when I'm not driving, I was sure I'd be way madder if I was the one on the driver's seat.

I learned how to drive when I was 15, took drivers training at 16, but because of where my birthday was, I didn't get a license until 17, so I have been driving legally for almost 15 years. I like driving when I am driving just for the sake of getting out, with no destination in mind. I know, these days it is not ecologically sound, but it is my stress reliever... well it used to be. When I can get out on the open road, I can enjoy driving, but commuting around the city, no. It is too stressful. I'm not the best driver as I do make mistakes, and dumb decisions some times. But these days, people are nuts, and those are just the people who are not on the phone. Adding telephones only makes things slightly worse, but people just overall are not paying attention, and they are too aggressive. They are doing all sorts of wild things on the road. It is as if they have deregulated the rules of the road. It is hard to enjoy driving when the first rule is to stay alive.

Over here,most of people at my age can't drive unless they are drivers by profession.When I was in my youth,few family had private car.Nowadays,more and more families have them,but I get along in years and have retired,grant that I can afford to buy it, but what need is there for me to ask for trouble?

well, first of all happy driving...i experienced the same though i did not take so many lessons...i took the trials and then took a break on my own and then after 1.5 yr...got the tempo to drive and there i was on road driving confidently...i tell u that was very surprising to me as i drove almost after 1.5 yrs and just a gesture to test my ability...my hubby though had a different experience...he drove after good nos of classes but then again he did not drive immediately after the lessons ....and then one day ....morning he also drove the car and drove to his office...we both love driving now and rotate the driving seat....:)

I got my drivers license over 35 years ago and still drive today...I think I still drive very much the same as when I started! I Am a cautious driver I never[ so far] had an accident caused by me and never had a speed ticket! road rage is a mayor problem so if some one beeps the horn at me I just keep driving and ignore the cranky driver.

I'm been driving forty-eight years and really hate it. Maybe it's because I've had 7 car accidents - none my fault and I feel as though there's a target on my car. I think I would be quite happy to go back to horse and buggy. The Amish seem to have the right answer for saving on gas! Hugs, Maggie

I learned how to drive when I was 14, and it was a trial and error type of learning. I didn't enroll in any driving school. Back then, most people here in my country learn to drive without having a licensed instructor to teach them. Usually relatives or friends who know how to drive are the ones who teach us. One thing I have noticed about my driving is that I now tend to drive in a sort of cruising manner as compared before when I felt I just had to rev the engine up. I was actually a bit impatient and had to always overtake slow moving cars. I guess I mellowed down as I grew older :)

In my last job, I found myself driving most of the time. I would have to visit (problematic) suppliers, and I would be up and down the interstate highway. I did like it. Everytime I'm out, meant I was not in the office. And I like finding little shops and restaurants in small towns. And except for a scrape a couple of years after I started driving, I've never been in an accident (knock on wood)!

I want to learn to drive but have not yet taken it seriously to take a license.I really want to know how to drive so I can use it whenever emergencies arise or safety concerns.However, I'm not planning to be a professional driver.You're right,it's so tough for women to drive especially that there are too many undisciplined drivers nowadays.

Hi Janey, Like you, I never taken a driving test and I haven't taken any lessons either. It's not that I don't have an interest in learning to drive, I'd like to be able to, but it never was a priority for me throughout the years. I do think I'm scared of learning how to drive and even more scared of other drivers. I worry that I'd be *too careful* and provoke an accident that way. I manage getting where I need to mostly by foot and when the occasion calls for it take a taxi, which is usually at least twice a week. Getting out of town is a problem so I'd have to go by bus or train. IrishGal77 :)

I got my license when I was 29 years old. I failed it the first of 3 times. I passed it after I made my grandmother a promise on her dying bed that I would get it for her. She had told me that she never wanted me to be dependent on anyone as my grandfather was very dependent on her for giving him directions when he drove and she never got her license. I have had car accidents and after that, I very nearly gave up driving, but after a period of time and slowly making myself get back behind the wheel, I realized that driving saved my life. I am at a loss if I can't drive, I have had issues with taking the bus and no longer will do that.

i like driving very much,and the fast speed make me excieted.my first experience of driving was dramatic.4 years ago,when my old sister studied and practiced driving,my uncle called me to try it,before that time, i had never drived and even knew few about it.but i did,and a little better than my sister,it made me feel good.since then i started driving.