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I can't drive.

r1ch4rd said:
Just out of interest, are you allowed to drive on the highway while you are learning in America?

I think one of the biggest problems with the UK system is that you can't go on the motorway until you have your license. I took some extra lessons (only 2 hours or so) to learn about motorway driving and the right way to do it (etiquette etc) but there is no obligation to do so. I would bet a lot of new drivers just go for it and keep any bad habits they pick up for the rest of their driving careers. Middle lane hoggers - I am looking at you ;)
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Yep, no restrictions in the US when learning how to drive, which is probably a good thing.

Granted, you shouldn't just jump right in and get on the highway. When I was learning, I started out driving home from the entrance of our subdivision (about a mile) then gradually got onto busier and busier streets. I don't think I drove on a highway until I had my permit for about 6 months.
 
relaxing is perhaps the most important thing.. when i started out learning i was ridiculously nervous and that didn't help with the clutching etc.
about the steering itself and letting it slide back/straighten itself: that is something which will come with time and expierence on a specific vehicle.

on hand position on the wheel: that is highly subjective. personally i can't stand those very high positions with both hands(10 to 2) they might make steering in the beginning easier.
but for highway driving i think it's not nearly as save as lower position because when looking over their shoulder many people (not all) twist their upper body a little when holding the wheel on top and thus drift around quite a bit. especially when wheel/seat not properly adjusted
 
Should I stay learning in the TL sedan or move up to our other car the MDX SUV? I feel like I can see more with the MDX based on the comments I saw above. The cars are both automatic.

Thanks for all the advice guys, this really helps
 
TheShinyMac said:
Should I stay learning in the TL sedan or move up to our other car the MDX SUV? I feel like I can see more with the MDX based on the comments I saw above. The cars are both automatic.

Thanks for all the advice guys, this really helps
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I'm learning to drive right now, so I know exactly what you mean! :)

As far as steering it all depends on where your hands are- my driving instructor has us put our hands near the top of the wheel because it makes it easier to learn how to let you go hand over hand for turning. Don't twist your arms all over the place though!

Personally I think it would be wise to stay with the TL until you really get a feel for driving and feel confident with the smaller car, and then move up to the MDX. Trust me, it's much easier starting with a smaller car.
Good Luck!! The more you do it, the easier it gets! :D
 
TheShinyMac said:
Should I stay learning in the TL sedan or move up to our other car the MDX SUV? I feel like I can see more with the MDX based on the comments I saw above. The cars are both automatic.

Thanks for all the advice guys, this really helps
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Should learn manual :)
 
When I was learning, my instructor told me to put my hands at ten to two, as if the steering wheel was a clock face. before I was holding it at 9 and 3, when I moved them just a bit, it was much easier.

Once youve practised a bit you'll soon be able to drive with your knee's no problem.
 
MonksMac said:
I'm learning to drive right now, so I know exactly what you mean! :)

As far as steering it all depends on where your hands are- my driving instructor has us put our hands near the top of the wheel because it makes it easier to learn how to let you go hand over hand for turning. Don't twist your arms all over the place though!

Personally I think it would be wise to stay with the TL until you really get a feel for driving and feel confident with the smaller car, and then move up to the MDX. Trust me, it's much easier starting with a smaller car.
Good Luck!! The more you do it, the easier it gets! :D
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v66jack said:
When I was learning, my instructor told me to put my hands at ten to two, as if the steering wheel was a clock face. before I was holding it at 9 and 3, when I moved them just a bit, it was much easier.

Once youve practised a bit you'll soon be able to drive with your knee's no problem.
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The big problem with 10 and 2 or above is what happens in an accident and the airbag goes off? I want my arms and hands as far away from the airbag and the airbag door flying open. 9 and 3 keep your hands away from that situation. Best to learn how to steer from that position.

And v66 please tell me you're being sarcastic with the driving with your knees comment.......
 
quagmire said:
The big problem with 10 and 2 or above is what happens in an accident and the airbag goes off? I want my arms and hands as far away from the airbag and the airbag door flying open. 9 and 3 keep your hands away from that situation. Best to learn how to steer from that position.
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I know of a slight woman, who grabbed the steering wheel, hard, prior to impact. Broke both her forearms. Badly.

She is still paying for that, in pain.

Do not hook your thumbs inside the wheel. I know, everyone does it, but if the airbag goes off, it will not be able to knock your arms aside.

quagmire said:
And v66 please tell me you're being sarcastic with the driving with your knees comment.......
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Yes, I believe that is a reasonable conclusion to draw.
 
quagmire said:
You never know. There are people out there that do try to steer with their knees.
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I knew a guy who would brake with his left foot and accelerate with his right. Somehow, when he moved over from the clutch/brake/accelerometer setup, he felt like using both his feet. Got in a pretty bad accident because he got his feet mixed up.
 
neko girl said:
I knew a guy who would brake with his left foot and accelerate with his right. Somehow, when he moved over from the clutch/brake/accelerometer setup, he felt like using both his feet. Got in a pretty bad accident because he got his feet mixed up.
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He must have been a treasure on the dance-floor.

Do you still have all your toes???
 
dmr727 said:
Ummm...if I've got my phone in one hand and a burger in the other, how exactly am I supposed to steer otherwise?
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Steer with your head so Darwin will hopefully pay you a visit. :D :p


neko girl said:
I knew a guy who would brake with his left foot and accelerate with his right. Somehow, when he moved over from the clutch/brake/accelerometer setup, he felt like using both his feet. Got in a pretty bad accident because he got his feet mixed up.
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That's another issue with people driving. Left foot is to be used for pressing the clutch pedal only( if equipped). If it is an automatic car, the left foot should be resting. Always press the brake and gas pedal with your right foot. Some people shouldn't be driving.....
 
start by pulling out more into the street before actually turning the wheel... this will stop you from hitting curbs and eventually you will become accustom to the way the steering wheel affects the car, and it will be more natural.
 
The whole turning (The correct way) in my driving class, driver's Ed, behind the wheel, etc, is what they called the Push Pull Slide technique.


And it is essentially what everybody else is telling you.

You start at 8:00 and 4:00. (Not 10 and 2, since your arms would be in the way of the airbag deploying), you keep your hands gripped onto the steering wheel, and turn until 1 hand is at 12:00, then with your other hand at 6:00, you hold onto 6:00, and pull back your 12:00 hand, and repeat. And then when you're done turning, let it slide back into place.

I actually just got my license two months ago, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I learned mostly on a Honda Civic, but also drove my brother's Acura TSX, mom's Lexus RX350, and Honda Odysee, so I'm pretty capable of driving an SUV, Sedan, Coupe, minivan.
 
TheShinyMac said:
Should I stay learning in the TL sedan or move up to our other car the MDX SUV? I feel like I can see more with the MDX based on the comments I saw above. The cars are both automatic.

Thanks for all the advice guys, this really helps
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Stick with the car. The larger view of the SUV is an illusion and really causes you to misjudge distances. On top of that large cars are harder to move around and drive.
I driven everything from a compact car up to a suburban on a regular bases so hoping up to those large cars is not a big deal to me. I adjust to the larger size but at the same time they take a lot more room to move around and mistakes are much more costly in the larger vehicles. Less room for error.

Also do not listen to the people that freak out about the air bag. 10 and 2 are used because it gives you the best postion to handle the car in an emgerny. Even if an air bag goes off worse case is you will have minor friction burns from the bag and that would be the least of your worries at the time. Better to eat those burns than increase your chances of getting in a wreck. Yes I know multiple people who been involved in wrecks that the air bags went off and only one of them had any type of minor friction burns. Most just remember driving along and boom wreck and then they see deflated airbags.
quagmire said:
You never know. There are people out there that do try to steer with their knees.
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Ummm I will drive with my knees more often than I should but then again it will be at times were there is not much on the road and noting that is going to require quick reactions. long distance driving is where it mostly happens.
That something in my left hand and I need to shift so a my left knee will brance the wheel when I shift. Knee driving is mostly just to keep the car stable. It is not used for doing things even as simple as a lane change.
 
r1ch4rd said:
This is how I was taught to steer. It's very good as you can turn the wheel very quickly without ever taking your hands off and your arms never cross over. Having said that, I find that I don't do it that often when driving normally, just when manoeuvring.

I would think of it like this. You start with both hands at 12:00 on the wheel. Only grip with your right hand and leave the wheel loose in the left. Now bring both hands down to 6:00 running your left hand along the wheel. Swap so that you are only gripping with your left hand (right hand loose) and move back to 12:00 in the same way. Rinse and repeat.

That would turn you right, to turn left start with gripping with the left hand.
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Thanks for that. A much better description than the one I gave! :)
 
I am 41 and have never driven.

I am unable to afford a car and therefore would be unable to afford the insurance. I have always gone to work by bus or train.. or lived near enough to walk.

I now live in Northern Finland so where would I drive to. If I want to go anywhere I will go by plane after a bus to the airport.

For me driving has always been something that I have never needed nor desired.
 
quagmire said:
Yeah, we are allowed to go on the highway when we are learning how to drive.

Oh another tip. If you have it in your area, do the skid car. I did it and not only was it a lot of fun, it teaches you how to control your vehicle when in a front or rear skid( I prefer the rear skid since it is power that saves you. :D :p ).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR45hsZ1FE0&feature=related
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If you can't find one of those in your area, you can probably still find a go-kart place with a slick track.
TheShinyMac said:
Should I stay learning in the TL sedan or move up to our other car the MDX SUV? I feel like I can see more with the MDX based on the comments I saw above. The cars are both automatic.

Thanks for all the advice guys, this really helps
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You could probably see a bit better in the MDX. You could also roll over better in it too...
iJohnHenry said:
Do not hook your thumbs inside the wheel. I know, everyone does it, but if the airbag goes off, it will not be able to knock your arms aside.
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It's also begging for sprained or broken thumbs if you whack a curb.
neko girl said:
I knew a guy who would brake with his left foot and accelerate with his right. Somehow, when he moved over from the clutch/brake/accelerometer setup, he felt like using both his feet. Got in a pretty bad accident because he got his feet mixed up.
Click to expand...

quagmire said:
That's another issue with people driving. Left foot is to be used for pressing the clutch pedal only( if equipped). If it is an automatic car, the left foot should be resting. Always press the brake and gas pedal with your right foot. Some people shouldn't be driving.....
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There is a time and place for left foot braking. This guy knows.
A good video with left-foot braking (he cheats a bit by using a dog-engagement transmission).
 
TheShinyMac said:
Now my question is lets say after a right on Red do I turn the steering wheel back to straight with my hands or "let Go" and have it slide? I don't know what to do with that part. I'm just glad I can brake and accelerate almost perfectly. That's just because of my old go kart though.
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In the UK you'd fail your test for letting the wheel slide through your hands, as you'd be judged to not be in full control of the vehicle.
You need to feed the wheel back round.
 
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