Would like Adult opinions on Driving.

[pokemon_master]

My friend of similar age to me has taken his driving test and passed (on his first try too!). He's very happy now, and even went to the drive through at Mcdonalds at lunch today to celebrate.

That's all honky-doory, and I am very proud of him. But here is MY problem.. I am turning 17 soon, and could learn to drive if I wished. Thing is, prior to today I didn't really care and thought I should only learn during the summertime/next year.

I have a paranoid fear of crashing my car while driving, and it's kinda stopping me from learning to drive. But after seeing my friend being so happy with his driving license (plus a ford fiesta) I am having second thoughts..

Any opinions on this? Would be very nice if any adults gave me so nice memories of them driving or even opinions!

 

[Minniespal]

PM ~ I couldn't wait to drive. I passed my test when I was 17 and have been driving ever since. I didn't pass my test on my first attempt and whilst I waited to re-site it my car was sitting waiting for me.

Perhaps youur friend was as excited as me and that is great. If it feels right for you to wait a few more months then that is great too. Whatever feels comfortable for you is all that counts.

Hope this is of some help

 

[pokemon_master]

At present, I am thinking about driving in the summertime, when the weather is fine.. Oh wait, famous song alert! LOL

 

[Funniebunny]

I also started driving at 17 too. I passed on my 2nd attempt and loved the freedom of having a car.
I had an accident a few months after but picked myself up and got back behind the wheel.
The best thing you can do it have a lesson and see if you are comfortable. Remember you don't have to run, take it slowly and when you feel right take your test. Good luck

 

[carolfoy]

congrats to your friend, I don't know about anyone else here but the feeling of passing my test (first time!) was even better than A level results, something to do with impending freedom rather than having to make choices. Make no doubt about it though, its a major undertaking, when you've passed you're not only putting your own life at risk but that of many others around you, you are, after all, driving a killing machine and I always feel that you are never really learning until you're out there on your own!
As you already have some of these concerns you strike me as the sort of person who will appreciate how much responsibility you will be having, and you sound very mature about it. Please don't let anyone put you off just take it easy and slowly, the longer you learn the safer you'll probably be.
good luck

 

[UKDEB]

My younger dd (who is now 18) started learning to drive as soon as she turned 17 and passed her test first time. Elder dd wasn't anywhere near as driven (excuse the pun). We paid for 10 lessons for her 18th birthday, but she still hasn't got around to taking her test (she's 21). I wish she would!

 

[vicky1bfc]

Congrats to your friend.

I couldn't wait to learn to drive,I had my first lesson on my 17 birthday(is it really that long ago)

I actually cried when i passed first time and went on at 18 to pass my advanced test first time.

Just think of the freedom it will give you,i couldn't wait to be able to go out at the drop of a hat without having to hang around for lift's or the bus.

 

[ely3857]

Another one here who couldnt wait to start driving, I had my first lesson on my 17th birthday and passed 2nd time.

I always put my impatience down to my Mum passing only 2 years before me so I spent alot of my childhood at bus stops!

I do know a few adults who have never learnt and have no intention of doing so and this suits them fine.

If you dont want to then dont do it, I cant hink of anything worse than a driver who is uncomfartable behind the wheel.

As a prev poster mentioned, perhaps one lesson to see if you like it?



Jodie

 

[florida sun]

Well I will probably be in the minority here as I didnt learn to drive until I was 38, Im 43 now, I had no desire at all to drive as my father drove, and my husband drove and never felt the need, but when I got divorced I wondered how on earth I was going to get around and get Vicki to school as we live quite away from her school and there are no school buses to take her, so I bite the bullet and had a go, thrilled to bits to pass first time at 38.

Since then I have had a couple of cars and yes its a godsend on cold winter mornings getting Vicki to school and myself to work,to do the weekly shopping and visiting friends and family, do I enjoy it... No I dont, Its just not something I like to do, but do, out of nessessity for my job and my daughters education.

Im always very relieved when I go on holidays not to have to drive, however I reccomend everyone gives it a try as I have friends who drive miles and love it, I wish I felt like that

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[Laurafoster]

I couldnt wait to learn and started lessons as soon as i turned 17. For me it was the best thing i ever did as it gave me much more independance!

 

[SammieG]

I started to learn to drive when I just turned 17, but I didnt really have any road sense, so I had about 10 lessons and left it until I was 20.. when I had another 10 or so (but in the meantime had done a lot of road cycling and was far more road conscious) and I passed first time.

It depends on you, and how you feel, and how much your insurance is!!!

 

[wils]

I didn't learn until I was 23 when it was a condition of my job. The freedom is great but at the same time there are some nutters on the road and even with nearly a decades experience it can be frightening and unpredictable!

I guess the questions to ask are how are you going to learn, do you need to save up for lessons, would you be able to get (or have access) to a car when you passed?

Having said all that I remember how exciting it was just to jump in the car and head off as I wished (before kids of course - now it takes 1/2 an hour to get them ready and buckled in!)

I would go for summer though but make sure you have at least one lesson in the dark just for experience - I also had a motorway lesson after I passed my test which was well worth the effort (learners aren't allowed on the motorways)

Good luck and well done to your friend