bondiblue
03-24-07, 11:43 PM
As a 23 year old recent college graduate, I have yet to get a driver's license. Growing up I lived in a rather crazy city in a developing nation, and had no desire to have to deal with a rather aggressive drving culture. I did obtain my permit, but did little more than drive around the neighborhood twice.
I went to college in Chicago and had no use for a car, nor could afford it. Rides in cars were given by friends when needed. Although I have enjoyed biking since I was a kid, my last two years of college saw me fall in love with biking in a way that I am sure most of you here would understand, and that many unfamiliar with bikes wouldn't. I now bike to work, run most errands/shop on a bike, and would rather be out on the bike while friends sit and play Nintendo Wii at their batchelor pad.
The one problem with not having a license is simply that there are cases when it would be handy (makes sense, no?). I have no intentions of owning a car anytime soon, but I know that being able to drive is pretty much a life skill that everyone should probably have. A few months ago I got another permit (as my other one was expired, and foreign), but once again have not gotten in more than a few hours behind the wheel.
I will be taking a road trip half way across the country in little less than a month. On other road trips I have done double duty as co-pilot instead of taking shifts as a driver, but this time there might just be two of us, which presents some what of a problem. It would be a lot of driving for just one person!
I am genuinely freaked out about having to drive. The idea of being five feet wide is terrifying. The thought of getting into an accident sends shivers down my spine. As a biker, I think to myself "I wouldn't want me out there driving a car".
Has anyone here successfully learned to drive as an adult? My low confidence aside (I can work on that), is it possible to learn decent highway driving skills in a matter of a few weeks? Believe me, I don't want to put myself or anyone else in danger, but if learning to drive can be done in a short time, I'll do my best to get there.
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated!
I went to college in Chicago and had no use for a car, nor could afford it. Rides in cars were given by friends when needed. Although I have enjoyed biking since I was a kid, my last two years of college saw me fall in love with biking in a way that I am sure most of you here would understand, and that many unfamiliar with bikes wouldn't. I now bike to work, run most errands/shop on a bike, and would rather be out on the bike while friends sit and play Nintendo Wii at their batchelor pad.
The one problem with not having a license is simply that there are cases when it would be handy (makes sense, no?). I have no intentions of owning a car anytime soon, but I know that being able to drive is pretty much a life skill that everyone should probably have. A few months ago I got another permit (as my other one was expired, and foreign), but once again have not gotten in more than a few hours behind the wheel.
I will be taking a road trip half way across the country in little less than a month. On other road trips I have done double duty as co-pilot instead of taking shifts as a driver, but this time there might just be two of us, which presents some what of a problem. It would be a lot of driving for just one person!
I am genuinely freaked out about having to drive. The idea of being five feet wide is terrifying. The thought of getting into an accident sends shivers down my spine. As a biker, I think to myself "I wouldn't want me out there driving a car".
Has anyone here successfully learned to drive as an adult? My low confidence aside (I can work on that), is it possible to learn decent highway driving skills in a matter of a few weeks? Believe me, I don't want to put myself or anyone else in danger, but if learning to drive can be done in a short time, I'll do my best to get there.
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated!