My One-Track Mindedness Kicks In
Louis, that is a rather fetishly phallic image there!
Louis, that is a rather fetishly phallic image there!
About cars... Am I THAT old?
- Thread starter thomasortega
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xraytech
Well-known member
I learned to drive grandpas 79 GMC Sierra that had a 3 on the tree Manual transmission, I found it fairly enjoyable. However I couldn’t get the hang of dads 95 F-150 with 5 speed floor shift manual.
I’ve not much worried about the difficulty driving manual, as I’m not a sports/small car or truck person.
I’ve always favored full size American Luxury, and as far as I’m aware cars like Town Car, Fleetwood, Electra/Park Avenue, or a Ninety-Eight haven’t had a manual transmission in a few decades prior to the models being dropped.
I’ve not much worried about the difficulty driving manual, as I’m not a sports/small car or truck person.
I’ve always favored full size American Luxury, and as far as I’m aware cars like Town Car, Fleetwood, Electra/Park Avenue, or a Ninety-Eight haven’t had a manual transmission in a few decades prior to the models being dropped.
Hahahaha Martin...
I drove Chevrolet Opala and Chevrolet Veraneio (suburban here in the USA) and Ford Galaxie Landau that had manual transmission on the tree.
I drove Chevrolet Opala and Chevrolet Veraneio (suburban here in the USA) and Ford Galaxie Landau that had manual transmission on the tree.
Iheartmaytag...
almost 4 years driving only automatics..... Until today sometimes it happens to me, leaving a light, i accelerate than i step deep on the brake with the left foot to switch to "second". I won't even mention the number of times that i pulled the stick from D to 1 on the corolla or from D to tiptronic on the accent.
Someday I'll end up rear ended because of that....
I have to drive with my left foot almost under the seat because for me it's too "automatic" to step on the clutch to shift.
I was definitely NOT MADE to be compatible with automatic transmissions. Hahahahhaa
almost 4 years driving only automatics..... Until today sometimes it happens to me, leaving a light, i accelerate than i step deep on the brake with the left foot to switch to "second". I won't even mention the number of times that i pulled the stick from D to 1 on the corolla or from D to tiptronic on the accent.
Someday I'll end up rear ended because of that....
I have to drive with my left foot almost under the seat because for me it's too "automatic" to step on the clutch to shift.
I was definitely NOT MADE to be compatible with automatic transmissions. Hahahahhaa
we drove mostly American Motors in our family....
too many foot pedals at times....
Gas, Brake, Clutch, Foot Pedal Emergency Brake, and below that, the Hi-Beam switch...
had a cousin with I believe a 52 Ford pickup....add in the starter button on the floor next to the gas pedal, and the manual choke...
got to drive a Chrysler Newport once.....ignition and push button automatic on the left side of the steering wheel....that alone will throw you off track...
too many foot pedals at times....
Gas, Brake, Clutch, Foot Pedal Emergency Brake, and below that, the Hi-Beam switch...
had a cousin with I believe a 52 Ford pickup....add in the starter button on the floor next to the gas pedal, and the manual choke...
got to drive a Chrysler Newport once.....ignition and push button automatic on the left side of the steering wheel....that alone will throw you off track...
I only drove one vehicle that had a manual transmission, and that was a '69 Ford F-100. It belonged to the hardware store that I worked at in the Spring & Summer of '77. I think I drove it 4 or 5 times, and one of those I let off the clutch, and it lurched forward, hitting the loading dock and smashing up the front. The always grumpy manager was even more grumpy that day.
A while back, due to a faulty fuel gauge the GMC got stuck at a gas station that I pulled into just a matter of seconds too late. It didn't want to start after I filled the tank, and the battery crapped out.
I called AAA road service and this dude around 25 to 30 years old came out to give me a jump start. He went to pop the hood and I called to him while pointing inside the cab at the floor on the passenger's side. I had already removed the access panel for the battery. He had never seen a battery that wasn't under the hood. I also advised that it was a 6-volt system and that he would need to disconnect ASAP after the truck started.
Then he noticed there was no stick shift on the floor and asked about that. I pointed to the steering column. He had never seen that either. Finally, he pointed to the starter pedal and asked what it was, and I told him.
I think he learned more that day on the job than he ever had before.
I recently took the truck out on a run with son-in-law Steve. He had previously expressed interest in driving it. He had never driven a manual column shift, but has owned a number of Hondas with a stick. I made sure the truck had been sufficiently warmed up and then pulled over to let him give it a try. He did really well for a first-timer. The only thing he couldn't remember was that neutral is between each gear, so when he'd shift up, he'd free-wheel. With practice, I know he'll figure it out.
I called AAA road service and this dude around 25 to 30 years old came out to give me a jump start. He went to pop the hood and I called to him while pointing inside the cab at the floor on the passenger's side. I had already removed the access panel for the battery. He had never seen a battery that wasn't under the hood. I also advised that it was a 6-volt system and that he would need to disconnect ASAP after the truck started.
Then he noticed there was no stick shift on the floor and asked about that. I pointed to the steering column. He had never seen that either. Finally, he pointed to the starter pedal and asked what it was, and I told him.
I think he learned more that day on the job than he ever had before.
I recently took the truck out on a run with son-in-law Steve. He had previously expressed interest in driving it. He had never driven a manual column shift, but has owned a number of Hondas with a stick. I made sure the truck had been sufficiently warmed up and then pulled over to let him give it a try. He did really well for a first-timer. The only thing he couldn't remember was that neutral is between each gear, so when he'd shift up, he'd free-wheel. With practice, I know he'll figure it out.
I’m 28 and I know how to drive stick. It’s not that uncommon around here with old farm trucks and tractors everywhere, a lot of young kids learn to drive stick before they learn to drive an automatic. I vastly prefer a manual transmission but they’re next to impossible to find anymore and in vehicles that actually fit all of my kids, they’re literally nonexistent. My husband’s Honda Fit is a manual though so we hope to be able to teach our kids on it.
soapgirl
Member
I learned to drive stick in a VW. Husband parked it in a field and said "Here ya go!" Damn near gave him wiplash that afternoon. We always bought cars with a stick because the gas mileage was better with a manual transmission. That changed in the 2000s in the US. We were stunned when we needed to replace a car in 2002 and decided to buy new. All the cars we were considering got better mileage with an automatic. Manual transmissions were geared for perfomance, not mileage. So we went with an automatic and have not bought a car with a stick since.
See
Here in the U.K., it's the other way round, Manual is the norm with Automatic being less so (loose guess would be 85% vs 15% in favour of manual), although autos are getting more and more popular and good job too, SO much easier in town traffic constantly stopping and starting (of course we're a much smaller country, so the roads are FAR busier that what you guys will see.
Also over here if you sit your driving test in an auto, you're not allowed to drive a manual on your own until you've sat a test for it (you can drive them as a "learner" eg by having somebody accompany you who has held a manual licence for 3+years and you display L plates).
Is it right that's not the case in the US, you can drive a manual even if you didn't sit a test in one?
Here in the U.K., it's the other way round, Manual is the norm with Automatic being less so (loose guess would be 85% vs 15% in favour of manual), although autos are getting more and more popular and good job too, SO much easier in town traffic constantly stopping and starting (of course we're a much smaller country, so the roads are FAR busier that what you guys will see.
Also over here if you sit your driving test in an auto, you're not allowed to drive a manual on your own until you've sat a test for it (you can drive them as a "learner" eg by having somebody accompany you who has held a manual licence for 3+years and you display L plates).
Is it right that's not the case in the US, you can drive a manual even if you didn't sit a test in one?
>> Is it right that's not the case in the US, you can drive a manual even if you didn't sit a test in one?
In many places in the USA, you can get your license without ever having a driving test - Just pass a written test (computerized now) and you're good to go for the rest of your life. What kind of vehicle you would drive is a distant concern, save for things like the categories of commercial vehicle licenses or having your motorcycle endorsement...
In many places in the USA, you can get your license without ever having a driving test - Just pass a written test (computerized now) and you're good to go for the rest of your life. What kind of vehicle you would drive is a distant concern, save for things like the categories of commercial vehicle licenses or having your motorcycle endorsement...
In California at least there is no special requirement to be tested in a stick shift car in order to be licensed to drive a stick. One license fits all, at least as far as transmissions go. There are special licenses to drive motorcycles and multi axel big rigs.
Eddie
Eddie
Thanks
That blows my mind,
basically here you have to be tested to neurosurgeon level for driving LOL, you go through the written part of the test first (50 questions and 15 hazard perception videos to gauge your reaction to hazards) then the practical test which includes "show me tell me" (more questions), eyesight test, 45 mins driving, 10 mins of independent driving using sat nav, 2 reverse and reverse parking manoeuvres, hill start (up and down) emergency stop - and then that STILL only allows you to drive the vehicle type you're tested in (more tests needed for other vehicle types)
Then comes the whole host of restrictions after you get your licence (you're on probation for the first 2 years) and they want to add MORE restrictions.
But you know what our government are like, the DVSA make a fortune on driving and making it hard keeps driver numbers down haha.
Suppose makes sense in the US as the country is more geared for drivers (as said you're bigger landmass - you have states bigger than our country) so can imagine people are pretty screwed if can't drive - we don't necessarily have that pressure here, public transport great and almost everywhere is pedestrianised along with for vehicles (eg jay walking, not a crime here).
That blows my mind,
basically here you have to be tested to neurosurgeon level for driving LOL, you go through the written part of the test first (50 questions and 15 hazard perception videos to gauge your reaction to hazards) then the practical test which includes "show me tell me" (more questions), eyesight test, 45 mins driving, 10 mins of independent driving using sat nav, 2 reverse and reverse parking manoeuvres, hill start (up and down) emergency stop - and then that STILL only allows you to drive the vehicle type you're tested in (more tests needed for other vehicle types)
Then comes the whole host of restrictions after you get your licence (you're on probation for the first 2 years) and they want to add MORE restrictions.
But you know what our government are like, the DVSA make a fortune on driving and making it hard keeps driver numbers down haha.
Suppose makes sense in the US as the country is more geared for drivers (as said you're bigger landmass - you have states bigger than our country) so can imagine people are pretty screwed if can't drive - we don't necessarily have that pressure here, public transport great and almost everywhere is pedestrianised along with for vehicles (eg jay walking, not a crime here).
When I got my first drivers license I was one month shy of 17. We lived on the Northern California Coast. I took my behind the wheel test in a little town called Point Arena. The DMV sent an examiner up there from Santa Rosa on the third Tuesday and Wednesday of every month. He stationed himself in the little Public Library. I just had my papers transferred up there and the neighbor let me drive their 1961 Chevrolet Nomad station wagon with a 348 V8 and Turbo Glide.
That little town had zero traffic, no traffic lights and one stop sign. I performed my parallel parking between posts. The examiner was jacked about the car, he’d had a 61’ Chevy station wagon himself, and thats all he talked about.
At one point I looked at the speedometer while in a 25 mph zone and realized to my horror that I was going 35 mph, thought I’d failed for sure. The examiner noticed my concern and slow down, he just said, “ Kid I like the way you drive, most of the people up here just dawdle along, take me back, you just passed with a 100%! Was I ever surprised.
Eddie
That little town had zero traffic, no traffic lights and one stop sign. I performed my parallel parking between posts. The examiner was jacked about the car, he’d had a 61’ Chevy station wagon himself, and thats all he talked about.
At one point I looked at the speedometer while in a 25 mph zone and realized to my horror that I was going 35 mph, thought I’d failed for sure. The examiner noticed my concern and slow down, he just said, “ Kid I like the way you drive, most of the people up here just dawdle along, take me back, you just passed with a 100%! Was I ever surprised.
Eddie
Around here, we have people from distant parts of the world driving badly, everywhere. I'm pretty sure most of them never owned or drove a car until they got here.
I don't know how many languages they're up to now at the DMV for the written exam. Anyone who has trouble or speaks a language that the DMV doesn't (yet) support can have a "translator" friend or relative assist, completely unsupervised.
The UK's process is sounding pretty good to me.
I don't know how many languages they're up to now at the DMV for the written exam. Anyone who has trouble or speaks a language that the DMV doesn't (yet) support can have a "translator" friend or relative assist, completely unsupervised.
The UK's process is sounding pretty good to me.
The process in Brazil is a PAIN.
It takes from 7 to 11 months to get a driver's license.
First you have to pay the fees and schedule an appointment for the Psychotechnic test and a view test at DETRAN (it's like the DMV.) If you're lucky, you find an appointment for no less than 90 days.
Passed the two tests, you receive the apprentice license, so now you're authorized to enroll in a driving school for the theory classes (25 hours).
Once completed the 25 hours in a classroom, you can schedule the written test (and wait other few months until an available date)
When you pass the written test, then you receive you "learner's driving permit". it's valid ONLY with an instructor sitting next to you AND in a driving school vehicle (specially adapted with a clutch and a brake pedal on the passenger side).
You must complete whooping 50 hours driving, then you can schedule the behind the wheel test. (wait other few months).
And if you fail the test, repeat everything regarding each module and pay all the fees again.
Total costs, considering all the DETRAN fees and the driving school: average $2500 (US dollars)
Then your license is valid for 1 year.
During this first year, you can't have any fines (not even a parking ticket) otherwise your DL is cancelled and you have to restart everything again.
Lovely, isn't? (sarcasm)
Here in California, Darryl took me to the DMV in Santa Monica early in the morning... we waited some time for the written test, which is passed super easily. then we waited other couple of hours in line for the behind the wheel test. passed again... I left the DMV office with a temporary permit, legally able to drive and the permanent DL arrived in around 10 days on the mail. Everything solved in half day and it costed $36 if i'm not mistaken.
As soon as I started the test, the examiner noticed I wasn't an apprentice. She just looked at me and said "You drive for a long time, don't you? I just said, sure, I have my Brazilian DL for decades. Ah, ok... so just turn around the block and do a parallel parking. (the spot was HUGE) I didn't even need to do a parallel parking, i just enter the spot and stopped perfectly. She was like "Ok, I don't know how to do that".... Come on... 3 cars fit in that spot, anybody would do the same.
It takes from 7 to 11 months to get a driver's license.
First you have to pay the fees and schedule an appointment for the Psychotechnic test and a view test at DETRAN (it's like the DMV.) If you're lucky, you find an appointment for no less than 90 days.
Passed the two tests, you receive the apprentice license, so now you're authorized to enroll in a driving school for the theory classes (25 hours).
Once completed the 25 hours in a classroom, you can schedule the written test (and wait other few months until an available date)
When you pass the written test, then you receive you "learner's driving permit". it's valid ONLY with an instructor sitting next to you AND in a driving school vehicle (specially adapted with a clutch and a brake pedal on the passenger side).
You must complete whooping 50 hours driving, then you can schedule the behind the wheel test. (wait other few months).
And if you fail the test, repeat everything regarding each module and pay all the fees again.
Total costs, considering all the DETRAN fees and the driving school: average $2500 (US dollars)
Then your license is valid for 1 year.
During this first year, you can't have any fines (not even a parking ticket) otherwise your DL is cancelled and you have to restart everything again.
Lovely, isn't? (sarcasm)
Here in California, Darryl took me to the DMV in Santa Monica early in the morning... we waited some time for the written test, which is passed super easily. then we waited other couple of hours in line for the behind the wheel test. passed again... I left the DMV office with a temporary permit, legally able to drive and the permanent DL arrived in around 10 days on the mail. Everything solved in half day and it costed $36 if i'm not mistaken.
As soon as I started the test, the examiner noticed I wasn't an apprentice. She just looked at me and said "You drive for a long time, don't you? I just said, sure, I have my Brazilian DL for decades. Ah, ok... so just turn around the block and do a parallel parking. (the spot was HUGE) I didn't even need to do a parallel parking, i just enter the spot and stopped perfectly. She was like "Ok, I don't know how to do that".... Come on... 3 cars fit in that spot, anybody would do the same.
gus
Well-known member
Hi, first I had a front colition with my grandparents at 4 and a half y/o. I was afraid to death to cars and buses! I used to cry if I had to go into a car!. At ten y/o, my father bought his first car, which was a 4 year Chevy Belair big V8 engine Power Glide transmission. For me, that was the most beautiful car I knew, at the moment. At eleven, one day, father told: drive it!. Of course, I thought I shouldn ´t drive at that age. So he insisted and he moved towards the car door and I push my right foot over the accelerator, and there the car stumpped away and half a block later we were in front of our home so I pushed hard on the brakes, and there the car stopped, screeching like Ballinger of Chicago. Ha!. Two years later I was driving along highways. When I was 16 or 17, one day my mom asked me to go with her, to buy sth. She told me we go on your uncle´s car, which was a 1935 Ford tudor, stardard tranny. I said I don´t drive standard, and she told me, push the clutch down and then shift 1st. gear. Where is 1st.?. It´s like an H. Of course first try, first-time motor died. When we came back I was driving normally. But until now I died for Automatic transmission. In Uruguay, standard trannies are the norm.
