Driving Lessons
 

A couple of weeks ago I moved to CA. I have no drivers license, not even a UK one. Having a car isn't really optional here, so inevitably I'm going to have to run one to keep up a decent standard of living.

In the UK I got to a pretty decent standard of driving, close to taking the test, my maneauvers(sp?) all down and all. It was about 4 years ago though I was last behind a wheel.

Now, I get the impression passing the test is easy compared to the UK. But nonetheless I think it'd be a good idea if I took some lessons before I take the plunge with the test.

What I'm wondering is:
- Do I need a learners permit? From somewhere like this: http://www.cal-driver-ed.com/ Or is there a better (cheaper) way of doing it?

- Am I required to have a certain amount of hours behind the wheel before I can take the test? I don't really have the time nor want to waste the cash on lessons when I get to a level they become unnecessary.

- Oh, and what can I expect running a car to cost? In regard to:
* Insurance
* Registration costs
* Smog
* Maintenance
* Anything else?
I've obviously never owned one so a bit in the dark. Don't plan on anything fancy, just an underpowered compact car.

Thanks a lot! :)

Re: Driving Lessons
 

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$

Probably somewhere in the region of 4-6K per year for your insurance.
The rest is peanuts by comparison. Unless you buy a right lemon of course.

As for the driving test. Learn the theory inside out - especially all the legal bollox like DUI penalties etc, turn up, pay the DMV person, answer some questions on a PC then have 5 mins driving round a carpark.

Re: Driving Lessons
 

What about buying a wrong lemon, or even a left lemon? Geez, you can get any type in the good 'ole US of A!!

Re: Driving Lessons
 

Its a free country. You can have the lemon of your choosing here.

Re: Driving Lessons
 

If you got up to a pretty decent standard in the uk - you may not even need any lessons in CA, the CA test is scarily easy!! - they might as well give out the licences in boxes of cereal!!

Ant

Re: Driving Lessons
 

[QUOTE=Drebin]A couple of weeks ago I moved to CA. I have no drivers license, not even a UK one.

A complete idiot can pass a driving test in this country. Thats why there is so many wrecks and why insurance is so expensive.
Get a car with the highest impact rating you can!
My wife was injured in a wreck last week by a stupid Americam soccer mum who rear ended her at high speed while on her cell phone.
Be very afraid! Americans are the worlds worst drivers.
Rob

Re: Driving Lessons
 

[QUOTE=Triumphrob]I'll second that even worse in Florida when you get the geriatrics down for the winter they wreek morw havoc than any ****ing hurricane. Half of them can't control their limbs.

Re: Driving Lessons
 

Take a look on here: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/ There is loads of information and they have a tutorial and sample theory tests. I just did the tests and read the book once and I passed. As for the driving test if you have a pet monkey you could send it out save you taking the day off work!

Seriously, all you will need is to book a two hour lesson with an instructor. The test is not intended to weed out the morons just to get anybody and everybody onto the roads. Two hours with an instructor and you will be ready. He'll tell you everything you need to know to pass. But really, you probably don't even need that. Though, it will help you with your confidence.

Re: Driving Lessons
 

The OP lives in CA which, as we all know, produces a lot of lemons... and other citrus fruit! :D



NC Penguin

Re: Driving Lessons
 

I wouldn't bother with the lessons if you've already reached a pretty good standard in the UK. I never drove in the UK, but passed my test after just two hours of driving around a parking lot for practice. The test then took 10 minutes.

Re: Driving Lessons
 

We're talking California here...they're still stuck in the 20th century with good ol' pen and paper.

Re: Driving Lessons
 

That's because the homeboys don't know how to use a "puter".


Just wondering if I'm going to get blasted for that remark...... :eek:

Re: Driving Lessons
 

But they vote, and thus get to keep their licenses. It's a sham. My grandparents clearly should not be out on the road, yet there they go...

Besides, none of you have seen bad driving unless you've lived in Boston for a while. I've seen people there backing down highway entrance ramps after they missed the fifteen signs indicating that a highway entrance ramp was coming up. We're talking braindead, people.

Re: Driving Lessons
 

Standard practice here in Jersey.

And with regard to Americans being the world's worst drivers, I think that's a tad unfair - nothing I've seen here comes close to the hair-raising experiences I had while living and driving in Africa.

Re: Driving Lessons
 

Oh you seem to have made a mistake; you don't actually need to be able to "drive" in the British sense of the word - just make sure you can go forwards, backwards and turn the wheel.