learning to drive
Feb 19th 2008, 1:04 am
#62
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Feb 19th 2008, 12:41 pm
#63
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,848
Re: learning to drive
Y'know, I feel very sorry for Americans who move to the UK. They're allowed to drive for 1 year on their US licence - but then they need a British driving licence.
I understand that to get the British driving licence, they have to take the road test. Can you imagine how difficult that must be after the way they've been taught to drive in the States?!
I understand that to get the British driving licence, they have to take the road test. Can you imagine how difficult that must be after the way they've been taught to drive in the States?!
Feb 19th 2008, 1:01 pm
#64
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Re: learning to drive
Y'know, I feel very sorry for Americans who move to the UK. They're allowed to drive for 1 year on their US licence - but then they need a British driving licence.
I understand that to get the British driving licence, they have to take the road test. Can you imagine how difficult that must be after the way they've been taught to drive in the States?!
I understand that to get the British driving licence, they have to take the road test. Can you imagine how difficult that must be after the way they've been taught to drive in the States?!
lol I did try the "feeding the wheel" thing in a parking lot - folks probably could have gotten a lot of amusement watching the project. I wouldn't try it on a road
(not saying you can't manage it, but I can't)I was mostly kidding by saying we spin the wheel with one hand all the time (although serious about sometimes
)
Feb 21st 2008, 4:11 pm
#65
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 293
Re: learning to drive
I just thought that I would share my little story about driving in the U.S. for all those who are having concerns about doing so.
I held a full U.K. drivers license in the U.K. for many years and moved to the States this past December, like many I was anxious about driving here and even more so after witnessing (from the passenger seat) the way people drive over here.
Anyway after being here just short of two months, I finally sat behind the wheel of a car this past Tuesday, never once having looked at the highway code or the U.S. equivilent, never having past the U.S. road test nor having any driving lessons here. The experience was not as bad as I had expected it to be, in fact I found it much easier than driving back in the U.K. If you can drive in a straight line for a couple of blocks, make a left and right turn then you've cracked it, it really is that simple and in the space of 3 days I am now driving on the highways and interstates etc.
What the others have said about signals etc being optional is true, be pretty aware of what other road users are doing, of course I am only speaking from living in Denver, but the road users here tend to just cut in front of you with little or no warning at all, so keep your distance if possibile.
The cars pretty much drive themselves here also, stick it in 'D'-rive and push the gas peddle - very straight forward.
I do have one question though, is there a designated over-take lane here like there is in the U.K.? Because while driving I just see people overtaking and under-taking in every lane - there doesn't seem to be a specific lane or side for over-taking i.e. in the U.K. you always over-take on the right-hand side.
I held a full U.K. drivers license in the U.K. for many years and moved to the States this past December, like many I was anxious about driving here and even more so after witnessing (from the passenger seat) the way people drive over here.
Anyway after being here just short of two months, I finally sat behind the wheel of a car this past Tuesday, never once having looked at the highway code or the U.S. equivilent, never having past the U.S. road test nor having any driving lessons here. The experience was not as bad as I had expected it to be, in fact I found it much easier than driving back in the U.K. If you can drive in a straight line for a couple of blocks, make a left and right turn then you've cracked it, it really is that simple and in the space of 3 days I am now driving on the highways and interstates etc.
What the others have said about signals etc being optional is true, be pretty aware of what other road users are doing, of course I am only speaking from living in Denver, but the road users here tend to just cut in front of you with little or no warning at all, so keep your distance if possibile.
The cars pretty much drive themselves here also, stick it in 'D'-rive and push the gas peddle - very straight forward.
I do have one question though, is there a designated over-take lane here like there is in the U.K.? Because while driving I just see people overtaking and under-taking in every lane - there doesn't seem to be a specific lane or side for over-taking i.e. in the U.K. you always over-take on the right-hand side.
Feb 21st 2008, 4:16 pm
#66
Septic Sprout
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 7,993
Re: learning to drive
I just thought that I would share my little story about driving in the U.S. for all those who are having concerns about doing so.
I held a full U.K. drivers license in the U.K. for many years and moved to the States this past December, like many I was anxious about driving here and even more so after witnessing (from the passenger seat) the way people drive over here.
Anyway after being here just short of two months, I finally sat behind the wheel of a car this past Tuesday, never once having looked at the highway code or the U.S. equivilent, never having past the U.S. road test nor having any driving lessons here. The experience was not as bad as I had expected it to be, in fact I found it much easier than driving back in the U.K. If you can drive in a straight line for a couple of blocks, make a left and right turn then you've cracked it, it really is that simple and in the space of 3 days I am now driving on the highways and interstates etc.
What the others have said about signals etc being optional is true, be pretty aware of what other road users are doing, of course I am only speaking from living in Denver, but the road users here tend to just cut in front of you with little or no warning at all, so keep your distance if possibile.
The cars pretty much drive themselves here also, stick it in 'D'-rive and push the gas peddle - very straight forward.
I do have one question though, is there a designated over-take lane here like there is in the U.K.? Because while driving I just see people overtaking and under-taking in every lane - there doesn't seem to be a specific lane or side for over-taking i.e. in the U.K. you always over-take on the right-hand side.
I held a full U.K. drivers license in the U.K. for many years and moved to the States this past December, like many I was anxious about driving here and even more so after witnessing (from the passenger seat) the way people drive over here.
Anyway after being here just short of two months, I finally sat behind the wheel of a car this past Tuesday, never once having looked at the highway code or the U.S. equivilent, never having past the U.S. road test nor having any driving lessons here. The experience was not as bad as I had expected it to be, in fact I found it much easier than driving back in the U.K. If you can drive in a straight line for a couple of blocks, make a left and right turn then you've cracked it, it really is that simple and in the space of 3 days I am now driving on the highways and interstates etc.
What the others have said about signals etc being optional is true, be pretty aware of what other road users are doing, of course I am only speaking from living in Denver, but the road users here tend to just cut in front of you with little or no warning at all, so keep your distance if possibile.
The cars pretty much drive themselves here also, stick it in 'D'-rive and push the gas peddle - very straight forward.
I do have one question though, is there a designated over-take lane here like there is in the U.K.? Because while driving I just see people overtaking and under-taking in every lane - there doesn't seem to be a specific lane or side for over-taking i.e. in the U.K. you always over-take on the right-hand side.
A lot might depend on whereabouts in the UK you were used to driving. After moving from Wales to London years ago I had a right old shock, but London driving prepared me for driving amongst some of the craziest b@stards on the busiest roads over here. If I'd have come straight from Wales to the US then things might have been different. Also helped a lot that when I added all of my previous holidays and business trips together I'd spent about 6 months worth of time driving in the States beforehand.
Feb 21st 2008, 4:18 pm
#67
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Re: learning to drive
I just thought that I would share my little story about driving in the U.S. for all those who are having concerns about doing so.
I held a full U.K. drivers license in the U.K. for many years and moved to the States this past December, like many I was anxious about driving here and even more so after witnessing (from the passenger seat) the way people drive over here.
Anyway after being here just short of two months, I finally sat behind the wheel of a car this past Tuesday, never once having looked at the highway code or the U.S. equivilent, never having past the U.S. road test nor having any driving lessons here. The experience was not as bad as I had expected it to be, in fact I found it much easier than driving back in the U.K. If you can drive in a straight line for a couple of blocks, make a left and right turn then you've cracked it, it really is that simple and in the space of 3 days I am now driving on the highways and interstates etc.
What the others have said about signals etc being optional is true, be pretty aware of what other road users are doing, of course I am only speaking from living in Denver, but the road users here tend to just cut in front of you with little or no warning at all, so keep your distance if possibile.
The cars pretty much drive themselves here also, stick it in 'D'-rive and push the gas peddle - very straight forward.
I do have one question though, is there a designated over-take lane here like there is in the U.K.? Because while driving I just see people overtaking and under-taking in every lane - there doesn't seem to be a specific lane or side for over-taking i.e. in the U.K. you always over-take on the right-hand side.
I held a full U.K. drivers license in the U.K. for many years and moved to the States this past December, like many I was anxious about driving here and even more so after witnessing (from the passenger seat) the way people drive over here.
Anyway after being here just short of two months, I finally sat behind the wheel of a car this past Tuesday, never once having looked at the highway code or the U.S. equivilent, never having past the U.S. road test nor having any driving lessons here. The experience was not as bad as I had expected it to be, in fact I found it much easier than driving back in the U.K. If you can drive in a straight line for a couple of blocks, make a left and right turn then you've cracked it, it really is that simple and in the space of 3 days I am now driving on the highways and interstates etc.
What the others have said about signals etc being optional is true, be pretty aware of what other road users are doing, of course I am only speaking from living in Denver, but the road users here tend to just cut in front of you with little or no warning at all, so keep your distance if possibile.
The cars pretty much drive themselves here also, stick it in 'D'-rive and push the gas peddle - very straight forward.
I do have one question though, is there a designated over-take lane here like there is in the U.K.? Because while driving I just see people overtaking and under-taking in every lane - there doesn't seem to be a specific lane or side for over-taking i.e. in the U.K. you always over-take on the right-hand side.
However... if someone's going too slow on the left, the drivers will zoom around them whatever way they can.
Feb 21st 2008, 4:27 pm
#68
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 293
Re: learning to drive
Yes I know you are supposed to use signals, I always do - I don't even think about it, I just use them - by optional I was just referring to the other road users here, as the majority don't appear to know what that little stick attached to the side of wheel is for.
Oh, I do have one more question and it is regarding insurance. I know it will vary by age, state and how long you have been driving for but does anyone know the average cost of insurance here? Can your no-claims bonus from the U.K. count for anything as I have about 6 or 7 years? Will I pay for insurance based on being a new driver?
Does anyone have any tips, advice or information regarding this issue?
Feb 21st 2008, 4:31 pm
#69
I love my brick!
Joined: May 2007
Location: Peachy
Posts: 9,304
Re: learning to drive
Oh, I do have one more question and it is regarding insurance. I know it will vary by age, state and how long you have been driving for but does anyone know the average cost of insurance here? Can your no-claims bonus from the U.K. count for anything as I have about 6 or 7 years? Will I pay for insurance based on being a new driver?
Does anyone have any tips, advice or information regarding this issue?
Does anyone have any tips, advice or information regarding this issue?
Feb 21st 2008, 4:36 pm
#70
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Lake County IL
Posts: 1,953
Re: learning to drive
Insurance also varies greatly by car, zipcode and credit score. My 2000 Taurus costs $800 per 6 months and we live in a nice area but only have 6 months driving history and a year's worth of credit history. Insuring a newer and yet smaller car was a lot more.
There are insurance companies that will accept your UK no claims, I believe AIG does something for international drivers. There was a thread on it recently. We just didn't have any so we didn't need to look into it!
There are insurance companies that will accept your UK no claims, I believe AIG does something for international drivers. There was a thread on it recently. We just didn't have any so we didn't need to look into it!
Feb 21st 2008, 4:51 pm
#71
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,172
Re: learning to drive
Feb 21st 2008, 4:54 pm
#72
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,172
Re: learning to drive
Your being hosed...mine's around $960 a year full comp for a saab 95, 2000...admittedly it was higher on the '96 we had before and had a year on my maine license before we moved, and I don't live that close to the NH border which saves a bundle...
Feb 21st 2008, 6:00 pm
#73
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Lake County IL
Posts: 1,953
Re: learning to drive
Believe me that's the cheapest quote we got by a long shot, State Farm wanted $2,000!
Feb 21st 2008, 9:07 pm
#74
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Re: learning to drive
Thanks for that, I am never sure which is the correct side to over-take on as the drivers here just appear to over take on any side that they feel like doing so.
Yes I know you are supposed to use signals, I always do - I don't even think about it, I just use them - by optional I was just referring to the other road users here, as the majority don't appear to know what that little stick attached to the side of wheel is for.
Oh, I do have one more question and it is regarding insurance. I know it will vary by age, state and how long you have been driving for but does anyone know the average cost of insurance here? Can your no-claims bonus from the U.K. count for anything as I have about 6 or 7 years? Will I pay for insurance based on being a new driver?
Does anyone have any tips, advice or information regarding this issue?
Yes I know you are supposed to use signals, I always do - I don't even think about it, I just use them - by optional I was just referring to the other road users here, as the majority don't appear to know what that little stick attached to the side of wheel is for.
Oh, I do have one more question and it is regarding insurance. I know it will vary by age, state and how long you have been driving for but does anyone know the average cost of insurance here? Can your no-claims bonus from the U.K. count for anything as I have about 6 or 7 years? Will I pay for insurance based on being a new driver?
Does anyone have any tips, advice or information regarding this issue?
I also generally use the turn signals, but excersize my vocabulary on many who don't.Thing is, it ain't illegal to undertake over here for the most part...and no one looks in the mirrors either, which is a bit scary, but then I suppose motor bikes aren't allowed to zig zag through traffic either, which I think it stupid and defies the point of having two wheels
As far as I know, you're really supposed to pass (overtake) on the left. Is it actually illegal on the right.... hmmmm....
If the right lane just happens to be moving faster, that's legal of course. But to shift over, zoom by, and cut back in... now I'm not sure actually.But certainly common practice, that's for sure.
Feb 21st 2008, 9:34 pm
#75
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,172
Re: learning to drive
As far as I know, you're really supposed to pass (overtake) on the left. Is it actually illegal on the right.... hmmmm.... If the right lane just happens to be moving faster, that's legal of course. But to shift over, zoom by, and cut back in... now I'm not sure actually.
If the right lane just happens to be moving faster, that's legal of course. But to shift over, zoom by, and cut back in... now I'm not sure actually.