Right or Priviledge?
Aug 11th 2005, 11:47 pm
#16
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Guelder Rose
I thought the driving test was a joke too .... but then again, I looked online at what is currently expected of you if you are taking the UK driving test ... and it's the same as the US one ... you can make 15 mistakes and still pass!!!! 
with all the rusted old bangers still on the roads here, kids shouldn't have a problem getting there own motor, don't know why they all want new, expensive cars that they'll probably go and crash in 6 months anyway.
Aug 12th 2005, 12:53 am
#17
Not living a 9 to 5 life
Joined: Jun 2002
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 11,061
Re: Right or Priviledge?
For most parts of the US (that aren't big cities with developed public transport), I consider driving a necessity, not a right or privilege.
Having ridden the buses in my area, I detect that there is a fair proportion of the population who cannot simply afford to pay for the auto insurance and car, so are forced to ride buses.
NC Penguin
Having ridden the buses in my area, I detect that there is a fair proportion of the population who cannot simply afford to pay for the auto insurance and car, so are forced to ride buses.
NC Penguin
Aug 12th 2005, 12:53 am
#18
The Unmod
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Glen Mills, PA
Posts: 8,870
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Bob
difference is, those are minor mistakes, and it's up to 3 in each section, so your allowed to stall, cross your arms over while turning etc..but a major fault is still a fail...plus you have to do a theory test that is a bit more of a challenge than over here, and do that stupid computer thingy to see how you react to situations....
with all the rusted old bangers still on the roads here, kids shouldn't have a problem getting there own motor, don't know why they all want new, expensive cars that they'll probably go and crash in 6 months anyway.
with all the rusted old bangers still on the roads here, kids shouldn't have a problem getting there own motor, don't know why they all want new, expensive cars that they'll probably go and crash in 6 months anyway.
When I took my test at Kilbern, a couple of the bahlambs would fail you for wearing winkle picker shoes or sporting a Tony Curtis haircut.
Aug 12th 2005, 3:11 pm
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 857
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by paddingtongreen
You are allowed mistakes?
When I took my test at Kilbern, a couple of the bahlambs would fail you for wearing winkle picker shoes or sporting a Tony Curtis haircut.
When I took my test at Kilbern, a couple of the bahlambs would fail you for wearing winkle picker shoes or sporting a Tony Curtis haircut.
In the US, I still think it's crazy that you can pass your test while making up to 15 errors in the space of 10 minutes ... some might say that they are minor mistakes, but failing to check traffic at junctions or indicate 15 times in 10 minutes?
Aug 12th 2005, 3:17 pm
#20
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 857
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
For most parts of the US (that aren't big cities with developed public transport), I consider driving a necessity, not a right or privilege.
Having ridden the buses in my area, I detect that there is a fair proportion of the population who cannot simply afford to pay for the auto insurance and car, so are forced to ride buses.
NC Penguin
Having ridden the buses in my area, I detect that there is a fair proportion of the population who cannot simply afford to pay for the auto insurance and car, so are forced to ride buses.
NC Penguin
Aug 12th 2005, 3:23 pm
#21
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Manc
I have the 401Manc system.
I'll match whatever they have to pay for a car. but they have to insure it.
I like it!
Aug 12th 2005, 3:27 pm
#22
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Guelder Rose
I thought the driving test was a joke too .... but then again, I looked online at what is currently expected of you if you are taking the UK driving test ... and it's the same as the US one ... you can make 15 mistakes and still pass!!!!
) and I got three minors in the UK. I say my test results are better than his.
Aug 12th 2005, 3:44 pm
#23
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 857
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by AmerLisa
But its still harder. At least the driving test is harder. There was no comparison to my UK driving test and my husband's Oregon driving test. He passed with a 100% (my four year old could have passed that test ) and I got three minors in the UK. I say my test results are better than his.
) and I got three minors in the UK. I say my test results are better than his.
Aug 12th 2005, 3:58 pm
#24
Never right in the head!
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,465
Re: Right or Priviledge?
I know from previous threads Manc and I agree on "the next generation are pussy's" thing....It really is out of control. The thing is, its the parents that are allowing there sons and daughters to drive around in 5.0 - 250 horsepower "weapons".
My wife's cousin got a Mustang when she turned 16, she wrecked it 3 times so her dad sold that and bought her a camero
The mind boggles?
My wife's cousin got a Mustang when she turned 16, she wrecked it 3 times so her dad sold that and bought her a camero
The mind boggles?
Aug 12th 2005, 4:09 pm
#25
I'm back!
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
Posts: 4,316
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Ash UK/US
She is a lovely old lady but certainly should not be on the road.
A lot can happen to you between the ages of 17 and 70, yet you apparently never need to come in to renew your license, have your eyes checked, etc. I find THAT a bit scary!!
~ Jenney
Aug 12th 2005, 5:29 pm
#26
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 857
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Jenney & Mark
I'm not disagreeing with what most everyone has said here about driving in the US -- the test is lame, driving is a necessity, etc. -- but I find the comments about older licensed drivers funny, especially when Brits can take a test when they're 17 and the license they get lasts for 53 YEARS! :scared:
A lot can happen to you between the ages of 17 and 70, yet you apparently never need to come in to renew your license, have your eyes checked, etc. I find THAT a bit scary!!
~ Jenney
A lot can happen to you between the ages of 17 and 70, yet you apparently never need to come in to renew your license, have your eyes checked, etc. I find THAT a bit scary!!
~ Jenney
The new style licence has to be renewed every ten years, and once you reach 70 y/o you have to renew it every three years.
As far as medical conditions go, I believe the onus is on the driver to report any condition to DVLC that might affect ability to drive. I have no idea whether a doctor would report a relevant condition to DVLC ... although, I do know some doctors that have done so.
Aug 12th 2005, 5:48 pm
#27
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Jenney & Mark
I'm not disagreeing with what most everyone has said here about driving in the US -- the test is lame, driving is a necessity, etc. -- but I find the comments about older licensed drivers funny, especially when Brits can take a test when they're 17 and the license they get lasts for 53 YEARS! :scared:
A lot can happen to you between the ages of 17 and 70, yet you apparently never need to come in to renew your license, have your eyes checked, etc. I find THAT a bit scary!!
~ Jenney
A lot can happen to you between the ages of 17 and 70, yet you apparently never need to come in to renew your license, have your eyes checked, etc. I find THAT a bit scary!!
~ Jenney
Aug 12th 2005, 6:03 pm
#28
The Unmod
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Glen Mills, PA
Posts: 8,870
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Jenney & Mark
I'm not disagreeing with what most everyone has said here about driving in the US -- the test is lame, driving is a necessity, etc. -- but I find the comments about older licensed drivers funny, especially when Brits can take a test when they're 17 and the license they get lasts for 53 YEARS! :scared:
A lot can happen to you between the ages of 17 and 70, yet you apparently never need to come in to renew your license, have your eyes checked, etc. I find THAT a bit scary!!
~ Jenney
A lot can happen to you between the ages of 17 and 70, yet you apparently never need to come in to renew your license, have your eyes checked, etc. I find THAT a bit scary!!
~ Jenney
I have a PA license that I renew every 4 years and I go in to get a photo put on it but they don't check my eyesight or health. As long as I can make it in and out, Okay. I have a handicap placard but that information isn't on the license.
Aug 12th 2005, 6:37 pm
#29
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Guelder Rose
I'm assuming your test in the UK was a lot longer than 10 minutes? I seem to remember that my UK test was about 40 minutes and included an emergency stop, three point turn and reversing round a corner (my corner happened to go uphill too) ... my US test was simply drive for 10 minutes and reverse in a straight line for about 15 feet.
Perhaps they do that for experienced drivers. When I got my first license at 16 in California, I had to do a few more stunts.
Aug 12th 2005, 6:52 pm
#30
strangely floppy..
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ohio - originally London
Posts: 1,719
Re: Right or Priviledge?
Originally Posted by Ash UK/US
Driving in the US... is it a right or a priviledge?
I was always brought up to think it was a priviledge and I still do... however in the US it seems to be seen as more a right
An example one of my neighbours just turned 91 and she is still driving and seems to think it is OK to do so even though she is as deaf as a post (her rear wheel jammed one day and was screaching extremly loud, I thought it was someone skidding to avoid an accident... she did not hear it and only stopped because her car would not go any faster :scared
She is a lovely old lady but certainly should not be on the road. Then there is my husbands niece who seemed to expect a car when she turned 16, I have noticed that seems to be the way with most kids here... by the way who in their right minds thought it was OK for kids to start learning to drive at 14.5 years anyhow?
whatda ya think?
Ash
I was always brought up to think it was a priviledge and I still do... however in the US it seems to be seen as more a right
An example one of my neighbours just turned 91 and she is still driving and seems to think it is OK to do so even though she is as deaf as a post (her rear wheel jammed one day and was screaching extremly loud, I thought it was someone skidding to avoid an accident... she did not hear it and only stopped because her car would not go any faster :scared
She is a lovely old lady but certainly should not be on the road. Then there is my husbands niece who seemed to expect a car when she turned 16, I have noticed that seems to be the way with most kids here... by the way who in their right minds thought it was OK for kids to start learning to drive at 14.5 years anyhow? whatda ya think?
Ash
The most popular hand-me-down vehicles here are enormous p.o.s V8 pickup trucks.. which greatly help the careful little children in their understanding of safe driving!
Come back Picadilly Circus.. all is forgiven.