New Driver Advice

[Sean]

Originally Posted by taranaki

Older cars can be much harder to learn in than newer ones,the wear in the gearshift and clutch can make it harder to find the right gear.

Older cars can be a real pain if they don't have synchomeshes, but there arn't too many cars around without them. One thing that I found to be really helpful when learning is to find the engagement point of the clutch, and pratice being able to make the transition smooth.

[Fully_Sick]

a general bit of advice is to always check your rear view mirror. This is a usefull technique for making decision's with traffic. Equally as important as checking your blindspot..

[tenguzero]

The number one thing that I had to get used to, when learning stick, was the finesse involved -- the relationship between clutch use and gas pedal use. And think of the clutch as exactly what it is: two plates that operate by increased/decreased friction. The key (and the biggest hurdle for me) was to remember that the clutch isn't just engaged or disengaged, it's those and an infinate variance of levels between. Don't be shy about riding the clutch while you're first learning: clutch quality obviously varies from vehicle to vehicle, but nonetheless, the thing isn't exactly a fragile, brittle piece of equipment either, know what I'm saying?

[Oz]

Originally Posted by Fully_Sick

a general bit of advice is to always check your rear view mirror. This is a usefull technique for making decision's with traffic. Equally as important as checking your blindspot..

Pfft. Who taught you how to drive, hippie? Cars must be different in WA to NSW. I just start merging and wait for someone to lay on the horn so I know it's safe

[boingo82]

Originally Posted by tenguzero

... the thing isn't exactly a fragile, brittle piece of equipment either, know what I'm saying?

http://www.cartalk.com/content/colum...04/May/01.html
Depends what kind of car, and how bad you are at driving....

[Fully_Sick]

Pfft. Who taught you how to drive, hippie? Cars must be different in WA to NSW. I just start merging and wait for someone to lay on the horn so I know it's safe

Cops here are harsh bastards, Thats my natural paranoid reaction. But more paronaid of mates who suck at driving trying to follow you.

NSW you spoilt clowns , with your cheaper cars!! dammit, we have silvia's still going fo rlike 10k+




Edited by Toksin...sorry mate, that's one word we don't allow on AF

[pnoiSR20]

Yeah, driving uphill is pretty hard, even without anyone behind me. Thanks 4 the advice though.

[Fully_Sick]

Edited by Toksin...sorry mate, that's one word we don't allow on AF

dammit, c**t is half my vocabulary, I'm ruined!

[chaser29]

Practice-practice-practice. Dont be afraid of your driving. Dont drive so cautious that you become a hazard. Do not go faster than you are able too..

Last but not least. Be safe...

My grammer sucks, but i dont feel like correcting.

[korndogg]

i learned at work with customer's cars. i was forced to learn because sometimes we have to take em for testrives and stuff.

[Hyatus]

Originally Posted by DVSNCYNIKL

Stay off the sidewalk.

Always use your turn signals.

And under no circumstances ask for directions in the ghetto.

hahhah .....great loll

[indyram]

Practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes for more practice.

[pnoiSR20]

Any stories u guyz remember when u first drove???

[Sean]

My brother took me out to a parking lot in his MR2 to teach me how to drive manual. It's a Mk 1 MR2 with no power steering. He had just installed a short shift kit, so it was even harder (for me) to find the gears. It took me about 30 minutes of starting and stopping before I was able to consistantly get the car moving without shuddering or stalling.

It's not going to win any awards, but it's a story nonetheless.

[RazorGTR]

Bah you guys have it all wrong. Just point the car in the direction you want to go, close your eyes, and mash the gas peddle to the floor. Everyone will get out of your way quickly