First driving lesson next week!! Yayyy

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Originally Posted by vidcc

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Originally Posted by clocker

Interesting.
In my entire life I have never seen anyone- irregardless of transmission type- apply the parking brake at a traffic stop.

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I can believe that. Not because it's the correct thing to do but because once people pass their test they pick up bad habits.
"Bad habits" or just learning to adapt to real world conditions?

BTW, do you have any idea of the qualifications of the functionary/committee that produced these immutable "rules"?
The same folks who have artificially capped speeds on our roads (the famous "Speed Kills!" brigade)?
It depends on which state or which examiner one gets but in the US the road test is very lax.
No argument there.
...I won't say that once they have passed their test in the UK those drivers are better drivers than those in the US, but I will say that the standard required to pass the test in the UK is a lot higher than the standard in the US
And neither approaches the difficulty of Japan's requirements.
BTW, British drivers seem to think quite highly of US drivers/conditions.

I think the worst place for driving (that I've experienced) is India where the only rule seems to be the biggest vehicle has right of way, even if on the wrong side of the road.

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I thought driving in Haiti was a nightmare (like the country itself) and the Mediterranean countries horrible (specifically Spain and Italy).

Italian cars don't seem to come equipped with brakes at all, much less handbrakes.
Everyone's horn seems to function perfectly though....

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Originally Posted by Ava Estelle

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Originally Posted by j2k4

I'd go see for myself, but I'm sure they wouldn't let me in, crude bugger that I am.

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Or are you just afraid you won't want to leave, thus crushing all your prejudices against Britain?

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Another misapprehension.

I am a complete Anglophile, and have no prejudice whatsoever against Britain or any of her subjects, apart from yourself.

BTW-

What have you got against her, OZ-boy?

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Originally Posted by j2k4

What have you got against her, OZ-boy?

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Oops ... wrong subject ... the 'her' threw me off.

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Originally Posted by Ava Estelle

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Originally Posted by j2k4

What have you got against her, OZ-boy?

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Nothing at all, I find her honesty and candour utterly refreshing. :)

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As do I, considering the content of the actual British contribution to this thread.

It's the ex-pats like you and vidcc who've mucked things up.

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Originally Posted by j2k4

It's the ex-pats like you and vidcc who've mucked things up.

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vidcc and I are men of the world, hence our wide knowledge of global affairs, unlike you we have no social compulsion to toe the party line.

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Originally Posted by j2k4

As do I, considering the content of the actual British contribution to this thread.

It's the ex-pats like you and vidcc who've mucked things up.

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Fuck you racist xenophobe. My American family heritage goes back as far as the next mans. The circumstance of were my parents where at the time of my birth and the time spent in both countries during my childhood and adult life makes me no less one or the other.

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Originally Posted by vidcc

Fuck you racist xenophobe.

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That's lovely.

Would you mind if I framed it.

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Originally Posted by Ava Estelle

vidcc and I are men of the world, hence our wide knowledge of global affairs, unlike you we have no social compulsion to toe the party line.

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Sounds rather elitist to me.

I suppose there are no arguments that cannot be defeated by a liberally applied dollop of "worldliness", are there?

BTW-

The party can do what it likes; I suffer no compulsions, and I toe no line.

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Originally Posted by bigboab

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Originally Posted by clocker

Interesting.
In my entire life I have never seen anyone- irregardless of transmission type- apply the parking brake at a traffic stop.

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I thought that automatic cars did not have a parking brake as such. When I stopped at traffic lights I just put the gear lever to 'Park'. I think. My memory is not what it used to be.:) So they tell me.

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When I stop at traffic lights I just hold the brake. I never touch the gear lever at all.
I've never seen anyone move to park at a light, I wasn't tought that in driver's ed, I didn't doing it during my driving exam and I didn't get told off for it after the exam.

We were tought to use the parking brake when stopping the car (shift to park, engage parking brake, remove foot from brake pedal).
But I never see anyone with a automatic use the parking brake.

In fact what i always thought was that most car's parking brakes don't even work :blink: (My dad's old car's parking brake was weak but was a manual so i guess he had to have it working somewhat, my dad's van has a broken parking brake [can't even push down the pedal :P], and the parking brake in my van doesn't hold the car)

No idea about a manual though, never even tried it, so I have no idea what balancing the clutch/accelerator means (probably won't until i actually try).

I do drive a manual and I still don't know what they mean rossco, unless they're talking about easing off the clutch while trying to actually *go* but not doing it so fast or early you end up stalling. ;)

I was never taught to park at a light either, and I imagine I would've been asked what I was doing if I had.

:shuriken:

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Originally Posted by rossco

In fact what i always thought was that most car's parking brakes don't even work :blink: (My dad's old car's parking brake was weak but was a manual so i guess he had to have it working somewhat, my dad's van has a broken parking brake [can't even push down the pedal :P], and the parking brake in my van doesn't hold the car)

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Parking brakes in northern climes are usually road-salted to a fare-thee-well by the time they're a year or two old; the actuating cables become corroded and seizure-prone.

I know this accounts for some of the lack of use.

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Originally Posted by rossco

No idea about a manual though, never even tried it, so I have no idea what balancing the clutch/accelerator means (probably won't until i actually try).

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It's quite simple (in theory, at least).
The clutch is the interface between the engine's power output (i.e., the crankshaft) and the transmission.
When the clutch pedal is pushed in, the transmission is disconnected, let the pedal out and the transmission is engaged.
This is accomplished through two plates (keep in mind this is a very simplified explanation) and friction.
The point when both plates start to spin as one (thus, transferring power to the wheels) is called the "engagement point" and can be felt through the pedal.

"Balancing on the clutch" involves simultaneously holding the clutch on the beginning edge of engagement while feeding just enough gas so the car neither rolls back or moves forward.
It's definitely a "feel" thing that must be acquired/honed but becomes second nature (much like riding a bicycle) after a short while.

Poorly done (symptomized by high revs and seesawing back and fro) this is bad for the clutch system.
Done properly, the clutch facing will wear more quickly than if not done at all but in my experience, not enough to really matter.
After all, clutches are considered "consumables" just like brake pads- they are designed to wear as they are being used.

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Originally Posted by j2k4

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Originally Posted by rossco

In fact what i always thought was that most car's parking brakes don't even work :blink: (My dad's old car's parking brake was weak but was a manual so i guess he had to have it working somewhat, my dad's van has a broken parking brake [can't even push down the pedal :P], and the parking brake in my van doesn't hold the car)

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Parking brakes in northern climes are usually road-salted to a fare-thee-well by the time they're a year or two old; the actuating cables become corroded and seizure-prone.

I know this accounts for some of the lack of use.

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Maybe it's the lack of use that makes them seizure-prone?

In the UK vehicles have an annual test starting at 3 years old, any such corrosion or ineffective action would be an immediate fail.

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Originally Posted by lynx

In the UK vehicles have an annual test starting at 3 years old, any such corrosion or ineffective action would be an immediate fail.

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In the US, auto "safety tests" (or utter lack thereof) are the province of the individual states.
In Colorado for instance, I must pass an emissions test every year but the actual physical condition of the car is unexamined.
Other states have more stringent requirements, some of which probably approach/equal what you are used to.

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Originally Posted by j2k4

Parking brakes in northern climes are usually road-salted to a fare-thee-well by the time they're a year or two old; the actuating cables become corroded and seizure-prone.

I know this accounts for some of the lack of use.

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I drive in northern climate with road salt for many months each year. My 19 year old Honda still has a perfectly functioning parking brake (original cables). So from my perspective, I don't get where you're coming from.

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Originally Posted by Virtualbody1234

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Originally Posted by j2k4

Parking brakes in northern climes are usually road-salted to a fare-thee-well by the time they're a year or two old; the actuating cables become corroded and seizure-prone.

I know this accounts for some of the lack of use.

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I drive in northern climate with road salt for many months each year. My 19 year old Honda still has a perfectly functioning parking brake (original cables). So from my perspective, I don't get where you're coming from.

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Two things:

1. I am sure you use your parking brake.

I never said it wasn't a good habit, and in this case it pays dividends in inclement conditions.

2. Honda pays more attention to engineering and generally uses superior materials.

Also, as Clocker points out, individual states may subject the parking brake to a periodic functionality test, which incentivizes owners to maintain their hardware.

In places where expectations are low, hardware performance suffers.

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Originally Posted by lynx

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Originally Posted by j2k4

Parking brakes in northern climes are usually road-salted to a fare-thee-well by the time they're a year or two old; the actuating cables become corroded and seizure-prone.

I know this accounts for some of the lack of use.

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Maybe it's the lack of use that makes them seizure-prone?

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Exactly.

Saw this late, sorry.

It's both, or so they told me when my car's parking brake wouldn't budge. Didn't have winter tires, and since I couldn't afford them, my car sat unused for the winter. Evidentially the combination creates a scenario where it both rusts over and freezes up.

GM's cars, especially Pontiacs, are particularly prone to it.

And to think you get this knowledge without having to be towed out of a tree-lined ditch and into the city. <_<

:shuriken:

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Originally Posted by MagicNakor

It's both, or so they told me when my car's parking brake wouldn't budge. Didn't have winter tires, and since I couldn't afford them, my car sat unused for the winter. Evidentially the combination creates a scenario where it both rusts over and freezes up.

GM's cars, especially Pontiacs, are particularly prone to it.

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Strange, that used to be the case with GM cars over here too (though they weren't alone).

Until they realised that their sales were being dramatically affected by the fact that people no longer wanted to buy something that would be a rusting hulk within a couple of years.

You would have thought the parent company would have heard about it by now. Or maybe it's just that over there you don't mind having a pile of rust in your driveway. :whistling

There must be a fabulous wealth of high-quality used cars over there. There's only so much choice one gets here with no transportation and limited cash. ;)

:shuriken:

Have just got in from my FIRST driving lesson :D


went real good.. started off at some car park just go get the hang of changing gears etc.
Then got onto the streets of Karmiel.. :lol: Got to 3rd gear and 50 KM/h.. Got to 55 as well, but then he was like "Rafi.. we're over the speed limit.. which is 50".. But fine, didn't crash, and hope it will get easier with time :):)

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Originally Posted by tralalala

Have just got in from my FIRST driving lesson :D


went real good.. started off at some car park just go get the hang of changing gears etc.
Then got onto the streets of Karmiel.. :lol: Got to 3rd gear and 50 KM/h.. Got to 55 as well, but then he was like "Rafi.. we're over the speed limit.. which is 50".. But fine, didn't crash, and hope it will get easier with time :):)

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Back on topic for that good news.

Way to go, Rafi. :)

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Originally Posted by tralalala

Have just got in from my FIRST driving lesson :D
Congratulations.


went real good.. started off at some car park just go get the hang of changing gears etc.
Then got onto the streets of Karmiel..

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You are either extremely adept, mastering the art of manually shifting AND general automobile management in one lesson or your instructor is totally fearless.

Did you stall, at all?

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Originally Posted by clocker

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Originally Posted by tralalala

Have just got in from my FIRST driving lesson :D
Congratulations.


went real good.. started off at some car park just go get the hang of changing gears etc.
Then got onto the streets of Karmiel..

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You are either extremely adept, mastering the art of manually shifting AND general automobile management in one lesson or your instructor is totally fearless.

Did you stall, at all?

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I'm sure he didn't.

I imagine he can start driving around in front of Ava immediately, huh?

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Originally Posted by clocker

You are either extremely adept, mastering the art of manually shifting AND general automobile management in one lesson or your instructor has a secret
death wish.

Did you stall, at all?

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Fixed.

:shuriken:

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Originally Posted by j2k4

I imagine he can start driving around in front of Ava immediately, huh?

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The childishness continues. :)

Nope.. didn't stall :)

Although I think he had a bit to do with that.. I imagine he was using his set of pedals most of the way.. :lol:


Next lesson on Thursday morning :)

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Originally Posted by tralalala

Nope.. didn't stall :)

Although I think he had a bit to do with that.. I imagine he was using his set of pedals most of the way.. :lol:

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Ah, a backseat driver with teeth.

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Originally Posted by tralalala

Nope.. didn't stall :)

Although I think he had a bit to do with that.. I imagine he was using his set of pedals most of the way.. :lol:


Next lesson on Thursday morning :)

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He has a whole set? :huh:

Yeah he has a clutch, accelerator and brake pedals... Just in case.


Anyways - tomorrow early morning is the theory test.. wish me luck :)

PASSED the theory test!!! Yippeeeeeeeeeee :D

Great feeling to have the exam marked with a "Pass" stamp.. :lol:

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Originally Posted by tralalala

PASSED the theory test!!!

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Driving theory? :huh:

Driving should be naught but a practical matter until you've done it long enough to expound coherently.

Sounds like a New Age thing. :dabs:

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Originally Posted by j2k4

Driving should be naught but a practical matter until you've done it long enough to expound coherently.

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Not at all. People shouldn't be allowed on the road until they can show a certain knowledge of the environment they will be driving in. They should know what the different road signs mean, the sequence of traffic lights, who gives way to who, and many other things.

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Originally Posted by Ava Estelle

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Originally Posted by j2k4

Driving should be naught but a practical matter until you've done it long enough to expound coherently.

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Not at all. People shouldn't be allowed on the road until they can show a certain knowledge of the environment they will be driving in. They should know what the different road signs mean, the sequence of traffic lights, who gives way to who, and many other things.

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Which is exactly what I studied for the theory... They even want you to study about how the engine works, the parts in it.. how to replace a wheel etc.
Anyways, glad I passed it.. that's what matters, and tomorrow morning is my second driving lesson :)

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Originally Posted by tralalala

Which is exactly what I studied for the theory... They even want you to study about how the engine works, the parts in it.. how to replace a wheel etc.
Anyways, glad I passed it.. that's what matters, and tomorrow morning is my second driving lesson :)

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Granted, all that, I'm just curious as to why they called it theory.

It implies a speculative aspect, when there's nothing speculative about it.

Theoretical examination.. in theory - what should be done on the roads... then you have the actual test - to see how you do the theoretical stuff in reality.

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Originally Posted by tralalala

Theoretical examination.. in theory - what should be done on the roads... then you have the actual test - to see how you do the theoretical stuff in reality.

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I understand, I just think it's a klutzy use of the word.

I'm sure it's just me. :dabs:

I don't see why :unsure: They aren't throwing him out in traffic, into a real situation, they are asking him what he'd do, in theory, as he writes.

What people say or think that they'll do in a given situation, and what they actually do, are often two separate things, as I'm sure you know.


Of course, they could ask him what he should do, instead, but maybe there's some psychological benefit that can be derived from him thinking it's him facing the decisions.

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Originally Posted by SnnY

I don't see why :unsure: They aren't throwing him out in traffic, into a real situation, they are asking him what he'd do, in theory, as he writes.

What people say or think that they'll do in a given situation, and what they actually do, are often two separate things, as I'm sure you know.


Of course, they could ask him what he should do, instead, but maybe there's some psychological benefit that can be derived from him thinking it's him facing the decisions.

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Call it a matter of taste, then.

Make him a virtual driver.

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Originally Posted by j2k4

Make him a virtual driver.

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:)