Having just had this conversation with two different people tonight (one on my f-list, one not), I figure I'd pose it to the rest of the world too
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Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to learn how to drive this summer, especially if you'll be at home.
I believe in NJ it works as follows: pass written exam, complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a driving school (or possibly an older driver), and then in 6 months you're eligible to take the road test.
Drivers in NJ may be a bit nuts, but it's probably easier to learn around where you are than in a big city. I had to spend a lot of time practicing with my dad, but that's probably due to my own lack of coordination and difficulty with learning physical skills in general. My brother, the avid video gamer, I think picked up the rudiments of driving much more easily.
Zipcar can be a nice thing to have (once you're 21) -- it's nice for occasional use, and I don't have to pay for gas, insurance, etc. I currently have no plans to buy my own car, although it's very possible that I might end up doing a postdoc or something at a place where I'd need one.
I learned to drive in college. Got learners permit summer after high school, driver's liscence summer after frosh year. Learned to drive mostly from mom, on Cape Cod, during tourist season. We started in a parking lot, then on quietish local streets. Me driving with dad is a mistake so I don't do it. Then took 3 lessons from real driving teacher to put on final touches before test. It was long after this I actually tried a highway.
Should point out that when I'd graduated from BMC I'd only driven 24 miles solo. This amounted to 2 round trips to the library/grocery store 6 miles away. Did a bit more practice driving the summer after graduation, which was good because when I took my job in DE I had to be able to drive.
I'd encourage at least setting the groundwork sooner rather than later, i.e. read the manual and take your permit test.
(a) I have no driver's license. The area where I'm from has very limited public transit, and thus very limited job opportunities for someone with no license and no car.
(b) Therefore, it would be near-impossible for me to keep a job and learn to drive at the same time at home.
(c) My job this summer is only a month and a half long. This leaves me roughly two (non-consecutive) months at home, theoretically more than enough time to take the first steps towards driving.So, I'm confused--the premise set up in (a) and the follow-up in (b) seem to be undermined by (c)--you've already got a job (not near home, I'm assuming?) and you've got a lot of time at home (with ready means to learn to drive). What's the alternative for the two months at home, and why would it exclude learning to drive
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I would definitely encourage learning in new jersey. although new jersey drivers may have bad habits, those habits tend to be fairly predictable, so it's not as scary as you might think. I would definitely suggest learning from a professional and not from a parent. 100%.
P.S. You won't forget what you learned when you go to Scotland.
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I believe in NJ it works as follows: pass written exam, complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a driving school (or possibly an older driver), and then in 6 months you're eligible to take the road test.
Drivers in NJ may be a bit nuts, but it's probably easier to learn around where you are than in a big city. I had to spend a lot of time practicing with my dad, but that's probably due to my own lack of coordination and difficulty with learning physical skills in general. My brother, the avid video gamer, I think picked up the rudiments of driving much more easily.
Zipcar can be a nice thing to have (once you're 21) -- it's nice for occasional use, and I don't have to pay for gas, insurance, etc. I currently have no plans to buy my own car, although it's very possible that I might end up doing a postdoc or something at a place where I'd need one.
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Should point out that when I'd graduated from BMC I'd only driven 24 miles solo. This amounted to 2 round trips to the library/grocery store 6 miles away. Did a bit more practice driving the summer after graduation, which was good because when I took my job in DE I had to be able to drive.
I'd encourage at least setting the groundwork sooner rather than later, i.e. read the manual and take your permit test.
Reply
(b) Therefore, it would be near-impossible for me to keep a job and learn to drive at the same time at home.
(c) My job this summer is only a month and a half long. This leaves me roughly two (non-consecutive) months at home, theoretically more than enough time to take the first steps towards driving.So, I'm confused--the premise set up in (a) and the follow-up in (b) seem to be undermined by (c)--you've already got a job (not near home, I'm assuming?) and you've got a lot of time at home (with ready means to learn to drive). What's the alternative for the two months at home, and why would it exclude learning to drive ( ... )
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P.S. You won't forget what you learned when you go to Scotland.
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