Completely new driver. Need advice

[PoRco]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

Nah, rear car was his parent's car w very minor scratch on it.

I may not be as fortunate


My bestfriend rear ended someone a week ago...the speed was barely 5-10.. Just a scuff on the car... but the lady driving the car was in her 80s

The whiplash was enough for her to be hurt and call the ambulance..which resulted in the cops being called...and resulted in my friend paying a fine for "Following too close" WHICH IN TURN resulted in him receiving 4 demerit points...WHICH IN TURN resulted him losing his licence for 30 days since there's some new law (since 2010) where G2 licence holders are allowed only 4 points before they get their licence suspended for 30 days.

He didn't know about this at all. A G holder is allowed 15 points (If I'm not mistaken) before suspension.

[PoRco]

Originally Posted by Mazdaspeed

Yeah, this is the first thing I tell everyone when learning how to drive a car with manual transmission - the brakes work just like they do in any other car. If the car stalls, if something jumps in front of your car, or anything bad happens, forget about everything else and just hit the brakes. You'll be safe and (if you're moving) the ensuing stall will not hurt the car.

I think I won't have a problem with using the breaks. I tend to over use them. My instructor is always getting impatient with me "get off the breaks, no need to slow down"

What he doesnt realize is that when I'm unsure of what to do, my reflex is to slightly hit the breaks to slow down..just in case =/ (I'm talking about the times like when it's a narrow curve and there's a car coming across from the other side )

[Mazdaspeed]

A manual will probably be easier for you in that regard, letting off the gas slows you down significantly more than it does in an auto and you don't annoy the people behind you by flashing the brake lights all the time. :P

The best way to think of it is that the brakes are not intended to be used for regulation of your speed, use the throttle for this. It's hard at first but as you get used to a car it will become easier.

[ashtray]

Honestly - especially with a sports car - learn how to drive first, and then worry about getting a manual transmission so you "feel connected". If most of your entire life automotive experience is sitting on a bus, a sports car might not be the best choice for your first car. And not a manual. I think you'll have too much to remember as it is (which way to look first at an intersection, how fast to go around a turn, how to merge, how to travel on the highway, maintaining lane control, using your mirrors, maintaining constant speed, etc) without adding to that by figuring out how and when to shift and what happens when you stop on a hill.

Step 1 - learn the BASICS of driving. (quit hitting the brakes for no reason - you might think its safe but the guy behind you that can see there's nothing in front of you won't be expecting you to slow randomly and could hit you bc of it! Or he might slam on his brakes leading to a chain reaction that a car 3-4 cars back that are too close get into an accident YOU caused.)

Step 2 - Learn advanced driving technique. Usually on a track or closed course where you can experience what the car does as it reaches limits in traction, and how to maintain control in that situation. You'll need that knowledge if you ever drive in snow or rain.

Step 3 - Now that you can drive without thinking about everything, it just comes natural, learn how to drive a manual transmission.

Steps 1 & 2 could take 2 months or 20 years. Depends on the person. People that skip step 2 get into more accidents and blame it on the car.

[elenien]

Originally Posted by ashtray

Honestly - especially with a sports car - learn how to drive first, and then worry about getting a manual transmission so you "feel connected". If most of your entire life automotive experience is sitting on a bus, a sports car might not be the best choice for your first car. And not a manual. I think you'll have too much to remember as it is (which way to look first at an intersection, how fast to go around a turn, how to merge, how to travel on the highway, maintaining lane control, using your mirrors, maintaining constant speed, etc) without adding to that by figuring out how and when to shift and what happens when you stop on a hill.

There are a lot of people (especially outside the US and in years past) that learned how to drive on a manual transmission. I both learned and took my drivers test in a manual. It isn't a big deal. In fact I think I learned how to be calm in tense situations given how many times I stalled at green lights...

[PoRco]

Originally Posted by ashtray

Honestly - especially with a sports car - learn how to drive first, and then worry about getting a manual transmission so you "feel connected". If most of your entire life automotive experience is sitting on a bus, a sports car might not be the best choice for your first car. And not a manual. I think you'll have too much to remember as it is (which way to look first at an intersection, how fast to go around a turn, how to merge, how to travel on the highway, maintaining lane control, using your mirrors, maintaining constant speed, etc) without adding to that by figuring out how and when to shift and what happens when you stop on a hill.

Step 1 - learn the BASICS of driving. (quit hitting the brakes for no reason - you might think its safe but the guy behind you that can see there's nothing in front of you won't be expecting you to slow randomly and could hit you bc of it! Or he might slam on his brakes leading to a chain reaction that a car 3-4 cars back that are too close get into an accident YOU caused.)

Step 2 - Learn advanced driving technique. Usually on a track or closed course where you can experience what the car does as it reaches limits in traction, and how to maintain control in that situation. You'll need that knowledge if you ever drive in snow or rain.

Step 3 - Now that you can drive without thinking about everything, it just comes natural, learn how to drive a manual transmission.

Steps 1 & 2 could take 2 months or 20 years. Depends on the person. People that skip step 2 get into more accidents and blame it on the car.

I really don't think this is completely true. I'm sure it's a bit easier to go this route... but it could also be harder. Human beings tend to get too "used" to something...especially when it's a lot easier.

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by PoRco

Define "too fast" . I'm not sure if I do this or not =/

Under 1 second when you're not racing is putting unnecessary stress on the small fragile bits. You should be able to "feel" it.