Went driving for the first time today!

"Alex B" (alexb420)
03/26/2016 at 14:26 • Filed to: Leaf, Driving

My first parking job.

I turned 16 on Wednesday and got my permit on Thursday. Went out “driving” for the first time today. My dad took me to an old grocery store parking lot. This parking lot is kind of tight with lots of islands and al. I started out by backing out of the parking spot we were in, turned then proceeded forward to a stop sign. My first few stops were quite abrupt, but as time went on I got a better feel for the brakes. Even though I have nothing to compare it to, the steering on the Leaf feels very light at parking lot speeds. Acceleration is very smooth and without delay, which is nice. As I drove more and more I got a better feel for the car as a whole (where it was in the road, stopping smoothly, turning smoothly, etc.)

My first attempt at parking I chose to try in a section without any barriers, it turned out pretty well I think. Then later on I tried parking in places with curbs. That didn’t go as well. I was nervous I was going to hit the curb, so I didn’t end up going in far enough.

My max speed was a blazing 21mph!!

Overall driving is cool, but because I’m still pretty new to it I’m not super confident in my driving skills yet. I’ll improve with time. :-)

DISCUSSION (14)

Matt Nichelson > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 14:33

Congrats! Just remember it won’t all happen overnight. You’ll have time to learn. If I could offer any advice, though, it would be to not take it for granted and don’t drive like other people your age. Ya gotta know when it’s ok to have a little fun, but you also gotta know when to be mature behind the wheel. I’m sure you’ll do fine though. Good luck and stay safe!

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 14:37

I remember my first time driving. It was driving my dads 2006 Dodge Ram 5.9L 3500 Mega Cab 6ft box. It was in 2wd, in winter. He told me to drive to an empty parking lots. Turn left and floor it. My mom heard of it and grilled my dad.

Alex B > Matt Nichelson
03/26/2016 at 14:38

Thanks! Yeah true, most people my age don’t drive so great... I won't let me become like one of them.

Alex B > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
03/26/2016 at 14:41

Hahaha, that sounds fun! I don’t think I would be ready to drive something that large, though. You were in a large empty parking lot, so you mom could/should have chilled out a bit.

tacogx > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 14:42

Nice! I’m 15 and I already took driver’s ed, waiting till August for my license :)

$kaycog > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 14:43

Good for you! You’ll get better with time.

Matt Nichelson > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 14:45

You’re welcome. Just looking out for a fellow Oppo. We were all that age at some point and we’ve all had our mishaps. I actually started driving when I was 10. Living in south Mississippi, we have lots of backroads. Also had my first wreck when I was 11 or 12. Bee flew into the window of my dad’s truck and I was trying to swat it away. Ended up running off the road and hitting a tree. That was no fun. Don’t be me and hit a tree lol.

Alex B > $kaycog
03/26/2016 at 14:50

Thanks $kay!

Alex B > Matt Nichelson
03/26/2016 at 14:51

Yeah I hear about people in the south beginning to drive at a young age. Was your dad mad that you crashed the truck?

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 14:59

You had to wait until 16 to get a permit?

supra-squirrel > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 15:09

Awesome! Just be aware that you will make mistakes, it happens to everyone and the best drivers learned first how much they didn’t know.

Matt Nichelson > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 15:24

Yeah. I was driving my grandfather to town on a two lane highway by the time I was 13. Thankfully no. He made sure I was ok and he didn't get upset with me.

Funktheduck > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 15:55

Congrats. It’s an exciting time. My first drive in a vehicle was my truck when I was 14. Stepdad told me it was time to test drive after doing some work on it. I started to get on the passenger side and he said “no, you’re drivin; I’m ridin”. Just around the neighborhood a little. Don’t remember if I even hit 25. After that I got to drive all sorts of cars throughout high school, mostly hot rods. Learned to drive stick on his mustang.

You're at a great age. Be safe. Have fun. Ere on the side of caution

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Alex B
03/26/2016 at 18:43

Congrats my friend! Welcome to the world of sitting in the front-left seat (well, as you’re from North America, anyway! ;)! :)

First car I ever drove was our old ‘93 Dodge Caravan back our 300m road from the mailbox to our house! :)

The skills will come with time, and make sure you keep yourself from learning bad habits from the get-go....you’ll thank yourself later if an emergency situation ever comes up! :)