At what age did you learn to drive?

[brisk]

I'm guessing the americans on the board all started much earlier than us euros, but i'm 23 now and I feel its about time I started taking lessons.

My plan is to start in the summer (which gives me enough time to save up the cash, and also get my provisional), and hopefully pass within 3-6 months. I've never drove before, and don't know much about cars... but I graduate next year, and since I will probably be moving about a lot, a car is pretty much essential.

Oh, and how long did it take you to pass? First time, etc?

[busetibi]

18.
passed second time, the twat failed me first time 'cause i went through an amber light and my hill start was shite (started rolling back and panicked, lol)

only been in two accidents, neither my fault,

[MKJ]

i didnt
i have no use for it

[saturn]

I did at the age of 21, after my father nagged me for 3 years.

I use to car to drive to my parents and get stuff from Ikea (:D). It takes longer to drive to my work and park the thing compared to cycling.

[Foo]

17. Didn't need the license at the time, but it's most sensible to get it as early as possible.

So far I've used it on my work placement year, and to move house (rented a van)

[4days]

29, second time, lots of lessons.

the examiner for my test was on his first time out for my first test and failed me on really stupid stuff - second time i got the same guy, spent the whole time steering with one hand and jawing about paintball and birmingham city fc and he passed me, barely even looked at his sheet.

it's worth learning. you'll enjoy it, and it can give you a new perspective on people/society.

edit:
pick up the official theory CDs if you can. they're only a tenner or something. and have a look here:

http://www.dsa.gov.uk/mockpaper/theoryintro.htm

the theory test is a doddle, and it doesn't cost much if you need to retake it. there's no harm in starting lessons at the same time, if anything they'll help the theory sink in.

ask folks where you live if they can recommend an independent instructor and you'll stand a better chance of getting a good one than if you went to the aa or rac.

[Ryoki]

I had just enough lessons to confidently claim i can joyride pretty good, but i never passed any tests. This mainly due to my powerful disinterest in the whole driving thing, and lack of actual knowledge when it comes to the rules.

I've given it up for now, but i'll pass, someday...

[Nightshade]

15

[mik0rs]

Started days before I turned 17, passed at my second attempt about 4 or 5 months after my 18th, I think I had a gap of a couple of months or something after the first test, or before it or something, or I wasn't progressing, I honestly can't remember... anyway I've not crashed or been crashed into yet. *Touches wood*

[Berserker]

15
Took Drivers Ed. at the local Jr. High.
Passed the test first go round.

[Jackal]

WTF. I just posted in here....

[werldhed]

First time I learned to drive manual was about 13 or 14, when I had to take over for my mother when she got something in her eye and couldn't see. I nearly crashed.

Officially started driving at 15. Got my license at 16, first try. Now they've decided that the test is too easy and too many crappy drivers are passing, so they typically fail everyone on the first round.

If I had taken the test a couple years later, I'd definitely have failed. Note: don't try taking the test during the winter. :icon32:

[Don Carlos]

16 *cough*

passed when i was 19 due to lazyness !

[shadd_]

got my beginners license at 14 in alberta. you could drive during the day with a licensed driver. other provinces were 16 at the time.

first thing that was drilled into me was to only use 1 foot for brake+gas pedal(auto).

[shadd_]

First time I learned to drive manual was about 13 or 14, when I had to take over for my mother when she got something in her eye and couldn't see. I nearly crashed.

Officially started driving at 15. Got my license at 16, first try. Now they've decided that the test is too easy and too many crappy drivers are passing, so they typically fail everyone on the first round.

If I had taken the test a couple years later, I'd definitely have failed. Note: don't try taking the test during the winter. :icon32:

i went for my full license when i was 16 in BC. fucking snowed like a cunt. i remember the bitch docked me for cutting corners even though there was no center line to be seen.

[Grudge]

started at 17 and a half, got my licence at 18 and two months (18 is licence age here) on first try after around 15 lessons

[werldhed]

First time I learned to drive manual was about 13 or 14, when I had to take over for my mother when she got something in her eye and couldn't see. I nearly crashed.

Officially started driving at 15. Got my license at 16, first try. Now they've decided that the test is too easy and too many crappy drivers are passing, so they typically fail everyone on the first round.

If I had taken the test a couple years later, I'd definitely have failed. Note: don't try taking the test during the winter. :icon32:

i went for my full license when i was 16 in BC. fucking snowed like a cunt. i remember the bitch docked me for cutting corners even though there was no center line to be seen.

Yup... that's what pissed me off. The roads were really icy, so I was taking things easy while in town -- approaching intersections cautiously and such. Fucker took off points because I was going too slowly and riding the clutch.

[Freakaloin]

i began driving at 8...never looked back...

[MKJ]

so how many of your kids did you back in to then ?

[Freakaloin]

its true...i had 4 kids when i was 8...moron alert???...

[andyman]

19.... and it's real easy. just think 'Gran turismo and you'll do fine

[MKJ]

i'll say

[shadd_]

i began driving at 8...never looked back...

cars freek, not a tricycle.

[Freakaloin]

no really...my dad owned a used car lot...

[shadd_]

honest injuns used car lot?