Writers' Workshop General Chat Thread

[unrepentantAuthor]

Got my first driving theory test tomorrow. Wish me luck, anybody!

 

[diamondpearl876]

Already said it on Discord, but good luck! Driving seems scary, but once you're used to it, you're basically on autopilot the entire time.

 

[Misfit Angel]

Being on auto pilot is the scary part for me. If I'm not paying attention to something, I screw it up, and driving is one thing I definitely don't want to screw up.

 

[Ambyssin]

Speaking as someone who regularly drives in one of the most hostile driving environments in the United States, I'm sure you'll do great, @unrepentantAuthor. Best of luck!

 

[diamondpearl876]

By autopilot I meant more muscle memory than daydreaming/dozing off at the wheel. xD Definitely don't want people doing that all the time.

 

[TRNatalie]

Good luck unrepentantAuthor!

I'm at the age where I could learn to drive but I'm really scared to do so(not to mention, I have to work on not daydreaming and staying focused)

 

[Iggy]

Got my first driving theory test tomorrow. Wish me luck, anybody!

May the Force drive with you?

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

Ah, I did say 'theory' test! It's an exam, I won't be in a car. Once I pass this test, I can book the practical test. I'm actually quite proficient at driving now, though it was stressful at first. Driving in automatics rather than manuals helps a lot. Anyway, thanks all!

 

[diamondpearl876]

Honestly don't remember anything about taking theory-related driving tests... My theory: eventually, you'll be behind the actual wheel and you'll wing it from there

 

[Misfit Angel]

I think driving theory is the written portion of the test before you get your learner's permit. The part that's basically a free pass to anyone who has been a passenger in a car at least once in their lives. I took it twice, nailed both 100% without any prior knowledge... I might end up taking it a third time because I just don't have the motivation to get my license before my learner's permit expires again.

(also why bother, I'll never be able to afford a car on my own and my parents don't trust me enough to let me borrow theirs, not to mention I'm shit scared of driving a cruise missile down the road at 65mph with head on traffic just inches away from my face)

 

[Beth Pavell]

Yes, it is. Although as I recall I was able to drive with an experienced driver even before I passed my theory. The rules on who can supervise you are surprisingly lax​

 

[Ambyssin]

I also had to take a written test to pass Driver's Ed, which was needed to make me eligible for the actual road test as well as eligible for a discount with my auto insurance. *shrug*

 

[Misfit Angel]

Oh god, auto insurance. My brother suggested I get my license when I was 18 even if I would never drive, simply so when I did start driving I'd have gotten the "experience discount" the company we use has. Welp, that boat sailed ten years ago >_>

 

[diamondpearl876]

Auto insurance is a rip off. The longer you stay with a company, the MORE you have to pay monthly.

 

[Misfit Angel]

Whaaaaaat that doesn't make any sense. Why would they do that, it completely deincentivizes sticking with the company. Do they not like money?

 

[diamondpearl876]

Sometimes rates lower or stay the same, but I've only ever had them increase. I use GEICO and they say it's because it's the rising costs of medical injuries and car repairs, combined with the rising rate of car accidents. Plus, the longer you're a driver, the more likely you are to get in an accident (ie., someone who's driven 10 years is more likely to have been in an accident than someone who's driven for 1 year). Depends on your local area, too.

I guess I've been in accidents before... My first car slid on the ice once and did damage to the back of a brand new car belonging to one of my high school classmates, lol. And someone backed up right into my car because they were too far into the street when waiting to make a turn. I'd call those minor scuffles at best since no one was hurt and no serious damage to the cars were done, but that little stuff counts, too.

 

[Beth Pavell]

The worst is when other companies get wind of a bust-up. A colleague of mine once literally reversed into my car while it was parked - a damn silly thing to do, but she's a wonderfully kind lady. She also straight-up offered to pay for it. All last year I was getting phone calls from some company asking if I ever got compensation. One chap who called actually seemed baffled at the idea that I wouldn't want to sue my friend.

I think I may have actually called that one a greedy vampire

 

[Iggy]

I guess I've been in accidents before.

Auto insurance is a rip off. The longer you stay with a company, the MORE you have to pay monthly.

Well, there's the reason why. The insurance company surely would like the money back they spend on the repair cost.

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

Oh gosh, my experience is evidently pretty different to all of you guys! Driving theory tests in the UK are certainly not freebies to anyone who's been in a car, (they have been made more stringent pretty recently, actually), supervisors for learners must be experienced drivers themselves, and auto insurance is a legal requirement without which you may not drive on UK roads.

Anyway, I passed! With flying colours, no less. Time to book my practical test.

 

[Iggy]

Oh gosh, my experience is evidently pretty different to all of you guys! Driving theory tests in the UK are certainly not freebies to anyone who's been in a car, (they have been made more stringent pretty recently, actually), supervisors for learners must be experienced drivers themselves, and auto insurance is a legal requirement without which you may not drive on UK roads.

Anyway, I passed! With flying colours, no less. Time to book my practical test.

Congrats! This calls for celebration! A round on uA's expense!