Re: 4KQ for a teen, and teen driver bashing

[MSV96@aol.com]

This thread has gotten me to recount those days half a lifetime ago when I
started driving. My first car was a wmb 1600 with a 4 spd stick. I had driven
some before getting this car--but very little. I taught myself to drive in big
open parking lots and evolved from there. (I had to have the car to take the
test cuz that was the way it was...mom wasn't letting me drive her car to
learn.)

Everyone said use an automatic to take your driving test. So, after becoming
quite good at driving the little bimmer I opted to borrow mom's car (a 66 Dart
with automatic) for my CA driver's test. First turn I did I crossed a
line...immediate fail. Went back and re-took the test in the bimmer...didn't
hurt that by the examiner was a bimmer fan (they were rather obscure back then
BTW) and I passed with flying colors.

Since then I have taught a number of folks how to drive sticks. It is not hard
to master and I feel should become second nature for any new driver *before*
taking their driving test.

As far as my latest thoughts on type of car and handling dynamics for a teen
age driver. Go for the 4kq. Don't worry that it may not "teach much and be too
forgiving" as the place for your new teen driver to learn that IS NOT on
public roads in his or her daily driver now is it?! Send them to a high
perfomance driving school, preferably one with a skid car. They can learn all
about chassis dynamics there and later apply it to the street (for emergency
situations of course ;-)...).

I certainly wish I had been sent there as a teen. I also will do everything
possible to make sure my kids go. It is an important investment IMO. What
frightens me most as a parent is recalling my own younger years!

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq (chassis dynamics only explored on closed circuit by professional
driver--yeah right!)