Having gotten my drivers license just months before leaving for college, living in a college town that didn’t require a car and then moving to the mother of all pedestrian cities, New York, I haven’t had that many opportunities to drive. And frankly, I don’t even like driving. I like my feet and bicycles and subways. All that’s different now that we’re San Diego. I need to learn to love it. Or at least tolerate it.
So far, I’m getting used to cruising around neighborhoods and downtown — craning your neck past the obstructed view to see if you can pull out takes getting used to! — but I’ve yet to hit the freeways. I’ve been relying on Eaman for that so far. Here’s the dilemma: Once you take an exit, you immediately have to change lanes because the next exit is upon you. The other dilemma is you can’t always stay in the right (slow) lane: That lane’s often only for the next exit and the next lanes over are only for another highway. So you’re forced to switch over multiple lanes to get to where you need to be. Oh and the third dilemma: People are aggressive drivers over here! Where’s the mellow, man?
I’m not really looking forward to jumping on the freeway. I know I’ll get used to it, but right now, I sense it’ll be much like this clip below from Clueless.
Watch, have a happy Friday and send me some words of driving inspiration if you have any!
I have a similar background with driving – did it in high school and then did not pick it back uo until a few months ago because I moved to a place where driving is a necessity (ew). I don’t mind walk, am not a fan of biking – but love public transit. Alas, that’s my life right now.
My advice is nothing you don’t already know: Be alert, look up all directions beforehand, and when it comes to highway driving, be quick and courteous. That is, don’t be that person who takes forever to change lanes, and don’t be the person who cuts people off. The on-ramps in SoCal are terrible, but I think it’s a question of practice. If you’re able to figure out a slightly less peak time, I think it might be worth using your free time to test it out. Once you rebuild your confidence, it’ll be easier.
And of course, no texting/calling/Facebooking. None. You know this, but even I’ve succumbed occasionally. Not worth it. I think your version of the iPhone Google Maps app has voice directions too, which would also be useful.
Good luck! I’m not worried about you. You’ll be fine. :-)
Good, good, good stuff! Thank you! It’s so hard right now because we’re so unfamiliar with all the roads and highways, but we’re getting there! Will take you up on your tip to go at an off-peak time.