I got my permit!!

[Clint Sever]

The excitement of driving has yet to wane, but it is much more stressful than I had thought. And these people, I don't know what to think!! I was cut off twice by soccer-moms in Honda Odysseys and once by a jackball in a utility van. I was sitting at a stoplight preparing to turn left, and across from me the at the other turn lane people were preparing to turn left, but I didn't turn because I didn't know if people were coming towards me. This guy in a black Suburban is behind me, and honks his horn. I look in the mirror and I see him with his hands thrown up in the air yelling "WTF, GO!" So when the light turned green I went, and he blew by me after we turned and flipped me off. If I had a Viper I think I would have dropped it into second and said BYE. But I was driving my moms old '76 Ford pickup with a 351 V8. It's punch isn't too bad, and in a while my Dad is going to let me drive his Turbo Diesel Ram! Hopefully, when I get my license, he'll let me drive it in the rain. 410 lb/ft is excellent for burnouts! But, I'm going to be an extremely responsible driver, and I want to know from the experts (Viper owners), if I should palm the wheel or drive with two hands. I feel that I have much more control with one hand than two, and steering requires less movement and effort with one hand, but what is your advice? Thanks, and by the way, do you have any driving tips that you could give me?

[GTS Bruce]

Tear up your permit Please!

[Tom Glenn]

Congratulations Clint! Keep on Truckin.

[Clint Sever]

Thanks lowcrawler!! I'll keep both hands on the wheel. Tom, nice to hear from you again!! Anyway, thanks for the great tips! Safe driving to all!

Clint

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Race car drivers drive with both hands on the wheel. You decide what you want.

When at a stop light it's a good idea to not to pull up on top of the bumper of the car in front of you. Leave enough room to see the contact patch (where the tire meets the road) of the car in front of you. I have witnessed numerous accidents of cars slamming into the car in front of them which, of course pushes the car into the next car resulting in damage to the front and rear. If you give yourself room in front then the damage will be limited to the rear. You may even avoid the accident if you keep your eyes in the rear view mirror.

One more thing - Slower Traffic Keep Right.

[Rich Detert]

Congratulations on the permit, and good luck on getting the license.

Two hands is safer than one and recommended, but I'm guilty of one handed driving sometimes.

Lot's of good advice here for everyone, not just Clint.

Skip the burnouts for now, there's plenty of time for them in the future, when you're paying for the tires .

As far as the guy in the Suburban, there are all kids of jerks on the road. Don't let it bother you.