Driver's license revisited

[PureEvil]

Originally posted by Xantar
Well, in my opinion, people who know how to drive stick shift are better drivers (more careful, more alert etc.).

Well, I think I agree to disagree. I mean, I agree, but to be just in what I'm saying, I'll also disagree.

I can see where you're going in saying that. Maybe people who drive stick would be more aware of what's going on(You always have to be checking the tach, after all), but I don't think the transmission of your vehicle really changes the driver.

Maybe people who drive standards are less likely to hit someone(something, or whatever), because you can't just floor it and gain massive speed, but as far as being careful and aware... Honestly, I don't think it makes a difference.

Personally, I feel that how careful the driver is, how responsible the driver is, and so on and so forth, all depend on the driver in themself. It all comes down to skill, in my opinion.

Some people are just naturally more alert and aware of their surroundings. Same aspect of humans makes some people good at parking, or holding their speed, and some not. You have to drive with intelligence(Knowing where your vehicle is helps, too). If you're an idiot with ADD, there are going to be problems, and the problems are going to exist whether you drive stick, or automatic.

On the other hand, if you're just naturally aware of what's happening around you, you'll never have any problems; regardless of the transmission you're using.

A standard just means it will be more tedious for you to accelerate away from the light while racing the person beside you(And I suppose it lets you control your RPM, which in turn deals with gas consumption and the oil temp. or whatever).

As for people who drive standard being overall better drivers... Nah. That's just a transmission. Good drivers are made only by themselves, and the intelligent habits they form.

(And me... Well, I drive. We were gonna buy a Jeep(The default tranny is standard), but didn't, so I get to play around with an automatic for the time being).