Understanding cars and drivers licenses

[speedmaster]

Hi all,

I was just curious as to the thoughts of others. Anybody can get a license. If you are over 18 in the US you don't even need to take a class. People just expect to be able to turn the key and the car runs. Why don't they require basic mechanics of a car. Such as. What is oil and water and where does it go. How does and engine work. What is oil Pressure mean on the guage? What does RPM mean? Why does an engine get hot? What is a transmission? Where do you check the fluids on the the hood? How do you add fluids to the car and where are the locations?


I think if people had a greater understanding of vehicle we'd have less problems on the road.
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[Grandavi]

In Saskatchewan (Canada) we used to have a grade 10 driver course (mandatory). It taught you everything from changing a tire to why you dont drink and drive. Offensive driving, defensive driving, old car wreck movies, etc. Best thing any school can do for its kids. We had road training that was excellent. I got my drivers license at 16, totalled my first car after 3 months or driving (drove it off-road mind you, the only reason the car didnt survive is because the city dumped a 3 foot high steel sewer "neck" on the side of a hill which I didnt see until too late... ripped the engine right through the hood)

Now... I had the driving test, and until I turned 24 I didnt really drive sanely, although I understood and practiced courtesy even though I drove like a madman testing my limits and the limits of every car I got into.

It doesn't matter what you do, from age of 14 - 32 I think people like to find their limits in life. Its just now that traffic is insane, you cant get away with it as easily as before. Plus, cities are not set up for pedestrians. nor are they properly set up for cyclists... so its kind of a catch-22. If you want to work, you almost need to drive or spend silly amounts of time in buses. (this is based on where I live.. I am assuming its the same where you live)

Make defensive driving courses mandatory, and give the young people a place to test their limits. thats my answer to safety.


Of course.. the insurance industries answer is charge unreasonable permiums and beat them with a stick if they make a mistake. Unfortunately, this issue along with so many issues, does not have one cookie cutter simple solution. Best just to learn to avoid the idots and survive on the road.. lol. Nowadays, the kids that I have watched, dont care where you put the oil into the car... rad... windshield washer reservoir, it dont matter... they expect to double click it, or be able to text someone and ask. The cars are complex enough that if they do not take an interest in it, and the parents dont push it, they will all have to learn the hard way. My car (the supra in my icon under my name over on the left) has a rebuilt engine in it, because the previous owner did not understand that it needed oil. Something as little as that cost him 5200.00. Now.. thats a good lesson.