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#51 Do Good Drivers Turn You On? (Whip Appeal)

Posted by NWSO • September 16, 2009 • Printer-friendly

Living in a city like New York, where there’s a mass transit system that runs 24-hours a day, having a driver’s license is not a necessity. For many, it’s a luxury or simply a form of I.D. Still, every teenager dreams of the day he or she gets their permit and eventually their license.

I remember being 17 and signing up for driver’s ed. I was so cool, calm and confident that my high school instructor would sometimes fall asleep in the passenger’s seat only to wake up and find us far too close to the Fort Greene Projects for his comfort.

“Uhm, let’s head back closer to the school,” he’d say nervously.

A week after graduation, I took my road test and passed with flying colors. My parallel parking was a little shaky, but the DMV tester saw that I knew the basics. After several weeks on the road I was the proud owner of a New York State driver’s license.

It would be another two years before I drove again.

Although I could drive, I honestly had nowhere to go. Going to college in the city, my pocket full of tokens (this was before the MetroCard) did me just fine and as a relatively quiet kid I really wasn’t hanging out like that. It wasn’t until my homeboy Mark needed a ride home after an around-the-way barbeque one night that I got behind the wheel again—albeit nervously. Once I experienced that feeling again, though, I was hooked.

Whenever my mom got home from work and the sun had set, I’d hop in the whip and go cruising. I’d hit up Green Acres Mall with my friends, catch a movie with a shorty, check the pool hall in Long Island and even trek as far as the Bronx when I was talking to this girl who would only come over for some loving if I promised to drive her home. Sorry, for killing your gas tank, mom.

However, when I finally moved out of my mother’s house I lost all access to a car. In the eight years since then I’ve gotten rusty and actually nervous about being behind the wheel. Truth be told, since I only drove at night I never got comfortable in daytime traffic and I’ll avoid the freeway at all costs.

Over time I went from a confident driver to a cautious passenger.

Until my best friend Melissa left me the keys to her truck last Christmas while she was out of town, it had been a full five years since I last drove. Even then I had my ex come with me to help me get to the city to pick my boy up from the hospital. Dealing with NYC traffic and cabs was a nightmare for me. When it came to Melissa’s truck I either let my boy drive or merely moved the truck from one side of the street to the other—in the middle of the night of course.

If it really came down to it I can still drive but I’m super-nervous so I typically shun any offer to do so. It’s not that I’m scared but with so many years of dust on my license I don’t want to be responsible for anybody else’s car. I’m completely fine riding shotgun.

Not every woman is, though

I distinctly recall my ex saying something to the effect of, “If we were to ever get married, you’d have to learn how to drive because I can’t be chauffeuring you around all the time. What happens when you have kids? Sorry, but taking the train with a stroller is not sexy. I’m tired of having to drive all the time.”

That’s definitely something to think about.

I’m just not one of those guys that have to grab the keys and drive, but I’ve come across a few women that wish I was. Sometimes, I wish I was, too.

How old were you when you got your license? How many times did you have to take your road test? Ladies, is a man that can’t drive less attractive to you? Would you get tired of always driving him around? Is it sexy or sexist when a man refuses to let a woman drive? Would you let a man drive your car? Do you think that a woman should pump her own gas when a man’s in the car? How much of a convenience is it to have a car when you have kids? Fellas, do you think that most women are bad drivers? Does a woman that actually knows how to drive turn you on? Is society more accepting of women who can’t drive than men?

Speak your piece…

Tagged as: bad drivers, driver's ed., nervous drivers, road rage, road test, women drivers

Deka

Got my license at 19. Took my road test upstate NY, so no long wait. I wasn't nervous until during trouble with double parking, my road test instructor asked me to get out the car. I was like hoooly shyt, she's kicking me out my own car because I can't double park fast enough! I got out and she said "look at what you're doing. Can you see how close the side walk is?" I jumped back in corrected the problem and we were on our way.
Kwana AKA OrangeStar AKA Phoenix7

How old were you when you got your license?
16
How many times did you have to take your road test?
once passed with a 100 sir
Ladies, is a man that can’t drive less attractive to you?
yes WTH
Would you get tired of always driving him around?
he11 yeah
Is it sexy or sexist when a man refuses to let a woman drive?
depends on his reasoning
Would you let a man drive your car?
nobody drives my machine
Do you think that a woman should pump her own gas when a man’s in the car?
no
How much of a convenience is it to have a car when you have kids? n/a, I would think its better to have one tho........
Mz. Ashley

Got my license at 16, only took the test once and passed. Sorry Ans, but I have never met a man that could not drive. I have met some that drove wreckless though, but I just offer to drive then. I love to drive, i find it very relaxing...unless there is traffic of course. So no i would not get tired of driving someone around. When i was single i would always let the guy drive my car, esp. if he didnt have one...just to make him feel good. When me and my man are getting gas, whoever is driving pumps the gas because the tank is on the driver side. If i was single though, i would expect the guy to pump the gas. Where i am from, you have to have a car because we dont really have taxi's down here...only at the airport! lol we have buses..... but then you have to wait for the times they come and ride till they get to ur destination....screw that!
CB

How old were you when you got your license?

29.... like you NWSO I have lived in NY all my life...didn't see a need for a car, that was just an extra bill to pay... however my boyfriend was leaving for London in 2004 for work and offered to give me his car... so sista went and got her license! LOL...

How many times did you have to take your road test?
I had to take it 3 or 4 times (can't remember exactly)...the first time the lady thought I was about to hit a fridge sitting on the curb (Brooklyn...where else?) but before I could even make the mistake she just failed me...the second time I did hit the curb in a parallel park... and wait it was 3 times, I passed the 3rd time.

Ladies, is a man that can’t drive less attractive to you?
Yes he is less attractive to me only because I feel like if we do ever want to go some place I'll always be stuck driving...I don't care if you don't have a car, but at least know how to drive.

Would you get tired of always driving him around?
See answer above

Is it sexy or sexist when a man refuses to let a woman drive?
I don't think it's either, it just depends on the situation...when you're tired or tipsy you need to give me the keys, otherwise whomever feels like driving can drive.

Would you let a man drive your car?
Yes, if I've rode with you before and am confident of your driving skills (and I know that you could and WOULD pay for any damages if you got into an accident that was your fault in my car) you can drive my car.

Do you think that a woman should pump her own gas when a man’s in the car?
HELL NAW!

How much of a convenience is it to have a car when you have kids?
I don't have kids, but my sisters do and it's easier for me to pick them up from school or day care with a car then trying to carry a stroller on the bus or train.

Is society more accepting of women who can’t drive than men?

Yes I think they are... I think a lot of folks still have those "traditional" roles set up for women and they always see the woman as a passenger and not behind the wheel
CB

Oh and like you NWSO I am a better driver at night but I love to drive...I finally leased a car only because on the weekends I am out in DC/MD/VA/PA/MA doing road trips and renting cars from NY got to be too expensive.

I have no problem driving in the city (Manhattan), I am as aggressive as the taxis and dare them to try and bully me in my little Jetta...I think I need to work on my road rage though! LOL
Chanel

I got my driver's license at age 31. Then again, I was about to move to Georgia and had no choice!

As a native New Yorker, I was shocked at how much you really NEED a car anywhere outside NYC. I was in denial too ... you should have seen me checking out MARTA bus schedules! I really thought I could get around on Atlanta public transportation ... um, no. I'm about to say something really shocking now: New Yorkers, you guys are lucky you have the MTA. If you had to get around on MARTA, you'd lose your mind. I never thought I would EVER say this, but I miss the subway!

This is the single biggest adjustment I've had to make here because I used to HATE driving. It scared the crap out of me, mainly because ATL drivers think that 285 is the freaking Autobahn. I don't mind it nearly as much as it once did, and I actually (almost) enjoy it now. I still avoid 285 like the plague, though. I don't like highways at all.

I just need to say one more thing: I'm an excellent driver. I've got my hands at 10 and 2 at all times! I've seen guys steering with their knuckles (seriously), so that stereotype needs to die.
distinguishedgentlewoman

I live in NYC, so I don't really need to drive. I use my license for ID mostly. I drove, nervously, about two times since getting my license. It expired this past February, and I still haven't gotten it renewed.

It doesn't matter to me if a man drives or not. However, what I do find sexy is a man who knows how to parallel park well. It is such a turn-on for me to see a man do a perfect parallel park in a tight space between two cars. UUUUUMMMMMMMM!
That Guy

Got the license at 16 and been cruising ever since. I grew up in the south (ATL to be exact) so not being able to pull your whip up at Greenbriar bumping that old skool Outkast or ride down Peachtree on a Fri/Sat night already put you behind the social status 8-Ball.

Now-a-days I dont think it should be a status symbol, especially in markets where 1 isnt needed (NY, Chicago, DC) because it's really a waste. I remember living in Chicago and wishing I didnt have my car (between the notes, insurance, snow and fact that I really didnt drive it often). In the south I do think its somewhat mandatory.

Off topic, but I do like when I see that saucey chick with her topdown bumping some new-new music in her own world, something sexy about a hot chick in a hot whip... Parking light pimpin aint dead..yet
Miss Tiffy

I was 17 when I got my drivers license. I had drivers ed in H.S and on wkends my parents paid for driving lessons. So, by the time I was 17 and going off to Maryland for college, I was ready and very confident to be behind the wheel. I live in Jersey City which has a lot of public transportion, but its always good to get there faster with a car.

I haven't dated a guy that didn't have a drivers licenses even the guys from NY. But I don't mind letting them drive my car if they do not have one. I think its a turn off if a guy doesn't have a drivers licenses, because that means they are going to want me to drive all the time.
~C.

I was 16 when I got my license and it took me two times to get it...the instructor said I was too aggressive my first time around (thank you daddy). Truthfully, I don't think I could be with a man who didn't know how to drive unless he was willing to learn and get his license, then there's a possibility we could work things out. I just dont want to be the one who feels responsible for making sure he gets to where he needs to go...I've got a daughter who does enough of that already. I think driving should be 50/50...we should share the responsibility. I would let a guy drive my car after I've seen how he handles his...if he's reckless with his vehicle he'll be even worse with mine and I'm not tryin to take any chances.
lil jj

I first got my permit at 15 and i let it expire, i since then graduated from high school and when on to college. I was fine taking the bus and the train to school( which is right outside DC ). but when i wanted to attract a girl and start dating i figure it was time to get my license. So in April of this year i went to get my permit, the first of my many monthly goals, and i passed the test and got my permit. Then right before i went back to school for my junior year of college, two months ago, i went to driving school finished that and last thursday i went to the MVA, took the on the road test and passed... now i and a licensed driver in the state of Maryland...yaaay me.......im 19 almost 20.....better late than never...now i need a car....
da ThRONe

I stated driving at 14 or 15 but didnt get my license until 17.

Women cant drive!
Ameretta

@ Da ThRone...Please! I drive better than most men!!

I was 24 when I passed my road test for my driver's license! ( I'm a Brooklyn child no there was no rush to get a licence) But I was drivng for 4 years prior to that! I failed the test twice! I was tooo fast the first time and the second time I didn't come to a complete stop at a stop sign! (I know minor things!)

Funny though I had purchased my car before I got my license! I just knew I was gonna pass!!

I must admit I feel a certain type of way when a man can't drive. To me learning to drive means we can travel to different cities and explore different places. Road trips in the summer. Quick getaways for the weekends. Not only that I'm a female and I don't want to go out with my get'um girl outfit and thug it out on the train! That is not a comfortable ride from Brooklyn!

Also, I work out side of New York City. If I didn't have my license and couldn't have gotten my job.

Back to a man without a driver's license, I wouldn't want him to expect me to drive him all over the place....I like to get driven also! I love to be the passenger and look like Bonnie to his Clyde but all and all I think having a driver's license means you don't want to stay in the 5 boroughs all the time. It means exploring more besides a bus tour or a plane ride....
moonstarz

My mom is an EXCELLENT driver and parks super well.

My friend had to back out of the Jackie Robinson on a grassy shoulder and drive in reverse between trees because we were caught in traffic and were tired of waiting. She received a round of applause from other drivers.

So yes, women can drive.

Just not me, LOL

I don't have a license and don't know how to drive at all.

A man knowing how to drive isn't a turn on but a man not knowing or being scared is a turn off.
http://lovestutter.blogspot.com Sydnie

I got my license at 24 years old in Iowa, 1 week before I moved to the city. I drove 8 of the 16 hours here and have only driven a few times since.
Check out my story: http://lovestutter.blogspot.com/2009/06/moving-part-1-license-to-drive.html
YoungJay

Got my license @ 18 been the designated driver for everyone ever since. It came in handy when my job sent me away for a meeting in Cali...
Elle

How old were you when you got your license? How many times did you have to take your road test?
- Once. Got my license at 18 (no 16 year old drivers out here).

Ladies, is a man that can’t drive less attractive to you? Would you get tired of always driving him around?
- It is annoying but not really a matter of attraction. As much as I love to drive, sometimes I just want to relax in the passenger seat and enjoy the scenery (if there is one). Driving in Berlin can be super stressful and always having to be the one who deals with traffic gets old.

Is it sexy or sexist when a man refuses to let a woman drive?
- Well, I guess it depends on whose care it is ... lol. If it is his car, I don't mind not being "allowed" to drive. But if we are talking about my ride and he would insist on driving simply because he is "the man", we'd bump heads. It's also a matter of his driving skills. 2 of my exes were horrible drivers. My last ex was an excellent driver though so I felt comfortable letting him drive all the time, even in my car. That was indeed somewhat sexy - especially when he's speeding in an E-Class down the Autobahn.

Would you let a man drive your car?
- Yes, depending on the kind of relationship and the level of trust.

Do you think that a woman should pump her own gas when a man’s in the car?
- Hm, I guess it wont kill her. But I'd prefer if the man does it simply because he is a gentleman. That's like a man lighting a woman's cigarette. Yes, she can do it on her own. But it's proper etiquette for the man to do it for her. Come on guys, let us feel like princesses at least sometimes.

How much of a convenience is it to have a car when you have kids?
- I live by the motto: if you can't afford a car, you can't afford a kid. You will NEVER find me in public transport with a stroller or a nagging 4 year old. NEVER!

I love driving and have been complimented on my driving skills by a lot of guys in the past. Just cruising around with the music up relaxes me. But I admit, I am a bit of a wreckless driver. It just irritates me to no end when people in front of me drive like they are scared ... arg!!!
GV1584

How old were you when you got your license? 20

How many times did you have to take your road test? About 3 or 4 times LOL (but it made me a better driver!)

Ladies, is a man that can’t drive less attractive to you?
If I'm attracted to someone and we click then the no driving thing is not really going to be a deal breaker unless he refuses to ever learn to drive.

Would you get tired of always driving him around? As much as I want to say no, truthfully I would. I agree with Elle, sometimes you just wanna chill in the passenger seat.

Is it sexy or sexist when a man refuses to let a woman drive?
I like being driven by a man but if he refuses to let me drive then I think that becomes a bit sexist.

Would you let a man drive your car?
Yes I would but I just got myself a pretty fly car so I'd need to issue some strict rules with it!

@ Elle - that point about kids and public transport is soooo true! That just wouldn't work for me at all!

And yes...aint nothing like cruising around in my drop top on a hot summer's day with the wind blowing through my hair! Now if only we had the weather!
Lonias

I actually wish there was a RELIABLE, WELL-THOUGHT OUT and CONVENIENT public transportation system here in Oklahoma. Owning a car puts a hurting on finances, and then I have no options on a late night...GOTTA have a designated driver, and that's usually me!
*sighing*

With this said, my man would have to be able to help shoulder the driving "burden". No one wants to drive ALL of the time!