Submitted by __CarCat__ t3_zjhtuw in RhodeIsland
Probably not tonight because there isn't much, but the next good storm we get I want to go practice in a parking lot to get used to handling on ice/snow, I have my permit so I'm a new driver. Can't really think of any good big, open, unplowed, not busy parking lots that'd be good to practice in. In NK but willing to go wherever really. Kinda odd question but I think it's something more people should do!
Haha I was going to say the same thing. I learned to drive there, and have taught others there as well.
When I was learning to drive my dad took me to the Silver City Galleria in the loaner car he got through work (traveling sales). It was an 87 Town Car, a rear wheel drive behemoth that weighed about as much as the core of the earth and was so large one of the factory options was a roof rack that could double as a helicopter landing pad. The V8 in this thing could have powered a small armored vehicle.
We went to the back lot by the theater, in that area with no light posts, and he told me to gun it. Mind you, there's a foot of snow on the ground.
When I hit 20mph he tells me to cut the wheel left and slam the brakes. Puts me into the first uncontrolled spin of my life. I've been driving for about 3 weeks at this point, and I'm now actively ruining my pants. He calmly talked me through recovering, and had me do it over and over for about an hour.
I got so good at it by the end that I was sliding into parking spaces almost within the lines. Best driving lesson I ever got, also the most terrifying class I've ever had and that includes the stuff we learned in the military. Thought for sure I was going to wreck a company car. Also learned that a massive V8 and RWD is not a great option when driving in the winter.
Now that I'm older and nostalgic, I'll find a snowy Cul de sac in an industrial park and do donuts in my truck every once in a while. Makes me feel like a kid again for a few seconds, before I remember I've gotta get home and clear the snow from the roofline.
Do you think campus security would care?
I grew up right around the corner and families regularly take their kids here when they are learning to drive, my family included. Im older now but don’t know anyone that ever had an issue.
Not at all. The lot is massive and you could easily practice without coming within 100 yards of another vehicle. Not to mention CCRI security is mostly retired Warwick cops who would rather not trudge out into the snow just to tell someone to move along.
This was the very first place that came to mind when I saw the question. I have no clue why the parking lot is so big, even on a busy day it's only ever half full (if that). I swear I've seen stadiums with smaller lots.
I learned in Quonset Point. Lots of road, not too much traffic.
This right here. Quonset on a Sunday is the best for driver training. I brought my son there when he was learning to drive. Quonset has all the signs and traffic patterns but with no other cars to stress you out. Plus, you can get on 403 to get a sense of driving on the highway. You can even loop right back down to Quonset.
And Homegoods! That’s not relevant but I do enjoy a good browse.
Ann & Hope plaza on Post Rd in Warwick, near the airport (the one that has Rocky Point Clam Shack in it).
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Ninigret Park in Charlestown is perfect.
Go behind the warehouses near Lang's bowling. That's were I learned how to drive when I first started.
Toll Gate HS complex or CCRI. People practising there all the time.
Quonset is a great place to practice driving, snow or otherwise. Especially on the weekends. It's mostly empty, with lots of roads and parking lots to play around in.
Twin river casino
RIC- there’s a large parking lot near mount pleasant Ave with rarely any cars. There’s a nice size loop you can take around campus that goes on a back road, main road, stop sign, one way, and rotary. Very few cars and a bit of everything you’d need. This is where my teenager practiced driving before feeling comfortable on main roads.
Home Depot in Warwick near Bald Hill Rd?
URI Plains Road lot will be empty over break and campus will be empty as well, so it’ll be a good area to practice driving.
Ninigret Park in Charlestown, it's where I learned to drive
Depending on the amount of snow, just be careful to note any hidden curbs, posts, etc.
If you want to come north, there's a huge lot at Emerald Square Mall that's always completely empty, except when the carnival or the discount meat guy are in town.
Quonset, specifically where Lowe's used to be by the rotary, and NEIT's EG campus are the ones that come to mind first, East Greenwich High School has a big campus too with a lot of roads and parking lots that aren't super crowded when school isn't in session, especially during the winter. I know people would go to the Veteran's Cemetery in Exeter and St Joseph's Cemetery in WG too but if you do that try to go to the areas that are less developed to be respectful to families visiting.
My dad had me practice in the Matunuck Elementary School parking lot. We almost never had enough snow that close to the water.
The now closed Ann & Hope parking lot on Post Road in Warwick
The old Lowes at Quonset point. I believe it is called good IQ now. Huge lot. I used to take soldiers their for drivers training. Even the roads back there (think Jon lot warehouse) wouldn’t be terrible. The roads are wide and not overly challenging.
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Rhodes on the pawtuxet parking lot is where I learned
Crown Plaza on Rt. 5 Warwick has a huge nearly empty lot on the right hand side when you enter the property. I see driver training school cars practicing with orange cones there often.
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Rhode Island college.
A bit of a ride, but I taught both of my kids how to drive a stick, and how to drive in the snow at the Ann & Hope parking lot in Warwick. They are closed now so it is even better, but back in the day, it was empty early in the morning. Dunkin right across the street.
When they were learning how to use a clutch, the rule was the lesson was over if I spilled my coffee. Both of my kids can handle a clutch like butter. It is a huge flat area with some light poles. Try not to hit those. lol
I guess U-haul has bought it, but there is nothing going on there at all now.
Enjoy
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Is this code language for "I'm looking for a place I can go do donuts and handbrake turns with impunity"? (Because that's what I would have asked.)
Maybe someday when I have a car that isn't FWD and hideously underpowered, but for now I actually just want to test snow driving lol
i95 for most the day is a parkinglot
That's a good idea. I would suggest any mall parking lot.
Metlife Warwick
State beaches
Find the most secluded lot you can with no houses nearby, go there at night, and don't stick around too long. You can get a reckless driving ticket for this.
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Try not to drive in a snowstorm before plows get a chance to come through but if you must, a really good trick to know around here is let some air out of your tires. Take it nice and slow and leave more than enough braking distance in front of you. I'd go practice in a neighborhood somewhere instead of a parking lot.
___ongo___gablogian t1_izv068c wrote
CCRI Warwick campus