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Weekly_Drawer_7000 t1_j9uyhug wrote

Tbh it sounds like you haven’t driven much at all, and I think you’re gonna have a bad time in the city (even in Brooklyn). Left turns make you nervous? Go for the driving lesson.

As far as getting gas, that’s pretty easy lol don’t worry about that.

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_Haverford_ OP t1_j9uysk4 wrote

In the grand scheme, I really haven't. I drive multiple times a month, but always just around my rural town in Jersey.

When there's a lot of traffic, and you have to turn left at the light, the only opportunity to turn is when the light is red. Isn't this considered running the light??? God help me.

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xaraca t1_j9v3t09 wrote

> When there's a lot of traffic, and you have to turn left at the light, the only opportunity to turn is when the light is red. Isn't this considered running the light??? God help me.

You enter the intersection while your light is green and wait for an opening. If the light turns red, it's okay because you've already entered the intersection and now you can turn.

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_Haverford_ OP t1_j9v43fr wrote

>it's okay because you've already entered the intersection and now you can turn.

Thank you, this is what always confused me. So you begin the turn when the light is green and complete it as soon as it turns red/there is another opening in traffic.

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Arcom8065 t1_j9v6yhm wrote

I remember the rulebook says you are allowed to enter the intersection and finish your turn after the light turns red. Based on responses I think having some lessons in the city would be helpful. You may not be aware of nuances like what happens if I turn left and there is an island that separates the two directions in the middle of the road? You're supposed to turn into the island and wait until the cross street's light turns green. Yes this means on some roads like Park Avenue, pretty much only 2 or 3 cars ever get to turn left so try to avoid that if you can.

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aalex596 t1_j9vb4nj wrote

This red light situation is all in the DMV driver's manual. It sure sounds like you need to reread it. Carefully.

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meantnothingatall t1_j9v3x8x wrote

You would pull up into the intersection (as long as there is space for you to turn onto that street because you should not block it) and when the cars finish coming from the opposite way (red light), you can make your left turn to get out of the intersection.

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CensorshipIsTheDevil t1_j9v28r7 wrote

I think you mean to turn right, turning left is always illegal without a green light (you can cross traffic if there is no light, just has to be done safely.) Turning right on a red is illegal in NYC, but not in many areas.

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_Haverford_ OP t1_j9v32bq wrote

No, I mean turning left. Many times traffic is so dense that the way will not be clear unless you turn illegally. Do people just nose out into traffic and expect the oncoming lane to stop?

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Sickpup831 t1_j9v4agt wrote

If there’s no cars ahead of me and my light is green, I usually drive about halfway through the intersection with my left blinker on and either traffic will clear and you turn, or the moment the light turns red and traffic stops you can quickly make your turn before the thru traffic gets the green.

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goldfishman63 t1_j9uygmp wrote

The only way to get over your fear is to get out and do it. I grew up near Boston—when I first learned to drive, I was stupidly nervous almost all of time I was on the road. My first trips into the city on my own in a car were terrifying, but the more I did it the more I became comfortable. Eventually when I came to New York, it was no problem. If anything New York (or at least Manhattan) was easier because of the grid layout.

My big piece of advice is to be vigilant for those not in a car, such as pedestrians and bikers. Take extra care to check your mirrors and blind spots.

Edit: one thing, especially on those left turns, is to never let other drivers or being self-conscious pressure you into making a split second decision out of fear. If you don’t feel like you can make a safe move, don’t just because someone is honking at you. That’s how mistakes happen.

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_Haverford_ OP t1_j9uzdnj wrote

The small ass streets in Manhattan scare me - Honestly, I've driven in similar density to Brooklyn before and had no issues. But squeezing past a double-parked car, and another on the other side? Guess I live here now.

Also, I've parallel parked exactly once in my life for my driving test, but that's less of a safety thing and more a stupid me thing...

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drpvn t1_j9v4uqv wrote

Manhattan is easy driving. Just drive slow.

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Asleep_Dot7972 t1_j9v01pj wrote

If you have problems with making turns, you are a bad driver. Driving lessons in the area you’ll be driving in should help you become competent.

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Puffit t1_j9v3lrd wrote

I learned how to ride motorcycles in Manhattan when I started riding like 5 years ago. The thing about NYC drivers is that they drive aggressively, but in a predictably aggressive way.

Once you learn what to look out for it’s not that much different than driving anywhere else.

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analog_x700 t1_j9v1imx wrote

Just drive. I grew up in Jersey too and driving here felt like nothing if you’re used to driving in Jersey (and the Northeast in general, in dense and busy areas along 95).

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meantnothingatall t1_j9v46t3 wrote

You just have to do it and given your responses here, it would definitely be worth taking lessons. Start out where it's less congested and slowly move your way inward.

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_Haverford_ OP t1_j9v4tug wrote

Yeah, I found some driving schools that offer refresher/city driving courses, so I sent one an email.

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weedtimeyeahhh t1_j9v98v1 wrote

how old are you? 99??

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_Haverford_ OP t1_j9v9gwx wrote

27...

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oilydischarge18 t1_j9vb11h wrote

I kinda love driving in the city. It’s like a video game. I’ve also been doing it for 20+ years though.

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_Haverford_ OP t1_j9vb8yh wrote

Yeah, I'm sure it'll be fine once I do it. It's the idea of starting that feels a little iffy.

People in this thread seem to think I'm terrified of the idea of driving in the city; would I bother if I was???

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molingrad t1_j9vctir wrote

You need to drive to get acclimated. I’d start out in the order boroughs first. Less hectic on the streets. And avoid LI highways for a while. Those are the worst. It’s really not that bad once you get used to it and learn to use your horn when you need to.

Driving lessons probably not a bad idea.

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