I learned how to drive in an empty Wal-Mart parking lot, as did most of my friends. We're a major metropolitan city in Canada, but our Wal-Marts only switch to 24-hour service at Christmas. The rest of the year they follow a 9:00 - 9:00 schedule.

Thanks for clearing that up op. I think I'm even more confused by the fact you hit the actual building. Those things don't exactly sneak up on you. Best of wishes on your future driving adventures.

Typically that back lot is not a safe place for a learner. While there are fewer cars, there are: 1) crazy drivers (management likes to drive like there's no cars back there) 2) big trucks (yes, you need to know how to drive around them, but not necessarily the first day)

Your dad startling you is kinda foolish i would say, going a little slow to be cautious is important. At least this was a pre-planned practice. My first time was at like 10 or 11 and being grabbed from the passenger seat and being told to steer.

I'm currently learning so I know how much it can freak you out when you're concentrating and then something makes you jump. That must have been pretty scary xD At least you're not hurt :)

Must have been quite a scare. At least it didn't happen out on the road. It's not fun. Good luck learning to drive!

Erk! My apologies, OP, I didn't mean to comment cut. The app won't allow me to cancel my previous comment.

OP, I had my Road test on Dec 24, the day before christmas on a road that's 50km/h but recommended 30 since its a busy street every day no matter the seasons.. My first time driving, was in my dads truck.. It was a F-450 black duelly, I almost ran over a dinky car LOL i still dont know why he didnt take me in the car at the time.. and I just backed into a pole 2 weeks ago, 600 bucks in damage. But now I have a dodge caliber, a dinky of my own :) haha

45, I put my dads truck in the ditch when it was 2 weeks old, 1600 in damage. And it's a 2010 F250 cabelas edition.. Couple days he got it fixed and I was driving it again. He didn't want me getting scared of driving cuz of an accident. A truck can be replaced.. A life can't. Learn and live, that's all you can do.

I remember sitting on my dads lap and steering when I was little, apparently safety wasn't a priority back then.

How can they use the accelerator and break if they have their knees up against the steering wheel?

I put my dads truck in a ditch when I was like 8, and no, he wasn't using his legs cuz we wouldn't of went in the ditch haha I turned too soon. We were ok and he couldn't stop laughing for a while (different story if one of us got hurt). Main reason is my family has shorter legs so we can't really do that LOL

I do this every once in awhile, if I'm trying to light a cigarette or late to work and trying to get my makeup done in the car. Not as hard as you'd think!