I learned to drive in the old Willey's jeep whenI was 14. Trouble was that the seat didn't move and my legs are short. So I would let off the clutch, the car would move forward, I would slide back, my feet would come off the pedals, the car would slow, I would slide forward, etc, until it all damped out and we were in motion. I have since learned to put a pile of towels behind me when I drive that vehicle.

Since then I have lived through two of my own learning to drive. Josh did real well and got his license just in time to take all the teens home from opera strike. Jessica, on the other hand took the test several times and was 17 when she got her license. She is still a bit abrupt, but has negotiated the L.A. highway area freeways, though her favorite time to do so was at 2 a.m.

However, I do distinctly understand the fear. I have twice gotten the message "there's been an accident". It's scarey, even when it is followed by "I'm fine". And the insurance company does take a dim view of two totals in two years...

CamiSu