Any 17-20 year olds that love driving?
Discussion
I'm 23 and have always loved driving, used to spend £100 a week in fuel just out on random drives to nowhere, with and without friends. Lost my licence two years ago after an incident and has been the worst two years ive had without that freedom. My new provisional actually came in the post today and i can legally drive again in 17 days. I don't understand these people who don't have any interest in driving, even if you dont like cars then just the freedom it gives you is unbeatable in my opinion.
But yes i have many friends my age who love driving, i think it just depends on who you get to know really.
But yes i have many friends my age who love driving, i think it just depends on who you get to know really.
I'm 20, love driving and cars so much I went to uni for automotive engineering. Got into cars spending every weekend under my first car, fiat (not so) grande punto. Naturally all my friends in uni love it too. Hardly anyone I knew before uni was into cars, just me a work colleague. Hoping to get a bavarian straight 6 soon.
20 year old here. I'd label myself as a car guy, but in a different way to most people I know. For me it's not about showing off the expensive-looking Audi/BMW/Mercedes but appreciating the engineering that goes into man's greatest machine, while enjoying how it drives and enjoying the thrill of floating or hooning (delete as appropriate) through the countryside in a truly very English way. I've made a point over the last couple of years of attempting to fix as much on my car as I can no matter how difficult because I enjoy it and believe that fixing a car is as satisfying as driving/owning it
I'd say my taste in cars is a bit left-field to be honest - the newer German stuff doesn't appeal to me 'cause of all the electronic interference. I'm currently on my first car (Renault Clio) and I'm not desperate to change yet because a) I can't afford to yet and b) for what I need, it does the job and I still enjoy driving from place to place, no matter what i'm in! Next car will most likely be a mid-2000s Volvo because they're comfortable, quiet and 'different'; my perfect realistic combination would be a floaty, comfortable Volvo or Lexus for commuting/family stuff and a fun car of some description - used, and probably French, Italian or (older) German
Buying a brand new car, on finance, for image's sake means nothing to me - I dare to be different and love driving and DIY'ing - at the minute one of biggest passions. Haven't met anybody yet my age who enjoys driving or maintaining their own cars, only something that is 'stylish' or 'has kudos'
I'd say my taste in cars is a bit left-field to be honest - the newer German stuff doesn't appeal to me 'cause of all the electronic interference. I'm currently on my first car (Renault Clio) and I'm not desperate to change yet because a) I can't afford to yet and b) for what I need, it does the job and I still enjoy driving from place to place, no matter what i'm in! Next car will most likely be a mid-2000s Volvo because they're comfortable, quiet and 'different'; my perfect realistic combination would be a floaty, comfortable Volvo or Lexus for commuting/family stuff and a fun car of some description - used, and probably French, Italian or (older) German
Buying a brand new car, on finance, for image's sake means nothing to me - I dare to be different and love driving and DIY'ing - at the minute one of biggest passions. Haven't met anybody yet my age who enjoys driving or maintaining their own cars, only something that is 'stylish' or 'has kudos'
at 28 now and still love to jump into the evo and head up the mountains for a run on the twisties. it's quiet secluded where I live and the mountain route is surprisingly well surfaced with lots of wide hairpins to get a bit sideways and most of the time I'll meet another like minded soul randomly along the way a head up to the table top where you can see for miles down the road it's a great spot for some antics. a favourite for testing rally cars and their isn't a house for miles so nobody is disturbed. nothing like a good enthusiastic drive to lift your mood
I'm 27 now but when I was younger I was exactly as you describe! Turned 17 and couldn't wait to pass my test. I spent most of my late teens in a 1.3 litre diesel Corsa, did about 12k miles a year despite only really commuting 6 miles a day to the train station.
Luckily my best mate was equally into driving so we used to get out exploring new roads as often as possible. Highlight was LeMans in 2011, driving there and back in the Corsa.
There are miles and miles of roads on your doorstep, I'd suggest the Moffat to Selkirk route (can't remember the road number), and take in the Talla reservoir. Make a circuit of it by driving down through Peebles then back up through Ayrshire.
Edited to add - my brothers are 17 and 15 at the moment, and neither of them have the slightest interest in "driving". The 17 year old is ready to sit his test, but he wants a PCP white kitchen appliance with the newest registration rather than a car he can enjoy.
Luckily my best mate was equally into driving so we used to get out exploring new roads as often as possible. Highlight was LeMans in 2011, driving there and back in the Corsa.
There are miles and miles of roads on your doorstep, I'd suggest the Moffat to Selkirk route (can't remember the road number), and take in the Talla reservoir. Make a circuit of it by driving down through Peebles then back up through Ayrshire.
Edited to add - my brothers are 17 and 15 at the moment, and neither of them have the slightest interest in "driving". The 17 year old is ready to sit his test, but he wants a PCP white kitchen appliance with the newest registration rather than a car he can enjoy.
Edited by Dyl on Monday 20th February 21:14
There seems to be a consensus of a few of us that are slightly older than the 17-20 bracket that agree with you OP, just coming up to 24, had a classic mini as my first car and got a GT86 this year, driving pleasure is a forefront to car choice for me. Used to take the long way home from work just for the drive (living in Derbyshire helps with that one) although I only live 3 miles from work now so there isn't a long way home anymore. I think there will always be a minority of "car guys" that actually like to just drive.
20 and I love driving. I've done a few supercar track experiences and driven a fair distance in stuff like a 458/GTR/12C/Gallardo Balboni/R8 V10. Next on the list is a performance driving course at the Three Sisters race circuit to begin improving my skills.
I only have a MK4 Golf though which handles like a boat, plus I'm a broke student so haven't got the funds yet for a proper drivers car. My next one definitely will be. Considering something that would be classed as a drivers car but with decent running costs and purchase price, maybe a Mk7 Fiesta ST or E90 325i Manual with an LPG conversion.
Not the fastest things out there but a good chassis and good handling is what I'll be after. For now I'm just happy being able to drive, I remember when that was literally all I used to want.
I only have a MK4 Golf though which handles like a boat, plus I'm a broke student so haven't got the funds yet for a proper drivers car. My next one definitely will be. Considering something that would be classed as a drivers car but with decent running costs and purchase price, maybe a Mk7 Fiesta ST or E90 325i Manual with an LPG conversion.
Not the fastest things out there but a good chassis and good handling is what I'll be after. For now I'm just happy being able to drive, I remember when that was literally all I used to want.
I'm just outside that bracket at 21, I'm in the lucky situation where on my uni course there are loads of guys who also love to drive/fettle, even have our own uni car club, Though we're still vastly in the minority. Most people do think we drive 'strange old cars' and wonder why we don't have 1 series' / A3s etc. but then again those people tend not to drive anyway. A lot of people our age also moan that it's too expensive to run a nice car, but at the end of the day it's all about your priorities, I don't spend much on going out etc. but that cash all goes back into the car fund 
If we believe the new Vauxhall Corsa adverts youths of today are lusting after a car that has built in WiFi.... says it all really.
I have always been car mad, I was practically counting down the days to my 17th birthday and had all my DVLA forms organised weeks in advance so that I could start having lessons as soon as possible. Passing my test was a fantastic feeling, way better than passing any other form of test I'd encountered. Having my keys and knowing that I could go for a drive whenever and having a good group of equally car mad mates meant many many random drives - there isn't a lot else to do in rural areas so going for a blast around the Forest of Dean back home via the Cruise in Cheltenham was a good night out!!
I'm of an age now where some of my friends have kids that are now learning to drive/recently passed their tests plus I have a younger sister who has just got her first car. From what I can tell they appreciate the freedom that a car gives them but none appear to have that same desire to drive places for the sake of it or try to learn additional skills. It's very much a case of I've passed my test that's enough to drive to (Insert social event)
I have always been car mad, I was practically counting down the days to my 17th birthday and had all my DVLA forms organised weeks in advance so that I could start having lessons as soon as possible. Passing my test was a fantastic feeling, way better than passing any other form of test I'd encountered. Having my keys and knowing that I could go for a drive whenever and having a good group of equally car mad mates meant many many random drives - there isn't a lot else to do in rural areas so going for a blast around the Forest of Dean back home via the Cruise in Cheltenham was a good night out!!
I'm of an age now where some of my friends have kids that are now learning to drive/recently passed their tests plus I have a younger sister who has just got her first car. From what I can tell they appreciate the freedom that a car gives them but none appear to have that same desire to drive places for the sake of it or try to learn additional skills. It's very much a case of I've passed my test that's enough to drive to (Insert social event)
We were always out and about at your age and my bedroom wall was plastered with car pics from the age of about six or seven (also had a huge collection of toy cars)
A pub gathering in Kent could easily result in a random trip to Wales, the South Coast (sleep in the cars ready for the arcades in the morning) a drive around London or simply a visit to a local 24 hr service station. It was all about the driving.
The really good thing was, there wasn't a single camera anywhere and speed traps were almost unheard of.
If you wanted to go flat out on the M1 for ages in the early AM, there was little chance of being caught.
Not that we ever did of course as that would be really naughty.
There wasn't as much traffic, either.
Happy days!
A pub gathering in Kent could easily result in a random trip to Wales, the South Coast (sleep in the cars ready for the arcades in the morning) a drive around London or simply a visit to a local 24 hr service station. It was all about the driving.
The really good thing was, there wasn't a single camera anywhere and speed traps were almost unheard of.
If you wanted to go flat out on the M1 for ages in the early AM, there was little chance of being caught.
Not that we ever did of course as that would be really naughty.
There wasn't as much traffic, either.
Happy days!
I'm 20 and have always been into driving. All I ever wanted to do was pass my test and I put a lot of hours into driving games.
At the moment I have a VW Polo GTI and a classic MGB, everyone my age thinks I'm mad having 2 cars and nobody can get their head around wanting to own a 40 year old car. The MG gets a lot of love from people my age, but nobody would want to own it
I've done a track day at Silverstone, supercar experiences and I take the long way home every day, in the summer I tend to disappear into the countryside for a few hours in the MG. We are definitely not alone but we are quite a small minority of young people
At the moment I have a VW Polo GTI and a classic MGB, everyone my age thinks I'm mad having 2 cars and nobody can get their head around wanting to own a 40 year old car. The MG gets a lot of love from people my age, but nobody would want to own it
I've done a track day at Silverstone, supercar experiences and I take the long way home every day, in the summer I tend to disappear into the countryside for a few hours in the MG. We are definitely not alone but we are quite a small minority of young people
Edited by Mr. Nice Guy on Tuesday 21st February 03:30
DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.
This is scarily familiar! Love the drive down to Largs, we always try to avoid the busy times because it tends to be a bit packed once you get down there.
Over the braes is my go-to for a quick blast, 5 minute drive from my house.
Appreciate all the replies even if I havent replied individually. Also, I didn't mean to exclude anyone with that age bracket - Its just that anyone I know that likes a decent drive is 21 or older.
Its good to hear everyone's experiences and thoughts, and glad to know I'm not the only one! I think its becoming clear that motors just aren't as popular with the youngsters anymore.
I was thinking about this on my way into work this morning and realized there is a bit of a 'Cars or football' divide. Not sure if this is limited to my group of pals, but any of them that are interested in cars aren't interested in football and vice versa. I never used to follow football at all and to an extent I still don't however turning 18 and going to the pub etc means I've sort of become used to it - dont mind going to the pub for the big games.
Its good to hear everyone's experiences and thoughts, and glad to know I'm not the only one! I think its becoming clear that motors just aren't as popular with the youngsters anymore.
I was thinking about this on my way into work this morning and realized there is a bit of a 'Cars or football' divide. Not sure if this is limited to my group of pals, but any of them that are interested in cars aren't interested in football and vice versa. I never used to follow football at all and to an extent I still don't however turning 18 and going to the pub etc means I've sort of become used to it - dont mind going to the pub for the big games.
28 now and it has always been in my top two interests along with travelling.
I live just getting in the car and driving, we have a little Triumph Spitfire here in Germany and it is brilliant (granted it doesn't work at the moment).
Only priority I have when buying a house is the garage space and garden, most of my friends just want a 'nice' car to post on social media when in reality it is a 318d, I can remember one of them calling my 330i a M3 and couldn't understand the correction! Idiot.
There is nothing quite like it ... it's your own freedom in the palm of your hand.
I live just getting in the car and driving, we have a little Triumph Spitfire here in Germany and it is brilliant (granted it doesn't work at the moment).
Only priority I have when buying a house is the garage space and garden, most of my friends just want a 'nice' car to post on social media when in reality it is a 318d, I can remember one of them calling my 330i a M3 and couldn't understand the correction! Idiot.
There is nothing quite like it ... it's your own freedom in the palm of your hand.
I’m 21, and love driving. I couldn’t wait to pass my test when I turned 17, and thanks to having a father who’s a driving instructor managed to pass four weeks after my seventeenth.
I’ve had a lot of cars since passing my test, and currently drive a modified Toyota Supra. I don’t think I’m particularly unusual in this respect either as many of my friends love cars and driving too.
From the car events I’ve been to I’ve found many likeminded young people too. Last year I drove to Austria for the annual Worthersee show, convoying with circa 50 other young people through Europe, and there was tonnes of young people at the show itself who had travelled from all over Europe and even America to be there!
I appreciate not all young people are like this, and I also have friends of similar or older age than myself who have no interest in even passing their test, let alone actually enjoying driving! But these are definitely in the minority, most people I know want to drive even if they have no interest in cars because it gives them freedom.
I still have time to convert him back to cars before he’s old enough to drive.
I’ve had a lot of cars since passing my test, and currently drive a modified Toyota Supra. I don’t think I’m particularly unusual in this respect either as many of my friends love cars and driving too.
From the car events I’ve been to I’ve found many likeminded young people too. Last year I drove to Austria for the annual Worthersee show, convoying with circa 50 other young people through Europe, and there was tonnes of young people at the show itself who had travelled from all over Europe and even America to be there!
I appreciate not all young people are like this, and I also have friends of similar or older age than myself who have no interest in even passing their test, let alone actually enjoying driving! But these are definitely in the minority, most people I know want to drive even if they have no interest in cars because it gives them freedom.
Hammy98 said:
I was thinking about this on my way into work this morning and realized there is a bit of a 'Cars or football' divide.
I have this problem with my younger brother who’s 8, and has recently got into football through his friends. He used to be into cars, probably because myself and my father are big petrolheads, and to an extent the whole family are interested in cars. But now he has no interest at all, and even refuses to go out in my Supra because it’s too loud! I still have time to convert him back to cars before he’s old enough to drive.Hammy98 said:
Bit of a strange topic here but I've thought of myself as a bit odd when it comes to driving.
Had the full wheel and pedals setup on the ps2 from what must have been age 9-10, would spend hours grinding Gran Turismo and the Colin Macrae games. Always had a love of cars etc.
I sat my test as soon as I was 17 - well a few weeks after - and I've taken every opportunity to drive ever since passing. I'm now 19 and I've noticed that there really isn't many people near my age that share the same enthusiasm I do when it comes to driving.
I've got pals that you could say are into their motors, but just because they like cars doesn't mean they like driving - if that makes sense?
I work for an IT firm in Glasgow, so my commute to work is mainly motorway, however come finishing time I ALWAYS take the long route home which is a mixture of country roads. I brought this up in the pub with a few mates the other week and the general consensus was 'Why take the long way home?'
After a sober Saturday night at the weekend I woke up earlyish Sunday, stuck the fresh pads and droplinks I'd ordered on the car, jumped in and headed up towards Loch Lomond and the Rest and be Thankful - cracking driving roads up there!
However I honestly can't think of a single person my age group who wouldn't scoff at the thought of doing that. Even seemingly 'Car mad' mates that are mechanics by trade.
Is driving just not quite as popular with young people as it used to be? I know from heading about my dad's upbringing that cars played a large part in his late teens and near enough everyone was a petrolhead. Just doesn't seem that common these days.
Apologies for the random post, started thinking about it as I'm waiting on 5 o'clock rolling round
I think it's an age and generation thing to be honest! Had the full wheel and pedals setup on the ps2 from what must have been age 9-10, would spend hours grinding Gran Turismo and the Colin Macrae games. Always had a love of cars etc.
I sat my test as soon as I was 17 - well a few weeks after - and I've taken every opportunity to drive ever since passing. I'm now 19 and I've noticed that there really isn't many people near my age that share the same enthusiasm I do when it comes to driving.
I've got pals that you could say are into their motors, but just because they like cars doesn't mean they like driving - if that makes sense?
I work for an IT firm in Glasgow, so my commute to work is mainly motorway, however come finishing time I ALWAYS take the long route home which is a mixture of country roads. I brought this up in the pub with a few mates the other week and the general consensus was 'Why take the long way home?'
After a sober Saturday night at the weekend I woke up earlyish Sunday, stuck the fresh pads and droplinks I'd ordered on the car, jumped in and headed up towards Loch Lomond and the Rest and be Thankful - cracking driving roads up there!
However I honestly can't think of a single person my age group who wouldn't scoff at the thought of doing that. Even seemingly 'Car mad' mates that are mechanics by trade. Is driving just not quite as popular with young people as it used to be? I know from heading about my dad's upbringing that cars played a large part in his late teens and near enough everyone was a petrolhead. Just doesn't seem that common these days.
Apologies for the random post, started thinking about it as I'm waiting on 5 o'clock rolling round
I absolutely adore driving, and I think I've taken from my Dad as he was much the same when he was my age. I'll often take longer routes home for the sake of the country roads on offer!
But I have few friends the same! Most of my friends are similar to yours, seemingly in to cars but I don't think they 'get' driving!
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