Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

Although I myself drive an automatic, I remember struggling to push some guys BMW automatic stuck in the snow round where I live. Like Joe says, this fellow was cursing the fact, that a manual would have been so much easier for traction.

Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

That's true, there is a reciprocal agreement between Canada and UK, but I think it is still the law that you can only drive on your own licence for 12 months in either country. After that you have to take a driving test appropriate for the country you are living in if you intend to stay longer than 12 months. That was why I had to take the Canadian driving test and I believe it is the same situation for Canadians staying in the UK longer than 12 months.

Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

Yes, agree with that as well.

Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

I see your point Joe, but most modern autos have some built in little gizmos to help the driver in bad conditions. The problem with driving in snow and ice though, I think lies in the lack of training, and lack of understanding of the difference in driving techniques required. To the bad driver then, whether manual or automatic wouldn't make any difference without having the understanding of what is required. Ironically, to the good driver who has understanding of what is required it wouldn't matter either! (if you get my drift).

Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

When we were in Canada I found out what real snow was. The snow was really big snow, which kept coming all winter. Once it became compacted it stayed there until the Spring thaw came. I used to work until 10.00pm and sometimes I was quite scared getting home on my own. The cold was also unbelievable at night and when there was a true "white out" even the city was bad. Everyone just dealt with it and things kept moving. There was not much option but to drive and I was pleased to have a big automatic car, built like a tank with snow chains on. I don't think I would want to do it now.

Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

Montreal? Bite your tongue!
Our Federal Government is in Ottawa, Ontario - NOT Montreal.
Further, drivers licenses are issued by each province; not the Federal Government.

And yes ClaireMarie, as some have stated, the pedal arrangement is the same as here in Canada. For ease of manufacturing, the drive train of cars is the same, regardless of which side the driver operates the vehicle. In other words, the transmission and shift linkage are set up the same, with the shifter in the centre of the car. As such, the shift pattern is also the same (except reverse, which varies by manufacturer) in the standard H pattern with 1st being top left, etc.

Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

OMG huge big humble apologies FP

But I assume that if each province issues it's own driving licence, the Federal government (In Ottowa) has negotiated the reciprocal agreement with EU or is it only the UK

Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

I think (but am not sure) Losos that each Province or Territory has its own regulations, including the level of reciprocal agreement with other countries. When we were living there each Province issued its own number plates which stayed with the person rather than the vehicle. I'm not sure how that works, but I still have mine - I brought them back as a keepsake.

Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

hahaha. Losos, no worries. We have this rivalry between Ontario and Quebec hence my bristling at Montreal.

Re: Question about standard cars or stick shift cars in England

I'm sure you are right, I've just highlighted this because here (In mainland Europe) Americans can not just call in to the local Dept. of transport and swap their licence, it's been a hot topic on the local ex-pats forum and our American cousins are not happy about it they especially don't like seeing the Brits and Germans walking in and changing over their licence in a matter of minutes

Allegedly (And here I'm just repeating what has been said on the forum) the reason is that Uncle Sam in his wisdom decreed that individual states can not negotiate with overseas governments, but as in Canada it is the regional states (or provinces, or whatever) that actually issue the licence.

Shall we just say that it seems the Canadians are one step ahead of the game here