Tell us about your FIRST license.

[upflying]

Like the OP, my first Ca DL was 41 years ago, flimsy paper, black and white with a photo in profile. That was done so bars could tell if you were a minor at a glance.
My first car was '55 VW Bug, full throttle was 65 mph.
I got marked down by the driving examiner for failing to stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk. The ped was on the other side of the street but I still managed to pass on the first attempt..
40 years ago was also when my dream car was brand new, '69 Plymouth Hemi Roadrunner. Couldn't afford it at my minimum wage job pumping gas for $1.65 an hour.
Unfortunately I still can't afford a '69 Hemi Roadrunner. I am guessing they go for $100,000 or more now.

[1CAMSS]

i received my license (permit) when i was a teen and scored 100% on the driving test! i just had to have someone over 18 with me in the car to drive for a while. but i never followed that rule! lol!

[ComayroLouver]

I have mine (permit) now i scored 95% on written test you take b4 you get permit.

[jrkilburn]

Turned 16 on Dec 13th, got my permit on that day. Took driving test on the 14th. Passed with flying colors on a snow covered course too in a 1989 Berretta GT.

Got my first ticket on the 15th doing 51 in a 25. Cop gave me a break and told me doubling the speed limit was an automatic suspension for 30 days, he reduced it to 49. Cost me $225.10.

ahhhh....those were the days....

[bluetooth-ss]

Got my learners permit in late 90 and my Liscencse in 91 they were both laminated paper and my liscence had a big,yellow under 21 stamped on it. Passed the test the first time in my dad's 1980 Buick Park Avenue.

[Ivas]

Originally Posted by todrules

Have a happy birthday.

My first license I got in GA back in the mid-80s. It was laminated. So, me being the stupid teenager that I was decided to try and change around the birthday so I could buy beer. Of course, I got caught and got into a lot of trouble.

It's funny you mention lamination and date changing. I did the same thing successfully with my draft card, all males were required to carry their card along with their other ID, or face the consequences, after the 3 year boost in age, I laminated the thing. It always worked to buy beer or go to nudie bars.

[Ivas]

Originally Posted by pennor

I got my first license in Oregon when I was 16. Let's see, that would have been in 1964! Ours were a simple piece of paper with our age, height, weight, type of license and a number. I still have the same number by the way. We didn't have pictures on them back then at all. They were not considered valid ID for alcohol purposes either. Probably because there was no picture. You needed what we called an OLCC card if you were under 26 to by alcohol. That is if anyone bother to check which they seldom did.

I also had a Oregon driver's license, although I seem to recall that it was called a permit to drive. Yeah, it had no picture. I got it in Medford. I had studied for the test so much that I aced the driving test. I remember that there were differences in Oregon rules from California ones. The Inspector had me go to an intersection on a two way street where we stopped at a red light crossing a one way street. He said, "Go left." I did, during the red light. He smiled and gave me the nod. That was very un-Californian. I loved it.

[Ivas]

Originally Posted by paulsandhu

Happy Birthday!

I got mine in 2001. It was only a Learners (class 7L) but here in BC with the Graduated Licence Program even those licenses have a picture. Had rules too, zero alcohol, can't drive between midnight and 5 am had to have a supervisor in the car with you (they had to be over the age of 25 and have a valid class 5) and a limit of one extra passenger. Also you have to put a big red L magnet on the back of your car.

After the obligatory 6 months Learners period (its a year now) we get a Novice license (class 7). Same rules apply except no need for a supervisor and you can drive between midnight and 5 am. Plus you upgrade to a green N magnet! Back then it was only a 1.5 year period, its two years now and you are only allowed 1 non-relative of your own age in the car. Family members are not excempt regardless of age. Its a messed up system I know.

After the 1.5 years I finally got to take the class 5 road test and since 2003 have been magnet and restriction free! lol

System sounds annoying and such, but its designed to save lives and it has helped.

Thanks for the birthday greeting!

Wow! What they gave you sounds hardly worth having; the system of licensing has become fascist. My license in 1970 was the equal of every other driver on the road. Nobody would've put up with the whittled down version the "authorities" foisted on you. It's an outrage!

[Dmerk]

Originally Posted by Ivas

Thanks for the birthday greeting!

Wow! What they gave you sounds hardly worth having; the system of licensing has become fascist. My license in 1970 was the equal of every other driver on the road. Nobody would've put up with the whittled down version the "authorities" foisted on you. It's an outrage!

Definitely went through this system as well. The magnets are hideous, they scratch the car and never stay on, and they can take away your license and start the 2 year program all over if you fail to have it clearly displayed on your car! This system has been around BC for a long time.

[427Carl]

Mr Mum had to sign my 1st licence

[oldfriend]

Had mine at first in 07/04/ 1776

[Ivas]

Originally Posted by oldfriend

Had mine at first in 07/04/ 1776

Could your real name be George Washington?

[1CAMSS]

Originally Posted by oldfriend

Had mine at first in 07/04/ 1776

1776????

[rharp]

Got mine in 1985.

I remember taking the test in my parents 77 impala.
The instuctor took points because I didn't yield in time
but I didn't have a choice, that car was so huge you had to
stick the nose half way through the intersection before you could see anything.