I grew u learning to drive in nyc , starting with drivers Ed in high school.
Knew every pothole on the FDR by heart, from the Brooklyn bridge up to Washington heights.
My big joy of life was flying up or down the long one way avenues, say, third, or Madison, and hitting all the lights for twenty or more blocks. Not possible on Park because it’s two way, so u eventually hit a light. Big concern in picking routes.
Nowadays I guess it’s all waze.