A short video, just over a minute long, shared on Saturday by TikTok user @__yelyyy (Anyelis Sofía) has rapidly become one of the most circulated Cuban videos of the week. It features a father teaching his daughter how to drive on the streets of Cuba, filled with a blend of shouts, warnings, and affection that countless viewers instantly recognized as relatable.
The video has amassed over 240,700 views, 10,200 likes, and nearly 2,500 shares in just two days, underscoring the strong connection it sparked among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
Throughout the clip, the father can be heard loudly instructing his daughter as she navigates the vehicle. "Go on, move a little that way, turn here, straighten up, straighten up, straighten up, damn it, straighten there," he exclaims at the beginning, setting the tone for the entire scene.
The recurring theme of the lesson is the use of the brake. "The brake, brake, brake gently, let the car go on its own," the father advises, repeating the instruction with a mix of urgency that swings between desperation and unintentional humor.
Between maneuvers, the father also reacts to another driver crossing unexpectedly: "That girl, how she got in there, buddy, go on, take it over there," a comment that drew laughter in the comments section.
A standout moment in the video is when the father cautions about children playing in the street: "Brake, brake for the kids, the kids, they jump out and don't know. That's a danger around here because kids playing in the street can suddenly appear."
The video concludes with an encouraging line that encapsulates the spirit of the entire scene: "You've got this, relax, you'll learn."
This informal practice of family members teaching driving in neighborhoods is a widespread tradition in Cuba. The high cost and scarcity of driving schools lead many to rely on this method before taking official driving exams.
Such scenes have gone viral before. In July 2025, a Cuban man taught his wife to drive a truck "after 256 attempts," and in May of the same year, a Cuban woman rented a car to teach her cognitively impaired brother to drive, both videos garnering thousands of reactions as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Driving Culture
Why do Cubans often teach family members to drive?
Due to the high costs and lack of availability of formal driving schools in Cuba, many families opt to teach driving skills informally within their communities.
What makes these driving lessons so relatable?
The combination of earnest attempts, humorous exchanges, and familiar family dynamics resonate with many, making these lessons a shared cultural experience for Cubans.