I didn't know there was a stereotype about bad drivers but maybe in California or other places, that is said. Obviously, it meant something for her to state that "she CAN drive a car".
There WAS quite an hilarious time in California in the late 70s-early 80s when a lot of refugees had come from Vietnam, fleeing communism.
Often short of stature, new to driving, they could be seen creeping along at 35 miles per hour in a 55 mph speed zone on the freeways.
And people jokes a lot at the time. But now those refugees' children are likely to be doctors, dentists, engineers and business owners. Those I know tend to favor Lexus.