Usually there are no special problems with drive shafts. Their service life depends, of course, on driving style. Sharp knocks with full throttle and hardened front wheels or slipping of the drive wheels lead to premature breakdowns.
The drive shaft joints mainly show their malfunctions by the presence of jerks, which, however, can then completely disappear, and «quiet phase» can last for quite a long time.
Characteristic are rhythmic beating and clicking noises when applying gas and when shifting gears. If their tone also changes depending on the angle of rotation, then the hinge at the wheel is faulty (external).
Vibration and shaking in the steering wheel when the wheels are turned also indicate damage to the outer (external) hinge.