my third driving lesson was yesterday after work. i spent most of the time (they're 2 hour lessons) driving. the first 20+ minutes, instructor had me drive around the area where the test is actually given. i was surprised to hear that the test usually lasts no more than 10-15 minutes. no wonder there are so many car accidents. i wonder if the percentage of accidents would decrease if the test were a little longer and if it was mandatory for everyone applying for a driver's license to take a few driving lessons from a professional instructor.
anyhow, those first 20+ minutes behind the wheel, i'm pretty brain dead. up is down, left is right and i feel very overwhelmed. it takes me about that long to just warm up to driving, to get a feel for the car...to sharpen my brain and focus on what is being asked of me. i guess if i'm going to have a tough time, it's better to have someone in the car with me.
anyhow, once i got more comfortable, it was off to the parking lot to practice manuevering around the cones. my turns suck. my judgement of how much space i have when i'm making a lefthand turn sucks. i turn the wheel too much and too soon. at least i'm aware of it. driving around the cones seemed more difficult this time around then during my first lesson...go figure. all in all, i could use a little more confidence too. after the cone lesson, it was back to the road and through very narrow streets with tons of pedestrians and too many stop signs. i'm a wuss when it comes to stop signs. i really have to be a little bit more aggressive, when it's my turn, i really need to just go and not worry so much that i might get hit. then it was onto the expressway. yes, i drove on the expressway with tons of other traffic...it was a little nerve wracking but i did it anyway and shushed the instructor when he said that i was driving on the expressway. he was excited for me. i have to say, it was easier than driving on those damned narrow roads with a stop sign at every corner and pedestrians everywhere. plus, it was night-time. i have a feeling that i'm going to be a less than stellar night driver. but i guess, it takes getting used to.
the fourth lesson will be parallel parking...joy-joy. i suppose i'll get through that too.
i'm still surprised at myself...that i'm actually driving..in traffic, on busy streets. i wonder how many folks from my past would be shocked.
;-) before i turn 40, it seems i'm taming some huge demons...
i guess it's true, it's never too late.
~~~
i will make updates and keep up with my diary and others that i read, while at home. no more at work. i don't trust those folk.
ciao&meow.