~light of the world~

Monday, December 29, 2008

Yep, so as the title says, I had my first driving lesson today. Sadly, my driving instructor speaks Chinese, but I'll get by.

It comprised a quick run-through of the parts of the car, including lights and mirror adjustments and stuff. I was really scared to get into the driver's seat. When you've sat WITH the driver your entire life, sitting in that seat is terrible.

Then for a while I practised going forward in first gear, braking, then reversing, braking, and repeat. I hate the clutch. I can't find the in between part for clutch and accelerator, and I can't put the right pressure on the accelerator to maintain the speed I want!

After that, he let me try turning round the carpark, turning left, that is. The carpark was more like a bus/big vehicle-park, mostly empty, with about two other learner cars. I had the bad habit of letting the wheel slide back, like my father does, but apparently you can't do that. I also tend to lock my arms crisscross, instead of shifting the hands.

I had bad problems trying to turn and not unconsciously increase the pressure on the accelerator at the same time. So thankfully he went into 2nd gear, so I didn't need to depress it anymore. I then stupidly asked to try turning right. I didn't realise that turning right requires a larger turn than turning left does, in that carpark. So it became harder, and I did it badly! Oh no!

Bah. And I want to point out that the argument by my father that driving has to be easier than A levels is void. I have never driven in my life, as opposed to the approximate 12 years of education preparing me for my A levels.

I've got another lesson tomorrow. I hope I don't crash.

xuan blogged at 9:33 PM

May your light shine...
in the darkness...