Nora took me on last night as my driving instructor.  We left my house at nearly 10pm to go driving.  My dad expressed concern that I, novice driver, was going out this late at night and I responded that I had to go because I needed practice.  I went to my mom since she had already been told that I’d be going later at night, she took it in stride, her only inquiry was who was taking me out.

So I said my goodbyes and headed off.  My dad stopped me and said “You heard what I said right?” (concerning my going out late).  I replied that I did and but I need my practice.  He then said “Well, I really don’t think this is a good idea”, so I told him to tell me not to go and I wouldn’t.  He didn’t so off I went.

[They are so cute:  parents never stop worrying, do they?]

So we went off to the drivetest area again and I think I drove a bit better.  There is a portion of the road, where at least three people have died and so there are crosses and flowers dropped off at the sites.  I find this sobering and I have a tendency to weave when driving in that area.  It sort of spooks me.

Another day, another excellent instructor!  Nora was very calm and very instructive:  she taught me the difference between straightening my wheels and straightening my car!  I didn’t actually know there was a difference before [ahem:  novice].  She also taught me how to make an emergency stop and I learned that it’s bad to turn the wheels of the car while said car is stationary!  Who knew?

She patiently took me through reversing into a parking spot and stood out in the cold while I attempted to parallel park.  Even though she makes a good car bumper, I discovered that I need a real car ahead of me before I get an idea of how to parallel park.

She had mentioned earlier that she should act like an instructor, staring at me and giving me directions but she didn’t…until we were heading home.  It was unexpected when she said “Ok, make the next right”, then “Do a three point turn”, then “Make the next left”, “Do a u-turn”, etc.

It was cool!  She said I didn’t appear flustered by the directions so that’s a good thing.  Two hours later, I’m in debt to another good friend who was up till midnight helping me learn how to drive well.

I’m more confident now than ever, but I also still have a healthy fear of what the true test will be like.

Filed under: Friends, Goals by jummy