Powered by Blogger.

The Honest Truth: What Nobody Tells You About Driving


I knew that my practical driving test was going to be harder than the theory. I knew I was better at learning from a book over physically driving a car. But with only two attempts, I passed my driving test! *woop woop*

Honestly, it was terrifying. And the money that I've spent on driving lessons, insurance, driving tests, etc, makes me feel sick. But I'm now carrying a pink driving license and having frequent amounts of panic while sitting in my little Clio on the main road - after stalling.

I didn't start to learn to drive until I was 20, and it took me 18 months of on and off learning to pass. Learning to drive, also, involved me having to change instructors - which is scary and you feel a sense of obligation to someone you were paying to spend time around. But, I found the right driver for me. She used diagrams and kept going over past mistakes, so I could get them right. Although, in August she told me she was going to be given up, suddenly I was booking my driving lesson, and franticaly booking driving lessons (all while my student loan dwindle away and I couldn't find a job). First test: failed. Two hazards. I, also, stalled a LOT. I was so incredibly nervous. Second Test: I was still nervous, but my only aim was to have a comfortable drive with a complete stranger in the car. My biggest problem was being in a confirmed space with someone who I didn't know. And, I did it! I passed and didn't cry at the examiner. Win-Win. My biggest problem before my tests was doubting my ability, even though I knew I was a good & safe driver - I would scare myself with the worst case scenario thoughts.

But, now I'm traveling on the road ALONE. And sometimes I find the idea terrifying, other times I cruise around and don't think twice about what I'm doing. Overall it's easier than I initially thought. But here is my list of 'things' that nobody tells you about driving:

1) Driving in and out of where you live is the easy part, getting beyond the first junction is where the fear kicks in.

2) It's lonely driving on your own without the radio on. But when the radio is on, you'll get carried away singing or lost in thought and question how you've driven so far without crashing or causing any accidents for the past 10 miles.

3) Parking. You have to plan where to park. You have to plan a route that means you have more than one parking option, and then you'll still freak out when I road is randomly closed and you park a 20-minute walk from work. Essentially saving you no time after choosing to drive or walk to work.

4) You feel really badass the first time you drive somewhere alone. I cannot express the euphoria I felt. Magical.

5) Your car will be a lot older, and completely different to drive. When you're learning to drive you're in a brand new, top of the range, fancy car. Suddenly you're driving a 15yr old Renault with wonky steering. You're pretty much learning to drive again, with an older car.

- KayleighBickle

No comments