After last week's rather disastrous lesson I was determined to reassure John, and myself, that actually I can drive. For the most part I achieved my goal. I learnt today that I can also reverse, pretty damn easily thank you. This discovery makes sense to me as I have always been adept at going backwards!
Reversing requires careful steering, clutch control and keeping an eye out for other drivers-all things I have had problems with in the past- but which apparently I do instinctively if I'm going backwards.
Out on the open road I was back to my old self, the one who can nearly drive and is improving all the time.
I usually change gears without being told, and I have regained my clutch control-thank God for that, I think John did.
Overtaking giant trucks on the A19 has become quite fun as opposed to scary, although being 5'4 makes me think I can squeeze through spaces without taking into account the dimensions of the car.
I did another 3-point turn, although John had to remind me to look in both directions whilst doing so.
There were still a few little slip-ups, I stalled a couple of times and I lost concentration once I was almost home.
I also need to work on my spatial awareness-never a strong point of mine but essential when driving.
You know when people ask if you were dropped on your head as a child? Well I was-not on purpose of course, and not by my parents I hasten to add. I also cracked my head open on a number of occasions through various childhood mishaps. In fact to date the only bone I've ever broken is my skull. But this particular part of my anatomy has been bumped and bruised more times than I can count.
According to a psychologist I encountered whilst at college, this has damaged the parts of my brain that work out directions and spatial awareness. It also provides me with a brilliant excuse for getting lost. However it does make it more difficult for me to remember routes and, as anyone who has driven with me in their passenger seat will testify, damn near impossible for me to give accurate directions, unless I really concentrate.
I am confident this little quirk of mine will not stop me from becoming an excellent driver because I learn best by doing things myself, rather than watching or listening to someone else, and driving is all about active learning. Plus I am determined and do not take failure well.
I'm off to read the Highway Code and do some theory questions.
First published on http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/gazette-communities/ts5-acklam-and-linthorpe/ on 19/6/07
No comments:
Post a Comment