How was my driving after almost a months absence? Well rusty at best.
It took me a while to get back into the swing of it. Although, regarding the title, I was not responsible for any of it. Promise.
Today my instructor, John, decided we were going to Castleton. Having never been, I appreciated the gorgeous green scenery, but not so much the abundance of wildlife trying to cross the road.
Animals seem to have very few self-preservation instincts. Despite the road kill decorating the tarmac, Sheep, pheasants, grouse and a deer still thought it was a good idea to try their luck against the cars. Even against a learner driver with suspect steering.
Suicidal pheasants aside, this lesson was certainly a challenge. I had windy single lane roads, speed bumps, cyclists, a tractor, a small accident which was slowing down traffic, several sheep and even a couple of ramblers to content with.
5th gear also proved elusive for a time, but I never had a problem with that particular gear before so soon got the hang of it again.
John wanted to know why I can avoid all these death-wish inflicted animals, but still drift too close to the roadside on a regular basis. Well John, if the roadside was covered in furry creatures odds are I'd avoid it no problem.
I am definitely improving though. I'm learning to judge how much to brake, keeping an eye on my speed and looking all the way down the road.
My problem now is the same as Boro last season, inconsistency. Sometimes I manage to change gears, check my mirrors, signal and steer perfectly round the roundabout. The next minute I'll look at the speedometer for too long and end up drifting into the wrong lane.
If I improve next week, we are off to the seaside. I'm trying the power of positive thinking, so Whitby here I come!
First published on http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/gazette-communities/ts5-acklam-and-linthorpe/ on 25/5/07
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