I had my first driving lesson in my new city tonight. (The time on this entry has gone wierd, I am actually posting this on Saturday the 7th…)
Yes, I finally got myself back behind the wheel. I grew a bit sick of myself in regards to how I was putting it off and I was also growing aware that my theory test would expire next year*- and would not be so easy to retake when working. I also knew that financially I am in a place now, after two months of having a salary, to afford it. I am also aware that part of my job is to travel to site or training, which I can’t do easily now. Basically – I needed to man up and get on with it. I knew that. So one evening last week I just sat down, did some googling, found a school that looked good and that was affordable and sent an email off to them. No hesitancy- I was going to get on with it. The next day they replied and by mid-week this week I had a lesson arranged. I was so glad they could fit me in so quickly, before my determination had withered.
I was super nervous for tonight anyway though- what if I’d forgotten everything? But its weird how not strange it all felt. I was a bit shaky on the pedals and a bit hesitant on my gear changes from lack of practice, and I did make some mistakes judging hazards. But otherwise I could still drive mostly independent from the instructor. It felt so weirdly familiar. I keep using the word weird, but that is the best word I can think of. I was not expecting to remember so much.
I was still shocked when at the end of the lesson she said I was test ready. I don’t feel test ready (and once she sees my manoeuvres and my roundabouts and struggles with 5th gear probably she won’t either…) I also don’t feel confident in this city. So she said that it would be probably best to spend a few months building up confidence, practising where they would take me on the test to do so. Which sounds like a good plan.
I swear, if everything had gone badly tonight and she had turned to me and said “you’ve driven before?” I would have just given up. This is a nice confidence booster. I just hope next week goes as well! (And that I can still parallel park.)
(*The UK drivers test is made up of a theory test and a practical test. Once the theory test is taken and passed the pass certificate is valid for two years.)