Apparently at some point I will get into a car, the penny will drop and I will be able to drive like a dream.
I remain unconvinced that this is true.
The current pattern is me having a half-way decent lesson, in which I don’t stall or nearly kill us, followed a few days later by an hour-long series of disasters that wouldn’t be out of place in a Mr Bean series.
Everyone who tells me about this mythical moment of enlightenment smiles knowingly when I say this and repeats the fact that it will all come together.
If this is true, my question is when? I have limited funds to get me through this motoring mission. What if the money runs out before this karmic moment of realisation? Will I forever be doomed to saving, learning and having to stop before the penny drops?
I really hope not.
Now I have had a few lessons in which I actually feel like a driver I want to be able to feel like that every time I sit in a car.
I enjoy the experience more as time goes on.
I still don’t like other people though. I’m guessing that will never change.
There is no kharmic moment. It’s all about just following instructions and jumping through the relevant hoops.
If driving were like acting, actually driving would be film and learning or passing your test would be stage – all movements are exaggerated in a manner you’d never really do, just so the instructor or examiner can see you doing something.
Rollo’s right. No-one checks their mirrors like that in real life. There’s no need. I know people for whom it never came together who still, even having passed their test, live in fear of driving. These people need to man up. I suggest going out on the bypass, sticking the car in a low gear and listening to the engine scream before changing up. This is a great way to learn about gear changes, braking etc. Once your reactions have acclimatised to the high speed thrills of a dual carriageway, driving slowly will seem much easier.
The day the penny drops is a little like learning to fly. All you have to do is miss the ground.