Our Cars: Charlotte Cobbs
21 November 2011:
Breakthrough
Having had bad lesson after bad lesson after bad lesson lately, so much so I can’t remember my last good one, I’d like to tell you that today’s lesson broke that cycle. And, I’m glad to say, I can.
Without the pressure of mock tests or whatever else Vaughan wants to spring on me, I managed to do “a nice drive for the first half an hour” of the lesson, according to my instructor. Cool, even though we may have only driven around the usual haunts that we do on nearly every lesson, so they should be as comfortable as an old pair of slippers to me.
And, thinking about it, Vaughan did comment “that’s the most relaxed I’ve seen you, bearing in mind you were talking all the way through it”. I don’t normally drive well if I’m talking at the same time, you see. So, either I’m a good actress, because I could still feel the ever-present tension weighing my shoulders down, or I’m more comfortable driving these roads than my body likes to acknowledge. Either way, it’s still a start.
Not to put a downer on things, but my “relaxation” may have given me a false sense of confidence as, let’s not forget, I’m a learner - so mistakes will still happen. Today’s one involved a driving pet hate of mine. And, no, it wasn’t a cyclist as you may be thinking, because it has been the last few times.
It was a bus, instead, having to veer onto my side of the road to avoid some parked cars as it came off a roundabout. I saw it but I was more focused on the old woman on my left that was about to walk out in front of me. It was exactly what you would expect to see in a hazard perception video on the theory test. Vaughan had to steer the car out of the way and, surprise, surprise, he got me to pull over to talk about it afterwards.
When we set off again, Vaughan directed onto a country lane and then a dual carriageway. I hadn’t driven on these roads for a while so it took a minute or two for my brain (my surgically-enhanced brain, don’t forget) to register where I was and what I needed to do. Then I was off.
I had a minor issue with trying to keep the car straight in my lane and it took really concentration. But, we both came out of that lesson safe and sound, with smiles on our faces for the first time in a long time, which are the most important things!
« Earlier: Really!?
Later: That's better »
Updates
After a quick drive in the area around the test centre it was time to put all that practice to use, and take my practical test...
Today's lesson, rather infuriatingly, involved a lot of traffic jams and red lights.
This lesson was at a busy time in town, which was pretty stressful!
Today I drove on some unfamiliar roads, but with my confidence improving that wasn't too off putting
In this lesson I had to deal with various unusual situations, as well as practice on the dual carriageway.
Today we simulated the independent driving element of the driving test, heading to a new little village.
This lesson things were a little different, and the change made me drive in a more relaxed way - so what's new?
I had a bad feeling about this lesson before it even started, and I struggled with some country lanes before learning emergency stops.
After a Christmas break my confidence was booming, with the curious side effect of me speeding by mistake.
After some trouble of the past few lessons I was surprised by the good progress I made today.
Today I spent my lesson trying to maintain a set distance between the kerb and the car. It didn't go all that well.
This lesson involved more reversing around corners, something I'm continuing to struggle with.
Last lesson, Vaughan set me some homework to practice my manoeuvres. Great! Just what I want to do…
After having been on what can only be called a bumpy road for the last couple of weeks, things started to smooth out again today.
21 November 2011: Breakthrough
After a series of bad lessons, this week I made a breakthrough.
In this lesson I was rather surprised to have to take a mock driving test. But how did I get on?
In this lesson I practiced hill starts and reversing around corners - but I also encountered one of my pet hates.
My leisurely drive along the A27 was ruined by an inattentive - or perhaps impatient - removal van driver this week.
Having started a new academic year, I hadn’t been able to get behind the wheel, so you can imagine how great it felt when I finally got the chance after two weeks, despite tinges of apprehension.
Recently I was very lucky to be invited to Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, which became a real eye-opener for me.
It seems some things are never straightforward - like buying your first car. As I found out!
Learning to drive has been hanging over my head since I was 17 but I haven't had the confidence. However, now it's time to bite the bullet.
