Hour 15 + 16

Just come back from my 8th double lesson. Which surprisingly was a good lesson.

I was able to park into bays, with no problems at all. Did it three times brilliantly (even if i say so myself)

Did some reversing around corners to, which was a bit more difficult.

I asked my driver if when it comes to booking my test, could he book it without me knowing. I'd prefer not to know when it was, as I know I will get myself into a right pickle in the lead upto it. He is gonna think on it and get back to me.

Next week is more practise with the manoeuvres and then the following week we are off to to the town where I will be taking my test

My log book for my car arrived today, so she is officially mine

Positive Attitude

Just took the family over to see my eldest son. It was his 23rd Birthday today. He lives about 6 miles away, and I drove. Dealt with two roundabouts and drove on the main A road, managed to keep under the speed limit, just as well as there are two speed cameras on the way. Actually I was quite alot under the speed limit, quite a few cars were over taking me, but hey - I dont care.

I tried to go with a positive attitude, and I think it helped. Hubby drove home, but I was very pleased with what I achieved tonight.

My Birthday

As my Punto was my birthday pressie from Hubby, thought we ought to go for a ride in her. Hubby drove down to a shopping precinct and I drove around the car park, getting used to pulling away from a stop position. This is something that has played on my mind for a while, since finding out the way I am being taught to pull away is not correct. I am being told not to use and gas, so everytime I stall the car. So I drove around for about 20 minutes, stopping and starting, didnt stall the car once - think this proves my point!

Then we popped in Morrisons for a fry-up breakfast - yummy in my tummy

mindgames

I know I have had only 14 hours of driving lessons, but I can not believe how nervous i am getting. I know I am a 41 year old who lacks in self confidence and generally am quite a nervy sort of person. But my nerves are getting the better of me. I dread getting into the car, I dread junctions. I dread driving.

I so want to enjoy my lessons and feel some form of achievement when i get home, except all I do is dwell on the stuff I did wrong or couldnt do.

My next lesson isnt until next Thursday, and if I think about it, I get butterflies in my stomach already

Also feeling a bit of pressure, now that i have my own car, that I should enjoy it and should be doing well. But I am sure I am doing rubbish, I keep having mental blocks, my co-ordination is crap and the whole thing is doing my head in.

Everyone saying "your doing so well" and "you sound like a natural", just makes me feel that I have given everyone the wrong impression about my driving skills. Yes i did fantastically well in the Theory, but practical is proving to be VERY VERY difficult.

Night Driving

Went for a 10 minute drive in the dark yesterday evening. Didnt find the darkness a problem.

Wish the car ran a bit more smoothly, I had moved the seat back a notch, because of the pain I got in my foot last time I drove. And Hubby seems to think I didnt seem to have enough pressure on the gas peddle. Anyway after 10 minutes, I lost my nerve and asked Hubby to take over.

I really hope i can master this, I dont want to start hating my car .... which I am afraid I may do, real soon.

Another lesson cancelled

Just had a phonecall from instructor, to change lesson from 9am to 2pm this Friday. I told him it wasnt convenient and therefore havent got a lesson this week. Cant deal with a 2pm lesson, gives me hours to get myself into a pickle. Next one on Hubbys birthday, 29th March.

Sunday Drive

Well I took Feeby out for a spin, we went about 14 miles. Few hick-ups but then again its a different car, with a more powerful engine. First hick-up was the magnetic L plate blew off the front and we had to stop and chase after it. Then drove off into a little village with a VERY sharp left turning, I almost lost control of the car, nearly ended up in someones living room. Had a bit of a cramp in the front of my right foot, perhaps the seat on the car needs adjusting.

Theory Test

I PASSED
Mulitple Choice 35/35
Hazard Perception 64/75
I cant believe it

Its Arrived

MY CAR IS HERE, havent had a drive in it yet, as it was quite late when it arrived yesterday. Might whizz it round the block later, Hectic day tomorrow with Theory. Sunday morning looks the most hopeful for a proper ride.Managed to drive it from the back of the house to the front, went up over the curb, as it does not have power steering. But that wont beat me.

Reversing

(Learning Hours, 13 + 14) Driving lesson went well. Bit of reversing, three point turns, parallel parking and emergency stops. Brand new car, wouldnt start unless i gave it some excelleration. Didnt have to on old one.

6th Lesson

(Learning Hours, 11 + 12) Back from driving lesson, didnt do any reversing today, thats gonna be next week. Done more roundabouts today. I managed to stall right in the middle of the busiest roundabout in town - whoops. Told him i had a new car, and asked him what i should practise, he said just driving generally, no need to any fancy stuff. Its just a case of gaining confidence on the road.