I am just crap at doing manoeuvres. We drove all the way to Taunton to practise. So the next two lessons we are staying in my town and gonna do nothing but parallel parking, reversing round corners etc. Which is great cos I really do need more practise.
My instructor is gonna book my test, he is not gonna tell me when its for, I just have to be prepared and take driving license and theory certificate with me every lesson, as soon as he tells me that it is booked. That way I don't have weeks and weeks to worry over it.
He will just pick me up as usual and off to the test centre we will go!
Today was lesson hour 29 & 30
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
Thursday, 17 May 2007
Lesson hour 27 & 28
Really Good Lesson, actually quite enjoyed it.
Drove to and through Taunton, which is much busyier than my town. Yes I still stalled the car a few times by not giving enough gas when pulling away. But I am really proud of how it went today.
Even got to talking about booking my test. Said it wont be long, and there is already a 6 week waiting list, so I recon by the summer holidays are here, I will be attempting it.
Today I even had to park in a public car park for real, whilst my instructor popped into a shop - cheeky monkey!!
No lesson next week, as my instuctor is off golfing, but I have another booked for the following week on the Wednesday
At least I am smiling today, after my lesson, which is a major improvement on last weeks
Drove to and through Taunton, which is much busyier than my town. Yes I still stalled the car a few times by not giving enough gas when pulling away. But I am really proud of how it went today.
Even got to talking about booking my test. Said it wont be long, and there is already a 6 week waiting list, so I recon by the summer holidays are here, I will be attempting it.
Today I even had to park in a public car park for real, whilst my instructor popped into a shop - cheeky monkey!!
No lesson next week, as my instuctor is off golfing, but I have another booked for the following week on the Wednesday
At least I am smiling today, after my lesson, which is a major improvement on last weeks
Thursday, 10 May 2007
Driving Lesson, hours 25 & 26
Well it was such a bad lesson, anyone would think it was only hour 3.
I kept forgetting to look in rear view mirror, forgetting to put the clutch down when i was braking, therefore stalling about 6 times.
I couldnt get anything right today.
I think my instructor could tell I was a bit dis-heartened, cos he said that we would still plod on and for me not to loose any sleep over this morning.
I did do staggered junctions today, and I think I did them okay.
Will be driving through Taunton town centre next week, lots of slow moving traffic!!
I kept forgetting to look in rear view mirror, forgetting to put the clutch down when i was braking, therefore stalling about 6 times.
I couldnt get anything right today.
I think my instructor could tell I was a bit dis-heartened, cos he said that we would still plod on and for me not to loose any sleep over this morning.
I did do staggered junctions today, and I think I did them okay.
Will be driving through Taunton town centre next week, lots of slow moving traffic!!
Monday, 7 May 2007
Good Bye Punto
I have decided to sell my car. I am not giving up learning, its just that my car does not have power steering, it has a larger engine than I am learning in, and I havent even sat behind the steering wheel in it, for 5 weeks now.
It seems such a waste.
So I have a buyer, he is giving me the same price as Hubby paid for it, so we havent lost out there.
I will spend £100 on myself (as the car was a birthday present) and bank the rest, for when i do pass my test and then put it towards another one. One i can test drive myself!!
Hubby bought me that one with the best intentions, but its just not suited to me, and the pain in my foot whilst I am driving it is horrendous.
It seems such a waste.
So I have a buyer, he is giving me the same price as Hubby paid for it, so we havent lost out there.
I will spend £100 on myself (as the car was a birthday present) and bank the rest, for when i do pass my test and then put it towards another one. One i can test drive myself!!
Hubby bought me that one with the best intentions, but its just not suited to me, and the pain in my foot whilst I am driving it is horrendous.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Driving Lesson hours 23 & 24
Just got back from todays lesson. Didnt go too bad, bearing in mind I havent driven in 2 weeks.
I also havent driven my own car in about 4 weeks. Think I will sell it as I am not comfortable driving it, it has no power steering and the accelorator pedal gives me cramp in the front of my foot. Its such a waste of a car, sat there doing nothing. I can always get another one, when and if I pass my test.
Well today we dealt with narrow roads with cars parked both sides, and having to deal with oncoming traffic. I think i got there in the end.
Much the same next week he says.
Also have a problem going from 5th gear into 4th, keep going into 2nd. Gotta practise that lots too.
I also havent driven my own car in about 4 weeks. Think I will sell it as I am not comfortable driving it, it has no power steering and the accelorator pedal gives me cramp in the front of my foot. Its such a waste of a car, sat there doing nothing. I can always get another one, when and if I pass my test.
Well today we dealt with narrow roads with cars parked both sides, and having to deal with oncoming traffic. I think i got there in the end.
Much the same next week he says.
Also have a problem going from 5th gear into 4th, keep going into 2nd. Gotta practise that lots too.
Thursday, 19 April 2007
Dual Carriageways
I was more nervous that usual today, even contemplated chucking the whole thing in last night, in a moment of weakness.
The main way through town was chock-a-block with traffic. so we went the back roads, down all the country lanes, back over to Taunton.
I did ok today, Only managed to stall 3 times, which is a major improvement on previous weeks.
Didnt do any stupid mistakes today, remembered to use the brakes, and even used the gears as much as I could remember. At one point I was doing 60 miles an hour although, I didnt really feel in control of the car at that point.
Nigel, my instructor, told me to drive a little way only holding the steering wheel with my right hand. As I seem to steer to the left when changing gear, not sure what that proved cos I wasnt changing gear when he told me to do that anyway.
Week off next week as I am in Belfast, at a friends wedding. I'm quite relieved not to behaving a lesson if i am honest
The main way through town was chock-a-block with traffic. so we went the back roads, down all the country lanes, back over to Taunton.
I did ok today, Only managed to stall 3 times, which is a major improvement on previous weeks.
Didnt do any stupid mistakes today, remembered to use the brakes, and even used the gears as much as I could remember. At one point I was doing 60 miles an hour although, I didnt really feel in control of the car at that point.
Nigel, my instructor, told me to drive a little way only holding the steering wheel with my right hand. As I seem to steer to the left when changing gear, not sure what that proved cos I wasnt changing gear when he told me to do that anyway.
Week off next week as I am in Belfast, at a friends wedding. I'm quite relieved not to behaving a lesson if i am honest
Wednesday, 11 April 2007
Roundabouts in Taunton
God that was scary!
When I got out the car, my shirt was soaked and stuck to me. I found the whole journey across to Taunton nice and easy, until we hit the multitude of roundabouts.
Twice I forgot to stop the car, with the instructor having to use his pedels.
I was able to judge the gaps, just not always quick enough to actually get in them
*note myself, need more gas*
Then we had a plonker try and cut me up, which threw me into a dither.
More of the same next week ..... great, cant wait *not*!!
And I need to get my speed up and use 'all' the gears, not just sit in 3rd, where I feel comfortable
When I got out the car, my shirt was soaked and stuck to me. I found the whole journey across to Taunton nice and easy, until we hit the multitude of roundabouts.
Twice I forgot to stop the car, with the instructor having to use his pedels.
I was able to judge the gaps, just not always quick enough to actually get in them
*note myself, need more gas*
Then we had a plonker try and cut me up, which threw me into a dither.
More of the same next week ..... great, cant wait *not*!!
And I need to get my speed up and use 'all' the gears, not just sit in 3rd, where I feel comfortable
Thursday, 5 April 2007
Last lesson in my town
Today was the last lesson I will be having in my town. Next week we move onto the town in which I will have having my test.
The lesson today, was doing the manoeuvres over and over again. Trying to get them right, failing lots of times.
Three point turn went well
So did emergency stop
Eventually managed to get the parallel parking almost right, and also the parking in bays wasnt quite so good as last week, same with reversing around the corners.
But I do feel full of a cold, and I'm not making excuses, but I was very close to cancelling todays appointment, because I have such a thick head!
Even attempted to pull away, whilst still having the handbrake on - DOH!!!
Anyway, I am still determined to push on with lessons and get that pink license.
The lesson today, was doing the manoeuvres over and over again. Trying to get them right, failing lots of times.
Three point turn went well
So did emergency stop
Eventually managed to get the parallel parking almost right, and also the parking in bays wasnt quite so good as last week, same with reversing around the corners.
But I do feel full of a cold, and I'm not making excuses, but I was very close to cancelling todays appointment, because I have such a thick head!
Even attempted to pull away, whilst still having the handbrake on - DOH!!!
Anyway, I am still determined to push on with lessons and get that pink license.
Thursday, 29 March 2007
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
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
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, 25 March 2007
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
Then we popped in Morrisons for a fry-up breakfast - yummy in my tummy
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
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.
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.
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.
Monday, 19 March 2007
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, 18 March 2007
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.
Saturday, 17 March 2007
Friday, 16 March 2007
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.
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
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.
Thursday, 8 March 2007
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.
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
Chose my Car
I GOT A CAR ..... I GOT A CAR ...... I GOT A CAR I went and saw the Fiat Punto 60S and its lovely, its a nice shade of blue, not too dark, three door and all mine. Just been ringing round trying to get insurance sorted. Looks like Diamond are the cheapest so far at £332 per year. Not bad, bearing in mind i aint passed me test yet!
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