Well, its official – I am learning to drive! I had my very first lesson in Gorey yesterday morning… When I say first – I mean first proper, taught by an instructor who is registered to teach driving lessons.
My first actual lesson was with my friend Bernard when we were in fifth year. He took me out to a car park and had me practice starting the car. Also, I had a few really disasterous tries in Stephen and Dave Grimes’ field – with John Cannon in the passenger seat trying desperately to make me understand how the car works! At one point he lit a piece of paper on fire…and I still have no clue what that was supposed to mean!
Anywho – yesterday went really well. I didn’t cut out the car at all during my hour with my instructor. I also successfully hill-started the car. I drove out to Courttown (where we were in the woods -for all you Goreyfest folk) and round the back roads back into Gorey. I got the car up to 3rd gear, did some pretty nifty bends and turns and felt pretty confident behind the wheel.
Except for when a DOG RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME! My reaction?! “What do I do?!” Fido was fine, but I was a bit more nervous the rest of the way.
I think it’s like riding a bike – except with lots more things to think about. Mirrors, indicators, speed limits, gear changes…..not to mention stupid things other cars, children and animals do.
But with 5 more lessons booked and paid for – I’m totally headed for life in the fast lane…as long as there are no dogs about the place. Then I’ll be in the slightly slower, more cautious lane.
