So I write today with a sense of real achievement for I have reached a goal that I'd given myself, for once!
Yes I stuck to something and I bloody well achieved it. Better still, it was something that I'd been wanting to do for the last 15 years and never bothered with. Whether it was for financial reasons or nerves, I never got further than applying for my provisional license.
I passed my driving test!
I started lessons on 21st March 2018 and had a 2 month break between the middle May and middle of July. That makes the total learning time just under 4 months. I did it!!
I'm not going to lie, being a learner driver royally sucks. At 33, I'm talking huge sweat patches under the arms and boobs and on my back; my left foot would bounce on the clutch as my leg couldn't control the shakes. Just as those nerves would settle down, a normal driver would f*ck things up again by doing something insanely stupid. I mean seriously, the road is full of absolutely numpties.
One lesson was very satisfying in that the impatient cow behind me (getting annoyed I was doing 40 in a 40 ha!) roared past me as soon as it was clear, only for the police to walk out in the road and wave her down. They did her for speeding. Muah hahahaha!!
Anyway, I bloomin' well did it. So I wanted to give learner drivers some tips that I picked up along the way and I really hope it helps.
Eat bananas before your lessons. This really does work. Don't ask me how but several friends suggested it and I could really tell the difference when I hadn't had them.
Chew gum. Saves any dry-mouth situation which really does happen when you're stressed!
Do not wear a lot! You will sweat. Your body is tense for over an hour, this burns serious calories. I have friends who never sweat, even in 30c UK weather, who have admitted that they were dripping at the end of each lesson! No jeans and no thick tops or jumpers!
Ignore people behind you (or to the left or right of you!). I'm not saying to pay no attention or not to bother with your mirrors, but some drivers seems to forget they were learners too once. They're not worth being affected by. Fingers, shouts, flashes, horns... it will happen because frankly, people are dicks. Sorry about that! If you let them pressure you, you will stall or roll backwards, or potentially speed if they're right up your bum. It's just not worth it.
Well I hope this helps someone. If anyone has any questions, fire them at me and I'll answer for sure!
I'm going to set myself goals more often. I am loving the feeling of achievement right now!
One lesson was very satisfying in that the impatient cow behind me (getting annoyed I was doing 40 in a 40 ha!) roared past me as soon as it was clear, only for the police to walk out in the road and wave her down. They did her for speeding. Muah hahahaha!!
Anyway, I bloomin' well did it. So I wanted to give learner drivers some tips that I picked up along the way and I really hope it helps.
Eat bananas before your lessons. This really does work. Don't ask me how but several friends suggested it and I could really tell the difference when I hadn't had them.
Chew gum. Saves any dry-mouth situation which really does happen when you're stressed!
Do not wear a lot! You will sweat. Your body is tense for over an hour, this burns serious calories. I have friends who never sweat, even in 30c UK weather, who have admitted that they were dripping at the end of each lesson! No jeans and no thick tops or jumpers!
Ignore people behind you (or to the left or right of you!). I'm not saying to pay no attention or not to bother with your mirrors, but some drivers seems to forget they were learners too once. They're not worth being affected by. Fingers, shouts, flashes, horns... it will happen because frankly, people are dicks. Sorry about that! If you let them pressure you, you will stall or roll backwards, or potentially speed if they're right up your bum. It's just not worth it.
Well I hope this helps someone. If anyone has any questions, fire them at me and I'll answer for sure!
I'm going to set myself goals more often. I am loving the feeling of achievement right now!
So proud of you Jo xx
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you Jo xx
ReplyDeleteAh some great tips here - and you're absolutely right....I can't believe people get so impatient with learner drivers - how quickly they forget that they were new to driving once too. Many congratulations on passing - you should be really proud of yourself!
ReplyDeleteWell done you! This is something to be proud of!
ReplyDeleteYey, well done! Now that you have your driving licence, you will be more confident in no time!
ReplyDeleteMassive well done, it's fab it is out the way now and you cna start enjoying the fruits of your labour. Mich x
ReplyDeleteWell done on passing your driving test - my 18 year old has given up and its very frustrating. He lost his confidence after failing his practical
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm so happy for you!! I'm not someone who loves driving for the sake of it per say but I love the freedom that it gives me. ENJOY IT as its a huge achievement xxx
ReplyDeleteWell done it is so hard to pass these days the roads are hectic
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, such an achievement! Great tips too, especially the one about bananas.
ReplyDeleteWow well done you for passing your driving test. I bet you are well chuffed xx
ReplyDelete