Matt will be on the road!!

[appleton]

Well, it went well. He drove to a local car park (was pretty empty) and briefed me on everything. The POM and DSSSM procedures then I did a few laps in the car park for about 1 hr 30 min . Next lesson I will be on the roads.

When he was driving me back home we stopped and he made me drive the final mile or so on the road. By then I had confidence and things were smooth. I enjoyed. Want to drive again now. A shame the 2 hours ended so fast

Yup, So I made it back in one piece. No scratches, No maimed pedestrians all limbs where they are supposed to be! Enjoyed very much. Look forward to next week

[Lad]

Cool! Was it one of those cars where the instructor has pedals too?

[appleton]

Yes, It was a dual controlled car. He only had to use the clutch and brake once in the lesson. I stalled a few times though

[Lass]

You actually got to drive on the road on the way back from your first lesson? You must have felt confident! Ohh ... I so can't wait!

[appleton]

Yeh, At first I was very nervous. The key is to just relax. When your nervous you more likely to fumble, forget things and end up not concentrating as you should. I didn't get to drive all the way back but nevertheless it was great. I really enjoyed the laps around the car park. Trying to get everything smooth. Put the power down and changing gears as smooth as possible. It was hard the car's accelerator was very sensitive so was the brake

[Lad]

You are making me terribly jealous! I can't wait until I do mine.

[appleton]

This week went well. I did practice near the instructors house up and down his road. It's a nice quiet cul-de-sac. Then I drove myself home. I went out on the main road (Southbury Road) and stalled a few times.

Nothing could prepare me for the few hair-raising experiences towards the end!!!

First one. We were in the wrong lane to go left the instructor had to put on the indicators and tell me to apply power to get ahead of the bus on the left.
Then when we got in place on the left we had to slam on the brakes because the bus in front was turning the corner (So where we).

The bus that caused us the troubles

Matt v the 121

Then driving down my quiet road. I did a thunderbolt! Accidental of course The instructor had to apply the brakes hard.

Btw I stalled a few times and stalling on main roads or when someone behind you is embarrassing .

That's all for this week folks!

[Luke]

Coolio. In Iowa you can drive at 14 (very limited and requires an older person in the car of course) and take "Driver's Ed" at 15. I drive back and forth from the airport quite a bit.

[Lad]

What's a thunderbolt? I guess it to mean you accidently stretched yourself on the accelerator? lol

[britishgirl]

What fun Matt! Wish I was learning. I can't quite yet though, and I'll certainly need to get myself a job first!