WaRpEd & TwIsTeD

Just finished my driving classes. It was actually a 5-hr course (portioned into 3 days), which I took to refresh my memory of the basics of driving, and just to get a feel of the wheel and the car. I took up a 10-hr driving class about 3 years ago. Unfortunately, I misplaced my student permit, and eventually, was unable to apply for a non-pro license. This time I’ll make sure to keep that student permit. I MUST learn how to drive. One of the reasons I took that new job was to force myself to learn how to drive. I don’t know, but I really admire women who can drive. Perhaps it’s a personal bias, but I have a high respect for women who knows how to handle the steering wheel and tame that mechanical animal. I have the impression they have this certain level of individuality and independence. It’s like having the attitude, "Hey I’m a lady. I am the driver of my own wheels, and I am the driver of own my life.".

Despite having an idea of what to do and expect, I must admit that I still need to recall a lot of things from my past driving lessons. I was just fortunate that my driving instructor (Kuya Dave) was patient with me. Part of Day One was like kindergarten, about 15-20 minutes of which were spent on the real basics - seating position, the pedals, steering wheel handling, and the different things one can find inside the car. The other half of Day One was spent on actual driving. Sudden stop count for Day1 - 4 - still excusable. On Day Two was a 2-hr stretch which involved crossing intersections, traffic signs, maneuvering, and parking. I must admit that I already got the hang of things - the hand-foot-eye-mind coordination. Sudden stop count for Day2 - 2 (yooohooo!!). Day Three was the most challenging. Kuya Dave and I drove to New Manila, in front of Mt Carmel church where there was this portion of the street which was quite steep. Hanging was the most important lesson of the day. The trick was to release the clutch slowly (without allowing the motor to die abruptly) using the left foot while releasing the brake and stepping on the gas very lightly (we don’t want the car’s engine to sound like those in F1 racing) using the right foot. Quite easy when you’re reading it right? But try it when you’re seated on the driver’s seat while your car is sliding backwards down a steep hill. Believe me, it took me 30 to 40 minutes to complete this seemingly easy task. I already thought of walking inside Mt Carmel Church to pray!! It was like being in the movie Fast and the Furious - I want to get out of the steep hill FAST, and Kuya Dave is getting FURIOUS because of the roaring car engine. Hehehehe… Sudden stop count due to hanging lesson - 4 (demmet!). Other than the hanging incident, everything is ok in Day3. Kuya Dave was really not THAT furious (medyo lang) at the end of the lesson. And I can say, that I had a good refresher course.
 
Right now I’m bugging my dad to allow me to drive within the subdivision using his car (I have no car of my own yet). I wanted to practice so that I won’t forget the driving lessons I just learned. I promised him that the "Puno ng Bayabas Incident" will not happen again, especially to his beloved Adventure vehicle. I hope that my Dad will be merciful enough to entrust his beloved car to my gentle driving skills. Oh well! I hope he agrees. Let’s get rollin’ baby!

~ by altered-aura on July 13, 2007.