alexist: (Default)
alexist ([personal profile] alexist) wrote2006-06-20 06:46 pm
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Driving lesson

I had my first British driving lesson today! (Can't put it off any more...)

It went well. I felt like an idiot a few times, but the instructor said that for the first time on a clutch I was fantastic. It's just that I'm totally unused to it so I have to think about every step. Also, I tend to release the clutch too quickly when I'm coming off a turn because I'm used to braking instead.

As well as practising basic clutch control I got all the way down Totteridge Lane and through Mill Hill, got as far as 3rd gear and had a lesson on British "push-pull" turning (doing hand-over-hand on the test is a fail. Well, if you slip and do it once you'll get away with it, but the examiners apparently really hate it. Especially if they see you cross your arms.) A bit of nerves too, but I think that's just getting used to things.

And only one stall. :)

[identity profile] philplasma.livejournal.com 2006-06-21 03:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Advantage you have is that you didn't drive manual before - on my AGM trips to the UK I kept reaching for the stick shift by grabbing the knob that opens the window. Eventually I got used to it. Good luck on the rest of your lessons.