stay off the roads!

[dr4b]

Wow, blk just took me for my first driving lesson. I attempted to pull in and out of the tiny parking spaces in the Morewood lot, and then went through the back of Wean and all to get into Schenley Park, where I drove around a lot of curves. I didn't hit anything, and only got honked at like twice for sitting there instead of making Pittsburgh lefts. It was a good start I guess, although I only let the car go above like 25 MPH all of maybe once or twice, mostly when I was worried that the other cars on the street were going to kill me if I didn't speed up.

I have to learn how to park at some point, and more about avoiding people and other obstacles like cars, and remember to signal and all that... well, it was a good start. I wonder how long it'll take for me to really get the hang of it.

Comments

[oren.livejournal.com]

To get the hang of driving takes your entire life. Every day you'll see and learn something new. :)

don't get comfortable

[lahabiel.livejournal.com]

When I was sixteen I was scared to death of being in charge of something as big and potentially destructive as a car. But that was probably a good thing. When you get comfy you take for granted that anything could happen on the road, and you cease to be a safe driver. It's good to start slow -- I started in big empty parking lots. And if you ever get to the point where you feel ready to take on Mario Andretti, check yourself. :)

[jd7a.livejournal.com]

you should move to Austin. No one around here remembers to signal either.
You'll fit right in :)

[indigodove.livejournal.com]

In the immortal words of my driving instructor, "do not let the car behind you control you."

So, don't let impatient assholes force you into anything. Easier said than done, I know.

Good luck! Yay you!

[beegle.livejournal.com]

I don't know what your driving plans are, but I really strongly suggest getting experience in as wide a variety of vehicles and instructors as possible.

Drive a car with lousy brakes and acceleration and you'll understand why it's important to not tailgate and leave a lot of room for stopping and pulling out. Drive a car with really good brakes to really master stopping and taking off without lurching. Trucks have great mirrors and visibility. Econoboxes don't. Similarly, every instructor has a different set of peeves that they won't let you ignore. With enough different people in the passenger seat, you'll be signalling properly, braking properly, merging properly, etc. "Nobody's afraid to let me drive" is one of the best indicators that you're ready for your driving test. :)

[dr4b]

Ok, when are you and Laura taking me driving?