Driver's Test pt IV: Yet Another Fail

[a_carlisle]

I think I've improved on a few skills (parallel parking, not sobbing after fail, etc.). I made it to the turnabout but backed into the wrong lane. I need to stop for 5 seconds at stop signs and signal before doing anything

Comments

[dawnofme]

I don't know if it will cheer you up, but I almost died in a car accident yesterday. It was the first day of school in our district and I was dropping off my daughter for an activity (she doesn't start private school until the 31rst). On the way back, I was on a main road on a busy street that goes by the high school. I'm guessing the girl who pulled out straight into my path had her license for maybe two weeks. She had no sense whatsoever. A van to my right was turning into the street she was trying leave and blocked her view of me. Dumb chit. You never jet out like that when you aren't 100% sure you have a clearance. I braked so hard that black smoke came from my wheels. I stopped an inch from hitting her. She looked shocked, but then just took off

[a_carlisle]

I'm sorry to hear about your recent almost-crash. That's exactly the kind of driver I DO NOT want to become (dumb chit blocking peoples' view). I also don't want to put myself into a dangerous postition as was the case of your friend.
If I could drive half as well as I can speak (and occasionally write) then I wouldn't be in this pickle.

[eggblue]

Have you had more than one driving teacher? I had several teachers before I found someone who explained it to me in a way that I could understand, and finally I actually began to drive well. I only had an hour lesson but it was all I needed. I still have trouble parallel parking, but it always gets better. I still do stupid things while driving, which everyone does, but no one has gotten hurt and property can always be replaced ;) I also almost failed my first driving test. But now I've been driving for 8 years and I drive for thousands of miles wherever I want to go. Good luck!

[a_carlisle]

Yes, aside from my parents I have had three.
The first two were from the local college. Total misogynists who refused to teach me anything useful for fear of a woman driving.
The third was a wonderful teacher who was very relaxed (for having teens drive him all day) and put me at ease during the lessons. He explained everything in a way that made sense and he played Motown when we were practicing.
I don't think it is the instruction that is the problem. The actual test made me incredibly nervous, so much my hands were shaking.
This past time I made it to the last part (turnabouts) and backed into the wrong lane (correct lane if we were in England, but I didn't voice this during the exam).
Oh and I don't stop for the *full* five seconds at stop signs (excuse me if I want to turn before the long line of cars from the last red light).
Practice is what I need right now. I just hate driving with the parental units because they have an enormous cow even when I'm not making an error. I'll ask my sister to help.

[eggblue]

Good luck! Sisters are good for help. One thing that bothered me for a long time when I started trying to drive (besides parking - that took me forever to get right) is trying to make everybody happy on the road. It's impossible. Thinking about myself and the car and my parents and everyone else on the road... too much. I saw all the other crappy drivers on the road and figured I was good enough to join their ranks ;) Also, I LOVE driving now. Really, one of my favorite things to do. There's hope!

[a_carlisle]

Yes trying to make everyone happy while driving isn't at all easy.
I see other driver that are terrible and wonder how they are licensed and I'm not. How did that happen?
I think if I were to drive by myself I would love it, but I guess we won't know until I pass.
Thanks for your support.

[bellajayd]

Not sobbing after a fail is an important life skill BB! That said, I totally flunked my drivers test the first time but passed eventually! Just be more stubborn than the test and eventually you'll get it :)

Funny driving stories . . . . Hmmm. . . my Mom had me change the female voice of her GPS unit into a male voice because she, "Can't stand to take directions from a woman!" That sound you heard was feminism dying a slow death ;)

[a_carlisle]

Good to know I'm not the only one.
I hear that same sound too often, I'm afraid. Half the girls in my school wouldn't no what to do if they +gasp+ didn't have a boyfriend. No pride or mind of their own.