I remember my first driving lesson. Getting behind the wheel at age 16 with my mother next to me (her being much more nervous than me) and putting the car into gear for the first time. It was an exciting moment and I really wasn't that nervous at all. I was so excited that I was finally old enough to get behind the wheel and hit the Perth streets.
I got the car moving (after several stops and starts) and we were away. I gained speed, then lost speed, then gained it again and finally managed to bring the car under control. I was going along nicely and thought I was doing great. Then, right in my ear... 'Slow down! What are you doing! There's a corner!'
It was my mother next to me. I felt as though I was doing a fine job and really wanted to tell her to 'shut up' but I took a deep breath said 'alright mum'. As I slowed down and took the corner at a very slow pace she continued to clutch her arm rest and press her invisible brake and I could feel her nervous tension.
Throughout our first driving lesson I felt this tension as she continued to shout and criticise my driving. I patiently carried on trying to remain calm but gradually felt my blood pressure rising with every little comment.
I now understand her apprehension and I guess she was partly justified as I was a rather stuttering driver to begin with. Also it was her first time to take one of her children out behind the wheel which I can imagine must be quite an experience.
As my stress began to rise I lost concentration and while trying to bring the car into our driveway I gave the car too much gas and slammed into our fence.
After taking another deep breath I said to my mother. 'Do you think I could have a lesson with a private instructor next time? It might be better for both of our stress levels.'
She laughed nervously and agreed that it might be a better option. Especially in an instructor's car.
When learning to drive its important that you are relaxed and comfortable with your passengers and surroundings.
I got the car moving (after several stops and starts) and we were away. I gained speed, then lost speed, then gained it again and finally managed to bring the car under control. I was going along nicely and thought I was doing great. Then, right in my ear... 'Slow down! What are you doing! There's a corner!'
It was my mother next to me. I felt as though I was doing a fine job and really wanted to tell her to 'shut up' but I took a deep breath said 'alright mum'. As I slowed down and took the corner at a very slow pace she continued to clutch her arm rest and press her invisible brake and I could feel her nervous tension.
Throughout our first driving lesson I felt this tension as she continued to shout and criticise my driving. I patiently carried on trying to remain calm but gradually felt my blood pressure rising with every little comment.
I now understand her apprehension and I guess she was partly justified as I was a rather stuttering driver to begin with. Also it was her first time to take one of her children out behind the wheel which I can imagine must be quite an experience.
As my stress began to rise I lost concentration and while trying to bring the car into our driveway I gave the car too much gas and slammed into our fence.
After taking another deep breath I said to my mother. 'Do you think I could have a lesson with a private instructor next time? It might be better for both of our stress levels.'
She laughed nervously and agreed that it might be a better option. Especially in an instructor's car.
When learning to drive its important that you are relaxed and comfortable with your passengers and surroundings.
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