“So have you had any driving experience at all?”
“No”
“None at all?”
“Well, I am pretty hot at Daytona USA, managing to complete the Hard course in the Arcades, does that count?”
“No.”
“Oh.”
Yes, a large part of last Saturday was spent with me ringing around various driving agencies (including “Impact Driving School”, I decided against that - and also misdialled a DNA Testing company called “Who’s Your Daddy?”. Don’t ask), and in the end, I managed to get a instructor for a fairly decent price at - more importantly - a time that I want.
Anyway, after a rather exciting week, tomorrow is the first time I step behind the wheel of a car, and - I’ll be honest - I’m bricking it.
I have always said I will be a rubbish driver*. I know I shouldn’t base my life around Gran Tourismo, but fuck it, I’m terrible at that game, and - by my reckoning as it is “The Real Driving Simulator” - I’ll be terrible at driving in real life.
Anyway, wish me luck, and as a final question, which is more strange?
a) Not being able to drive until 24?
b) Not going on a bus before you’re 19?
Don’t ask.
* Reading back in the comments I noticed Melissa challenged me to a “Who’ll Pass First” Duel. I wonder how she’s doing?
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Rhys Wynne, the author of this blog, is a 20 something web designer from Colwyn Bay.
It’s a shame they don’t use playstation controllers instead of steering wheels and those confusing three floor pedals in cars I think.
A: Not going on a bus till 19 - Did you never leave the house till then?
It’s not me, one of my other readers
I only just went through the learning process too. It’s so scary getting behind the wheel but as soon as you get out on the roads it’s the most fun! I absolutely love driving and couldn’t wait for every lesson to come round. I don’t think there is anything wrong with not being able to drive until 24
Same as above people, not driving until 24 isn’t uncommon - possibly it is for people from North Wales, but if you live in a city there’s really no need (say if you grew up somewhere in Manchester near a Metro station for instance). Not being on a bus until 19 must have meant a pretty sheltered life until then though - that’s insane!
I haven’t learnt to drive yet. I liv in London though so there really isn’t any need. I( will start next year though.
Not going on a bus until you were 19 is a little odd. Unless of course you live in South Africa. I didn’t get on a bus until I was 11 and that was here in the UK. You simply don’t use public transport in SA!
I didn’t pass my test until I was 25, better that way, apparently you’re more mature and better able to handle instructions..(and chat up the female instructor)
having tried and given up trying to learn to drive before 24 i just gotta say good luck! 10mph is really fast hehe. xx xx
the bus thing tho - how did u get to school?
You’ll be fine. Most people think they’re going to be a bad driver before they start learning. Once you get behind the wheel it’s not that bad. Most first lessons start off with learning a little bit about the car and driving around a deserted area.
As for the question, well…the bus one is a bit odd.
I can’t drive. I’m 28. To clarify, I “can” drive, but not well (or legally). I have thought about learning, but I know in my bones I will be shite.
But it’s disheartening to see others who are ALSO shite, legally ensconsed behind the wheel and getting where they gotta go in style.
Its going to be the best thing you ever do!! Once you’ve had your first lesson i bet you can’t wait to have another and another etc etc. I’d recommend not playing too many driving games whilst your learning thou!!
I played GTA for way too long and started to drive on the wrong side of the road for a while.
I passed 3rd time due to having a wanker examiner who was gay i swear! So i set yee the challenge to pass 1st or 2nd!!
beer related spoils to the champion? and think of it this way. when i get home you can pick me up from the airport
Well, you’ve beat me to the official lessons stage but I have been driving with my mum.
My bet’s on you passing first, I seem to be more concerned with completing Wii driving games…priorities have never been my strong point!!