student drivers: how was your first day of driving?

Philippines
March 26, 2010 1:35pm CST
I just had my driving lessons done, 2 hours orientation, 33 hours actual driving and 8 hours driving lectures. When my husband told me to enroll for driving lessons, I had no hesitations and no fear at all until I had attended the two hours orientation as prerequisite for actual driving. Because the instructor in the orientation were more of orienting us of possible accidents and most accidents some students had, rather than orienting us the proper way of driving. I understand that he was just trying to warn us, but as for me it was too much stress for the beginners, as sometimes he was exaggerating. All I could picture out in my head after the orientation were accidents. I almost didn't want to proceed anymore, but I had no choice I needed to learn to drive for future purposes. And so I went for my first day of actual driving. Luckily, the instructor assigned for me was calm, gentle and nice. So, I felt a little better. At first of course, I had to do the pre-start routines before driving..and the basic important thing were the 3 pedals ( by the way I was driving the manual car). Of course, the usual problem with students, I got the car stalled for a lot of times before I got it to run!(Oh!I guess a lot of you could relate!) And when I finally able to move the car back and forth, he told me that we should go around the city. I was surprised because I thought for the first day, I should be driving first in the free area. But since, I was an obedient student, I followed what he said. I was a bit nervous, but I was more focused on the road and on his instructions. But of course, I still got stalled but he was too attentive to restart the car right away not to obstruct the road. It was two hours, and during this time I couldn't feel anything yet, I just wanted to finish it very safely and smoothly. And I drove good for my first day, although of course I was allowed until gear 2 only, and the instructor told me I had the potential to learn fast. I was very glad to hear it from him, I didn't care anymore to know what was his intention of telling me that. And his comment certainly had boosted my confidence. However, after that first 2 hours of driving, when I came out from the car I felt like I was in shocked. I had this feeling that I was still in the middle of the road with the buses and cars I had around the traffic. And I felt like I was traumatized that I didn't want to come anymore for the next lessons. But again, of course I had no choice so I pursued, and I just didn't notice it I was already driving without fear at all, and I finished the 33 hours smoothly and i am proud of myself that I made it to the end. In few days, I'll get my driver's license already. To those who are wishing to learn how to drive, be strong and focus but don't stress out. Drive smoothly and safely!
4 responses
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
31 Mar 10
Well, I have been driving for quite a time already. It was my father who taught me to drive when I was still in high school. So I have learned to drive early. Well, the very first time that I drove alone was a little bit nervous for me. But I manage to sail it through without problems.
• Philippines
2 Apr 10
I think, I will be a bit nervous also when I'll drive alone later on. So far I haven't tried to do it by myself..but sooner!LOL..I just hope it will go smoothly also.
• India
29 Mar 10
yes i loves also driving first day was very exciting .i think i will fell down but my father help me and now i am become perfect driver
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
26 Mar 10
I took the book part in high school but couldn't take the driving part yet because I had to be certified to drive. I got certified a few years later but never went to learn how to drive. Recently I got the paperwork that was necessary done, and then months after that paid for an instructor to teach me how to drive. I went out with him for two hours and then my mother in law took me out the next day so she could observe me. I am still driving with her, but once I no longer have to ask questions I can go out with my husband. It's actually not as hard to drive as I thought it would be, it's real easy to move the vehicle.
• United States
26 Mar 10
By the time I had my first driving session in class I had already been driving for almost 4 years. My dad let me drive when I was 12. He took me on the back roads and taught me how to drive properly. When I was almost 13 he got sick one time coming home from my grandma's house. He crawled in the back seat and had me drive him home. So by the time I took the class in high school I'd been driving several years and it was no big deal!