Last Thursday I had my very first driving lesson. It was great!
Prior to that, as the day of the first lesson drew nearer, I began to become fearful of the prospect of learning to drive. "Would I crash the car?" "All those things that I have to look out for when driving - pedestrians, cars, traffic lights, signs, etc..." "Would I be able to master the gears?" (BTW, my Darling advised that I should learn how to drive a manual car so that I can have the choice of driving an auto or a manual car next time.) All these thoughts started to haunt me the weeks leading to the lessons. And it doesn't help that sometimes I hear negative comments about female drivers - "Aiyo, driving so slowly, must be a female driver!" "Aiya, so kayu in parking, must be a female driver". Oh no!! What if I'm the subject of those comments? I can't deny that sometimes those irritating behaviours come from female drivers, but, are all male drivers perfect motorists?
I shared my fears with my cell group sisters the day before my lesson and they prayed for me. I also reminded myself to be positive about learning on the day itself. I prayed for a kind and patient instructor. Knowing that I can't stand smokers, God also answered my prayer in sending a non-smoker as my instructor for the day. Hey, that's extremely important to me as I can't be trying hard to hold my breath thru'out the 2 hours, right?!
My instructor was patient to answer all my questions. He gently reminded me the things I forgot to take note before driving. He also gave careful and step by step instructions for me to follow, without imposing on me. So far, I managed to grasp the idea of the "biting point" and when to release the clutch and to accelerate so as not to stall the engine. By the end of the first lesson, I could go staight, reverse and turn left, going round and round the circuit and change to the second gear. It boosted my morale greatly! I'd like to think that I'm doing well for a beginner! Heh heh.... All in all, I had fun and I enjoyed it.
Over the last weekend, while on a retreat with my cell in Bintan, I actually drove a 6-seater buggy! Great fun! A driving licence is actually needed to drive it as it is like an auto car, but my friends were so encouraging to place their trust (& lives) in my hands to urge me to drive! Well, of course they got a dear sister who can drive to sit next to me to direct me. At first, I was wobbly in my driving. As i went on, I became more comfortable in controling it. (My first instructor said "Control the machine, don't let it control you.") Gradually, I could manoeuvre over humps and gentle slopes. I guess I have a special talent in driving! Hahahaha.... well, let's see how it goes. I'm gonna have my second lesson today! ;p
