After learning how to do junctions last week, this week I moved on to roundabouts.
This. Was. Scary.
I learnt which lane to go in for which direction..
Left for left
Left for straight on
Right for right
But its not that simple. It all depends on the type of roundabout and the road markings!
AS IF THERE ISN'T ENOUGH TO LOOK AT!?
I also find pulling away from junctions really hard..maybe I'm just bad at it?!
We drove around a few estates doing every roundabout.
It was exhausting.
REMEMBER:
Check mirrors on a new road.
I've also developed a habit of stalling, oops!
Almost getting to grips with changing gears every time now! So that was a positive.
Managed to put into practice my two second rule! Crawling along in traffic is tiring!
Clutch, gear change, clutch, brake, accelerate, bleugh!
I keep trying to remind myself that practice will make it all better.
Need to start learning for my theory exam..hmm!
'til next week.
Hannah.
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Lesson Three
Today I faced my biggest fear.
The HUGE roadworks roundabout near my house. Yes- I stalled but I made it!
This lesson we focused on junctions and emerging.
This involved driving round and round a housing estate down every road and every turning practising junctions.
I learnt how to do a controlled role which involves switching to 1st gear and rolling to the edge of the junction in order to see better.
I only stalled once which I was pretty proud of! The pressure of other traffic being around is ridiculous.
I literally have no idea what I'd do without my instructor having pedals too. Ah.
I'm getting used to changing gear without looking at the gear box now! Which means I'm not constantly driving into the kerb.
I also encountered my first hill start. This involves remembering to do so many things at once!
All in all it was a pretty successful lesson- just need to keep practicing!
Next lesson next week!
'til then,
Hannah
The HUGE roadworks roundabout near my house. Yes- I stalled but I made it!
This lesson we focused on junctions and emerging.
This involved driving round and round a housing estate down every road and every turning practising junctions.
I learnt how to do a controlled role which involves switching to 1st gear and rolling to the edge of the junction in order to see better.
I only stalled once which I was pretty proud of! The pressure of other traffic being around is ridiculous.
I literally have no idea what I'd do without my instructor having pedals too. Ah.
I'm getting used to changing gear without looking at the gear box now! Which means I'm not constantly driving into the kerb.
I also encountered my first hill start. This involves remembering to do so many things at once!
All in all it was a pretty successful lesson- just need to keep practicing!
Next lesson next week!
'til then,
Hannah
Sunday, 15 February 2015
Lesson Two
So after a shaky start to my driving experience, I was determined to get the hang of the basics by lesson two.
After completing my Cockpit Drill (or so I thought) I went on to take off the handbrake. Here I was stopped by my instructor.
I was confused...I'd checked my doors, mirrors, adjusted my seat and headrest?!
I'd forgotten to do probably THE most obvious thing. Seatbelt.
Slightly embarrassing!
SO..after that minor hiccup we set off. I reached 60mph which involves moving up to 5th gear!
My gear transitions have improved I feel and keeping the balance between the clutch and gas has become much easier.
During this hour I learnt a little about stopping distances..'Only a fool forgets the two second rule' illustrating how you have to be at least 2 seconds behind the car in front of you. This is different in the rain, at 4 seconds.
It was also today that I experienced every learner drivers worst nightmare.
THE ROUNDABOUT,
I managed to get the hang of the steering involved after 3 laps around the centre lane..oops.
As well as attempting a couple of junctions, (checking mirrors, indicating, braking and steering) I mainly practised the basics of controlling the car.
I'm so excited to start driving!
I also went car browsing today! eeeek!!
Lesson three is only a couple of days away so watch this space!
'til next time, Hann xoxox
After completing my Cockpit Drill (or so I thought) I went on to take off the handbrake. Here I was stopped by my instructor.
I was confused...I'd checked my doors, mirrors, adjusted my seat and headrest?!
I'd forgotten to do probably THE most obvious thing. Seatbelt.
Slightly embarrassing!
SO..after that minor hiccup we set off. I reached 60mph which involves moving up to 5th gear!
My gear transitions have improved I feel and keeping the balance between the clutch and gas has become much easier.
During this hour I learnt a little about stopping distances..'Only a fool forgets the two second rule' illustrating how you have to be at least 2 seconds behind the car in front of you. This is different in the rain, at 4 seconds.
It was also today that I experienced every learner drivers worst nightmare.
THE ROUNDABOUT,
I managed to get the hang of the steering involved after 3 laps around the centre lane..oops.
As well as attempting a couple of junctions, (checking mirrors, indicating, braking and steering) I mainly practised the basics of controlling the car.
I'm so excited to start driving!
I also went car browsing today! eeeek!!
Lesson three is only a couple of days away so watch this space!
'til next time, Hann xoxox
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Lesson One
After one hour I can safely say...I'm going to need a fair few more.
We started off by learning the 'Cockpit Drill'
After adjusting my seat, mirrors and head rest I was ready to start moving.
This was the tricky bit. Getting the balance between lifting the clutch and applying the gas. IMPOSSIBLE.
I successfully completed a few figures of 8 around the car park before being confident enough to get on the road.
(I was really surprised that I'd be driving so quickly!)
I practised stopping and pulling away from the curb, indicating at junctions, changing gears and a lot of shaky steering!
The thing I found the most difficult would have to be the sheer amount of things you have to remember.
-Check your mirrors
-Change gear
-Accelerate
-Brake
-Handbrake
-Indicators
-Steering
AHHHHHHHHH!
Although it was a very scary and tricky hour it was easily the most fun I've had in a while.
I can't wait for my next lesson and I highly recommend you start driving ASAP.
til next time...
Hannah.
We started off by learning the 'Cockpit Drill'
After adjusting my seat, mirrors and head rest I was ready to start moving.
This was the tricky bit. Getting the balance between lifting the clutch and applying the gas. IMPOSSIBLE.
I successfully completed a few figures of 8 around the car park before being confident enough to get on the road.
(I was really surprised that I'd be driving so quickly!)
I practised stopping and pulling away from the curb, indicating at junctions, changing gears and a lot of shaky steering!
The thing I found the most difficult would have to be the sheer amount of things you have to remember.
-Check your mirrors
-Change gear
-Accelerate
-Brake
-Handbrake
-Indicators
-Steering
AHHHHHHHHH!
Although it was a very scary and tricky hour it was easily the most fun I've had in a while.
I can't wait for my next lesson and I highly recommend you start driving ASAP.
til next time...
Hannah.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)