Driving Lesson #7

[queenofmean]

and what a belter it was! I have to admit though I am proud of what I managed today.

We first had a chat about my Hazard Perception theory fail and what I can do to improve on it so was happy with that. We then drove off and did a Test Route with a turn in the road and drove about and did a parallel park he kept apologising as he didn't have his 'markers' on the car for me to do it - I said I don't need them its ok (I managed and he was impressed). We drove off and he said we were going to do Independent Driving as it will be in my test. He told me to follow signs for Berwick and then Edinburgh which took us on to the A1 and he said follow signs for X - this is where it gets interesting. As we were going up the slip road we both saw a car with a trailer and it was moving slowly so we decided that it would be best (and it was safe to pull over into the 'fast' lane) There was a vehicle in front of this car so I had two vehicles to overtake - then out the blue this stupid woman thinks she can undertake me - which she couldn't as there was nowhere for her to go, she couldn't get in front and she couldn't get behind me. My instructor (bless him) was saying what does this idiot think she is doing she's going to cause an accident - I could see it ending in a bad way so I had to hit 75-80 to get out the way and get passed. My instructor said I handled it well. But she went on to drive in the fast lane and not move and the car that was behind me....was in a position to undertake her.

Did well, stalled once doing a hill start - been a while and wasn't ready at the lights as thought the car was in first but was in neutral.

All in all good lesson, roll on next week Route Number 2!!

[FredPuli43]

That brings back memories! We older drivers don't realise how much danger perception we take for granted, simply because it becomes second nature after 10, 20, or in my case, 50, years. You did well. Forget stalling. One day you'll find the right gear, or none; they all in there somewhere! If it's any encouragement, I stalled a diesel automatic last week, which takes some doing!

Keep us updated

[tonyav]

Well done queenie, what are these markers for parallel parking ?.

[tonyav]

I stalled a diesel automatic last week, which takes some doing!

How did you manage that, Fred ?.

[queenofmean]

I don't often stall - only when I panic slightly and I have a massive bug bear with 3rd Gear. Anybody who has let me drive there car will know how I feel about effing third gear LOL

Oh dear Fred doesn't sound too good.

I just can't believe that woman though if she was flying a rizla she would have got through no bother but not in a car.

He has 2 wodges of paper that he sticks in the rear of his car so that when you do a parallel park when you do one the top piece is on the kerb, then the next the bottom should be on the kerb.

I will keep you informed as to my lessons each time I have one - next one is next Friday after work - not sure how I feel about that but never mind LOL

[tonyav]

Queenie, yes that woman was stupid, but good experience for you.

[queenofmean]

I wasn't worried I just knew I had to get out of the situation - I think my instructor was in a panic but I did my best to avoid crashing and in my opinion that is what matters

[tonyav]

Thats right queenie, you took evasive action to avoid a possible accident, you did the right thing.

[queenofmean]

Thank you Tony :)

[FredPuli43]

Tony, stalling a diesel automatic takes considerable skill !But I suspect the car's electronics "decided" it for me.

[FredPuli43]

Queenie, if you do worry about stalling, you'll find that a diesel is much harder to stall than a petrol car is; hence Tony and my being surprised that I achieved it, and in an automatic. But you'll overcome stalling. Not sure that the examiner would fail you for one stall anyway, if the rest of your driving was safe and soundly done.

My daughter always claims that she passed because of her foul language! She suddenly said "What the F is that pedestrian doing?" which alarmed but gratified the examiner

[queenofmean]

My instructor has a diesel car but I do notice that have stalled less in that car than my friends petrol engine. I'll need to remember that one!

[tonyav]

Yes queenie has Fred say's it is more difficult to stall a diesel powered car.
And yes Fred I would say that electronics played their part there.

[Bazile]

//I could see it ending in a bad way so I had to hit 75-80 to get out the way and get passed.//

Lets hope there wasn't one of these at that point in time :-)



http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=picture+of+speed+camera+on+a+road&;um=1&safe=active&hl=en&;biw=1280&bih=822&tbm=isch&tbnid=2czfUlfG6xy7RM:&imgrefurl=https://www.eta.co.uk/2010/01/19/the-only-road-in-britain-without-speeding-traffic/&docid=Gy8kTRT-xMvuVM&imgurl=https://www.eta.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/imported/images/average%252520speed%252520camera.jpg&w=281&h=269&ei=kiQFUr-5NfL50gWaxICADQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=328&page=1&tbnh=147&tbnw=146&start=0&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0,i:98&tx=76&;ty=78

[tonyav]

Thats it Bazile, always look on the bright side !.

[Traci66]

Not if you're a leaner driver methyl, and well done Qom, I've still not got the hang of parallel parking.

[tonyav]

How's the Saab running these days, Traci ?.

[Bazile]

here is how to parallel park

[Traci66]

Very well thanks Tony, apart from the dent and the scratch down the passenger side, will be so glad when I can drive again, hubby always manages to bump my car.