Learning to drive

It took me 2 years and 5 driving tests to get my driver's licence. However, as my driving instructor kept telling me, it is only when I am driving around in the city on my own that I am completing my education. There are laws and rules which govern every motorist's actions but what people actually do out on the road is interesting, and occasionally terrifying, to learn.

If not for the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) I would probably never find my way anywhere in the city. However, not having looked at a map before setting off on a journey, thinking that the GPS will guide me, often means that in more complicated road systems, e.g. very large roundabouts, I frequently find myself having to make decisions about what to do with the car a bit more quickly than I would like. The problem is that a relatively inexperienced driver takes a bit longer to decide how to manoeuvre the vehicle. Where the road is complicated and traffic is busy that may prove to be a challenge. Thus, there is still something to be said about being prepared- having a look at maps- before setting off on a journey if one is relatively new to driving.

Bendy buses can be quite intimidating as well as there is something decidedly worrying about a vehicle that apparently swings out at you. Cyclists can be problematic- you're worried about over-taking them and if you don't the drivers behind you may get rather angry at you. Children are particularly scary. When I see a child at the side of the road my brain tells me that child is about to jump out in front of me just for the hell of it so I automatically go into panic mode. It makes no sense at all but for a new driver every little thing is a potential hazard and the panic button gets used quite a bit. Not necessarily a bad thing but there is danger in being over-cautious as other drivers might be impatient and do stupid things because of this impatience.

However it is not all bad. Driving through central London and passing Westminster is rather pleasant; the traffic can be trying at times but it is so much nicer than being in the Tube!