going on my first propper drive on sunday

going on my first propper drive on sunday

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pedromorgan

Original Poster:

148 posts

179 months

Thursday 3rd July 2014
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I have already had the welcome day a couple of months ago but I am finally going on my first propper drive on Sunday!

Really looking forward to it!
I even polished the car!

On a slightly scarier note.... the wifes provisional license turned up on friday! oah dear god!

Peter

pedromorgan

Original Poster:

148 posts

179 months

Thursday 3rd July 2014
quotequote all
Well....

Its at Pratts Bottom.
I had the welcome day at orpington but they have too many peolpe there at the moment and they asked me to move to pratts bottom. I didnt mind, it really dosent make any difference to me.

I was actually quite surprised with the welcome day. I wasnt as bad as I thought I was and I have been practicing most of the things thay told me to do (although finishing braking before changing gear is a habit thats hard to get into!)

Why?? well several reasons. Firstly, I dont think I am a good driver and I really dont want to kill anyone. Secondly, Its something I would like to take a bit more seriously. I would like a much better car than the Renault Scenic I am currently driving and could do with some money off the insurance! (I quite fancy a Z4!)

I signed on with the IAM for 6 months. and I am thoroughly looking forward to it!

Peter

pedromorgan

Original Poster:

148 posts

179 months

Thursday 17th July 2014
quotequote all
Sorry I only just noticed your reply!

I think it went very well. Evryone seemed nice and friendly.
The drive itself went quite well. for the month beforehand I had been practicing road positioning and brakeing before I changed gear. (2 areas where I thought I could easily make a big improvement).

I think that allot of what is taught makes allot of sence when travelling down country B roads but I wish there was perhaps a little more emphasis on urban driving where there are times when I feel I am overloaded with information (for example driving through Grenwich on a friday night where any paderstrian is probably drunk and they can (AND DO!!) randomly walk out into the road!).

I do have to say that it has made travelling along the country B roads more fun. the road positioning really does make a huge difference. you really can see much further.

The lady that was observing me didnt mind the block shifting that I frequently do (I often go from 2nd to 4th) which I found interesting as it was one of the things I was picked up on on the welcome day! I find it much smoother when accelerating.

Sadly I am going to have to give the next one a miss. My stepdaughter is in the country and time with her is very precious. I am however feeling a bit guilty about this. of the 4 possible dates so far I have only been able to make 2 of them and I think it shows a lack of commitment on my part that is really not my style.

For the next month, I am going to concentrate on not crossing my arms when steering!
And I need to brush up on my roadsigns. I thought I was pretty good at them, but she quizzed me in the car and there were several I didnt know!

Peter