Road Warrior

[karenhealey]

Hi, Internets! I have a teaching job that starts next year at a great school; that's exciting!

And it has promoted another thing that is less "exciting" and more "deeply terrifying": I am learning how to drive.

When I turned 17 my parents gave me six driving lessons for a present. They were eventually redeemed by my brother when he turned 17, 2

Comments

[apintrix]

It is good that you are cautious, it will make you a better driver once you calm your initial anxiety!

Is there anyone you can carpool with to assuage your pollution concerns somewhat?

It's great to learn to drive, I think, even if you don't wind up driving much, because it opens up your options for situations like "what if I am with a person who is too drunk to drive" or "what if there is an emergency and someone needs to go to the ER" or "zombie apocalypse is coming down the road, quick let's all get out of here."

[eyebrowofdoom]

DRIVING DRIVING DRIVING

COMPARTMENTALISATION - we puts the knowledge of the car as deadly weapon in a nice box and then puts the lid most of the way on, see? We keeps it a bit ajar because a certain level of caution is a good idea. But not too far open! Remember, many stupider and more unco people than us drive perfectly well enough!

[mysterysquid]

Hey, congrats on the job!

Driving does get easier.

[inkpenpaper]

Yeah I haaaaaate driving. I actually did learn at 16, because regional NSW public transport just barely exists and in Years 11 and 12 of highschool, the timetable is strange enough that driving becomes strongly recommended if not necessary.

My mum couldn't teach me. I have never had such viscious, horrible fights with her about anything else. My dad could teach me. With my brother it was the other way around.

I still hate it. And I hate that parents will tell me that I just need more confidence while at the same time telling everyone what a terrible driver I am.

[poisonivory]

Oh man, I feel you. I couldn't practice parallel parking with my mom in the car - too much fighting. Twelve years later she still hangs on to the door if I'm behind the wheel like I'm about to do a barrel roll.

(I practiced parallel parking with my aunt instead. She brought over traffic cones for it. Where did she get them??? So many mysteries.)

[inkpenpaper]

Yeah my aunt taught me to parallel park after all other attempts failed. The failed attempts were... there were tears. Not all of them were mine.

By my aunt taught me in fifteen minutes, and now I am firmly convinced that aunts are magic.

[penmage]

I learned to drive four years ago at the age of 26, and to this day, I grudgingly and with great trepidation drive. It's really good to be able to drive myself to the train, or the supermarket, or take my kid to school, but I am always 100% nervous. So I feel your pain.