19th December 2006 39th Driving lesson

I still need to learn to steer I keep heading for middle of the road. I got told to use 2nd gear as soon as we set off I normally get round first bend first cos its almost as soon as I set off time to mirror and signal. We went same way as last lesson used 5th gear no idea what speed limit was but must of been at least 50mph or I would of been told to slow down. For one of first times yet I coasted twice (leaving clutch down while driving) mainly cos I was changing gear then had to stop soon after for a junction. I was reminded a few times about mirrors but no where near as much as I used be reminded. Steering is the main problem at the minute.

I did turn in road my instructor said it was a bit too fast but I thought it was ok the second go was better exept for the reverse bit I put it in first instead of reverse. Parallel parking (I hate it) First attempt I stopped at side of the van I was going to park behind then a taxi and another car decides to come behind me and can't get past so watch me (great) I start to reverse steering left then stop check its still clear the taxi and other car pass me now thankfully, my instructor asks me which way I need to steer to get the front in. I have no idea my mind went blank so she tells me steer right. I do but not quick enough and end up more on the kerb than on the road. Second attempt goes ok with my instructor teling me what to do a bit.

Another thing I need practice on is turning right at roundabouts first one I signal right then when my instructor tells me to check left side mirror I totally forget where I'm going and think she's saying turn left off the roundabout so go to turn left my instructor has to stop me and remind me where I'm going. The second one I needed to be on the right hand side of the lane I was in so my instructor tells me and I think she means right hand side or the road so she has to stop me going on wrong side of the road. Stupid mistakes I know but when you are driving and have 100 other things to do and watch for the simplest things can sound complicated even telling left from right. On the way back it felt like my instructor was driving I was just following her instructons, slow down, speed up, check mirror, signal, cancel signal. At the end as expected I was tested on reading a number plate which I couldn't see but one of the two I was tested on I knew so I made out I could read it (not the best thing to do but I wont let my eyesight hold me back) Next lesson my instructor said she will measure the exact distance and test me not looking forward to that but I have a week to practice and if I don't manage to read it I will have to go to the opticians and see what they say. What ever they say I will still be driving I can sometimes see the distance so I will keep taking tests til I do see it and pass.