Learning to Drive :: Day Two :: Driving Is a Piece of Cake (In Theory)

When my breakfast was presented to me this morning, I was informed by the chef that I had a double-yolk in each of my fried eggs. After a moment of awed silence, it was agreed by all who were gathered around the breakfast table that this could only be an omen of the most top rank. How, after such an auspicious Full English, could I possibly fail to pass my driving theory test this morning?

On the drive to the test centre, stuffed full of starch, the palms of my cold November hands became clammy and dreadful, like a pork pie in a skip. In the backseat, being chauffeured by another learner, I stared blankly through the windscreen, clicking hazards in my head.

At the centre, I had to switch off my phone and put it – along with my keys, jacket and any paper-based items in my possession – in a locker. Then I was sent to a cubicle with a computer and some headphones. Then I did the test.

A bit of advice if you’re ever going to sit your driver theory test: learn the theory. Buy the official Theory Test book and read the fucker. I spent about a month on mine, reading every page and doing the exercises twice. Then I did all the tests I could find online and all those on the Highway Code app I bought.

The theory was all I knew I could count on prior to launching myself into this whole learning-to-drive experience, so I was determined to be confident about it.

It may sound like obvious advice, but I’ve been surprised by the fact that not everyone does it.

I was still nervous though, throughout and afterwards, even though I was pretty certain I’d chased it all around the park and spanked it to within an inch of its life.

I passed. In the end – annoyingly perhaps for anyone who fails it – I was really quite aggravated that I only got 49 out of 50 on the multiple choice section. I really wanted 100%, dammit. I got 62/75 on the hazard awareness, which I was happy with.

What made me even happier, however, was getting back in the car this afternoon, because after ten minutes or so, I started to feel much more relaxed about the whole thing.

Doing an intensive course is already starting to feel like a very good idea.

You know why?

Because there is fluidity.

More tomorrow.

 

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