Alex got his learner's license last week. He's waiting for his "on the road" driving lessons to be scheduled. In the meantime, we set out together this afternoon to find a place for him to turn the key in the ignition all the way for the very first time.
We went up to university parking lot, but the security guard kicked us out. We went to the normally deserted lot between the elementary school and the outdoor pool, but as luck would have it, there was a swim meet and the place was bumper to bumper with parked vehicles and children running around in bathing suits. We debated going to the West Coast Express parking, but figured we'd get chased out of there pretty quick too. I wasn't ready to take him out in traffic - will be after the driving school teacher goes first. So we went to the church parking lot, which was finally empty by the time we got there at 3:30. (Three different churches use our worship space sequentially on Sundays, so it's a happening place most of the day).
Alex was giddy and nervous as we lurched around the lot, out into the alley, up the alley to the other driveway, back into the lot and around, and around and around. I showed him how to park it, back it up, and ease up on the brakes as the car stops so it's nicer for the passenger. By the end of the 20 minutes he was ready to give the keys back to me, so we went for a frappe and to talk about our adventure.
Unless I can figure out somewhere else deserted, we'll have to make do with the church lot for now. Pretty soon he'll have a lesson, and will be ready to drive through a quiet neighbourhood. In the meantime he has been asking me questions about collisions and insurance, so I guess he's really taking this seriously.
Andy and I took our co-pilot lesson last week at the driving school, so we have some idea about how to help Alex through our share of the 60 supervised practice hours that are required before he tests for his "N." In the meantime, we'll be getting to know Alex as a driver and learning how to be patient and encouraging in a new setting - from the passenger seat of my car.
question: how did you learn how to drive?
mompoet - easing up on the brakes a little more every time
1 comment:
Whoa girlfriend....these are the times you find out what you're made of. There is a permanet dent on the passanger side of the car from me pressing my imaginary brakes. Prayer works well too....if all else fails I always started singing "Nearer My God to Thee. Good Luck.
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