Last Friday (August 7, 2015), before I went to school for the Freshmen Initial Interview, my father and I went to LTO (Land Transportation Office) to get my student permit. I was really excited because I really cannot wait to learn how to drive and get my driver's license, and it's on my bucket list, but that's beside the point.
I've been bugging them until they finally came with me to the LTO because they said that they could see that I was really determined to learn, which I think was the biggest understatement, because I couldn't stop talking about it. Hahaha, just kidding! The very first time I tried driving was last Saturday in our village. In the middle of the night, I might add. The first time I sat behind the wheel, I was nervous. Well, I don't really know if I'm nervous or just plain cold because of the AC or maybe a little bit of both... Anyway, the first try wasn't really bad and it wasn't that hard because it's automatic transmission. I had a very little problem with handling the steering wheel at first, which was understandable, because it's my first time. My brother is kind of pressuring me because every time I turn a little to the left or right, he'd yell, "oh, babanggain mo yan, oh babanggain mo naman yun!" over and over again, but I'm not, geez. Chill.
But there was one time I almost hit a parked car. Hehehe. I'm still kinda having problems with taking sharp turns and that car happens to be parking right across the corner, so you could imagine the reaction of my brother. He was like, "Brake! Brake! Brake! Brake! Brake!" I would've laughed at his face if I wasn't busy panicking myself. Then we got to the third street, I wanted to back out because there were cars parked literally in every sidewalk. It's like they don't want a car passing by their street and they're all double parked. I was nervous because I might hit one of them or maybe even all of them. Hahaha kiddin'!
The next morning, my dad made me wake up early for the "real" driving lesson because that was just a warm-up. It was my father, little sister (I don't know why she came, though) and I. My dad was the one who drove to C-5 extension road (just right across NAIA Runway) because there are only few cars there on Sunday mornings. And when we got there, we exchanged seats and I took it from there. I drove until the end of C-5 extension road then just took a U-turn when we got to the end of that road. I thought we were gonna change places again, but my dad said just drive. I was nervous yet again because I would drive out in the open. In that traffic. I can't believe I managed to drive home from that place because the roads near the airport are narrow and there are lots of people walking on the sidewalk (or are those still sidewalks, I'm not sure.) Anyway, I'm proud of myself because Yay! I nailed it. And I think my dad was happy 'cause he said to my mom that he was quiet the whole time, just guiding me when he has to, which is a good thing. He said that I learn very fast.
And this morning, I asked my dad to drive me to the jeepney station. Oh wait... Let me rephrase that. I asked him if I could drive myself (with him, of course) as a part of learning and also because it's hard to catch a tricycle every morning, then my dad drove back home. I think I'm getting the hang of it. I still haven't learned how to park and reverse, though, but I'll get there.
(Unedited. Sorry for grammar errors)
Keep up the good work in driving! I already have my license and I have been driving for a year now all around manila, Just stay safe and mind the traffic rules and regulations! Great story to tell us!
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