Driving at Seventeen

On a humid day in a traffic infested, pollution-inducing highly urbanized city, commuting just won’t do. Frizzy, messy hair and air fumes are not something I want to have to go through every day, so what better solution than driving the family car.

Windows, mirrors and lights? Check.

Seatbelt and seat adjustment? Check.

Locks? Check.

My A1 Driving School student ID

The 1^st day at A1 driving school was like a pop quiz before a lecture. Five days happened in a heartbeat, it was both fun learning to drive and incredulously nerve-wracking.

“Clutch and change gear. Clutch and break. Clutch and…red traffic light. Uhm, ahhh...”

(my car shuts off with other cars honking behind me)

What would you do if this happened to you? Me?  At first I panicked, but then that’s how the learning process starts. Every mistake you do is a learning step that leads to the driving basic which is focus. Driving is like chess, it needs strategy and you follow rules. If you don’t, say hi to Mr. Cebu City Traffic Operations Manager or Mr. CITOM for short.

It’s important to give your whole attention and focus when you drive because a lot of things happen when you’re on the road that you don’t notice when you’re a mere pedestrian. Kids playing on the street and small vehicles blocking the road are worst scenarios I’ve had so far.

Precautionary measures, defensive driving and the right attitude make a great driver, and I’m hoping someday I’ll be like that.

Driving lessons in A1 may be done, but with my father, it's not. Not until my student's permit expires that's for sure.

Your city gal,