“My First Time Driving Experience” and Advice

Before I start, let’s get this elephant out of the room. I’m an Asian male, and I know you have your stereotypes in your head – whether subconsciously or just plain judgmentally.

My first time driving was just earlier this week, and let me tell you, it was not pleasant. It resembled more to a fighting scene in a Transformer movie than the ending scene of a modern day love story.

So the story begins one morning in late August. I had recently signed up for the 6-hour driving program required for all GDL drivers. Now, I had previously thought that driving would be a breeze, after all, women could do it. However, the difficulty greatly exceeded my expectations.

Driving for the first time was extremely arduous. I found out no matter how many times you watched Ryan Gosling in Drive, your right and left turns will be nauseatingly out of control.

I had anticipated driving as a basic task, but it’s not. Did you know that the gas and brake pedals are not like on/off switches? You actually have to visualize how much acceleration or decline is necessary and push the pedal down accordingly. So pushing lightly causes a slight change in acceleration/deceleration.

I recommend that before doing anything with the car, you do what I did. I suggest that you first go to an empty parking lot and just get a feel for the car.

Practice controlling the car and sitting on the left side of the car, then you can buy some practice squirrels at your local pet store to run over. I find it’s always best to be prepared. And if you live in a rural area, go buy yourself a deer and study how to avoid the most damage to your front bumper when you smash one of those furry creatures.

Another thing about driving, it’s hard to tell how wide the car is compared to the outside curb and such. I feel like I’m going down the street in Rosie O’Donnell’s body.