Ling took a cue from Ann the other day and blogged about her learning how to drive and also a bunch of driving tips too. So here’s my turn on it.
I haven’t done too much checking around, but I’m certain I’m one of the most experienced driving theory tests candidates around. After all, I took my basic theory test nine times (failed six times, missed twice, passed once); and the advanced theory three times, every one of which I failed. The damnest thing is that I did study.
Thing is, none of what I was reading went into my head. And to top it off, I had absolutely no car sense. During the theory tests, I remembered there were questions like: “What gear do you engage if you wanted to reverse up slope?”, and I’d stupidly answer “1st gear”. Yep, I was that car dumb.
Ann remarked that given my standards I should have aced it on the first go. However, that sort of theory only works if I’m actually interested in what I’m doing in the first place. And I was perfectly happy taking public transportation and never really felt the need to drive. So, without a need, there was no consequent interest. So, like any other person who has no interest in a subject area, I just didn’t put my mind into it.
Ironically, I had a change of heart when I left for Perth. I was going on a long trip, leaving many things behind, no attachments, no plans beyond completing the Ph.D first and then seeing where that took me. That I was at a major turning point in my life figured very large in my consciousness, so I figured that was as great a time as it was to make major resolutions. There were four resolutions: 1) Successfully finish my Ph.D; 2) Find the ‘right’ person; 3) Learn how to cook; 4) Learn how to drive.
It’s funny to think of it now, since by the time I left Perth in Jan 2006 for good I’d accomplished all four of the above resolutions. I learnt driving in Perth, and my experience was… interesting, especially when I read about other experiences of learners in Singapore and compare them to mine.
In any event, the actual story and recollection’s a long one, so more in the next post.:)
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