No, this is not Jay going back to driving school. It’s me, Michelle.

Yesterday, I was so excited knowing that I’ll be driving the next day. Though I’ve read the really old Defensive Driving book, that James dug out from somewhere under all the stuff at the QC apartment, I thought I’d learn more of the basic things from the A1 book. Luckily, I was able to persuade Jay that I need to buy it.

So, I bought the manual for P400 and read until Chapter 2 which is the orientation. When I got home, I continued and stopped at Chapter 3: Defensive Driving since Jeanne is already sleepy, which means she needs to fed and I’d also be sleepy soon after. Set my alarm to 5:10 am…

Woke up a few minutes after the alarm went on then I’m off to shower and prepped for work. Ate a light breakfast so that I’d be alert and my tummy won’t grumble while driving.

Jay parked the car near the office, he walked to get a cab while I went up to the office to leave my things on my table.

Got my Student Permit, Official Receipt and ID. I walked to the other end of MOA where A1 is located. The car is already waiting but I didn’t see any driver. Then I walked closer then realized that the driver has reclined the seat and was sleeping. I didn’t want to be rude so I knocked on the window and asked if it’s the car for me (mentioned my name). He said yes, checked for my requirements.

He went out of the driver’s seat and went to the passenger’s side. He asked me if I have any background and I said ‘yes‘. He asked me to enumerate what I know about Clutch, Brake, and Gas, and that I did. I was also waiting for him to ask me to enumerate BLOWFATCH which I memorized since I thought he’s going to ask me that, but he didn’t (too bad :P).

He made sure I know the following as well:

• Locking and unlocking of all doors
• Closing and opening of windows
• Adjusting the distance of the driving seat (clutch foot fully extended and wrist is resting on the steering wheel)
• Adjusting the mirror
• Proper use of seat belts (for both driver and passenger)
• Turn signals
• Wiper and washer
• Hazard
• Horn
• Proper handling

Then I practiced shifting gears, next he asked me to move backward and forward. I was kinda having a hard time to put the shift gear to Reverse. After a couple of backward and forward “driving” which were done next to the curb, he asked me if I’m okay to move on to the next part. Of course, I said yes! Ako pa! :P

We first drove within the vicinity of MOA, then along Macapagal to Pedro Gil where streets are narrower than I’d like. Worse, there was this garbage truck in front of us and behind me a rushing van. But I believe I was able to overcome my fear in not being able to check my mirrors and colliding with other vehicles.

Through the drive, I was able to practice the following:

• Turning of steering wheel
• Proper use of clutch, brake and gas
• Starting and stopping procedures
• Proper way of shifting gears
• Observing safe following and stopping distance (actually, the instruct would just say “slow down” or “stop”)
• Making left, right and U-turns
• Shifting lanes

Finally we headed back to MOA and reviewed the panel board. Overall, he said I passed my first 2 hours and that I’m doing OK, confident in driving. I just need to improve on my turning and footwork.

Yey! Next driving lesson is tomorrow! I don’t want to lose my momentum and forget what I’ve learned. Hopefully I would be able to wake up early tomorrow. :D