I always looked upon driving a four-wheeler as one of the things I would not be doing for a long long time. I really could not fathom the craze of my cousin and especially my younger brother regarding driving a car. When I was in college, I always thought there were better things to be fanatic about other than driving, mainly because of fuel, pollution, etc. and to a point I still do now. I think back then, basically took driving for granted and looked down over the whole process of driving as was not fully aware of it.
About 7 months back, I decided to be a little proactive and felt the time was right to at least set up acquiring a license if not the fondness. What really enchanted me was the opportunity to learn a new skill albeit a very important one which would help in future. After getting the learning license, tried to learn on uncle's (family) car. It was kind of funny and also very nerve-wracking at first because even though I was aware that I was driving, somehow reflexes were very slow. Perhaps thats what happens to the brain when learning anything new. Reluctantly had to go to driving school after uncle coaxed me. Later on, I did learn a lot about the whole process that goes on during driving, i.e. changing gears, judging vehicle space, indicators, signs, how to park properly, etc. About 3 months into learning to drive i.e. in driving school, I have probably learnt about 80% and to my surprise have developed some fancy for it. Still do have quite a way to go before learning to drive properly in Indian traffic. For me it helps me more to learn to control my nerves in crampy traffic/awkward situations and to keep calm than learning to go with the flow at high speeds. Now, I am able to understand, to some extent, why driving is a special skill and why so many look up to it, and the fanaticism associated with cars and why new and new car models are launched yearly. Being a driver is probably one of the most complex jobs. Everyday taking public transport makes me realize the value of the man at the wheel and appreciate the toughness of his profession.
Driving is not a right. It is a privilege. Will have to keep reminding myself of this fact.
Heads up.
About 7 months back, I decided to be a little proactive and felt the time was right to at least set up acquiring a license if not the fondness. What really enchanted me was the opportunity to learn a new skill albeit a very important one which would help in future. After getting the learning license, tried to learn on uncle's (family) car. It was kind of funny and also very nerve-wracking at first because even though I was aware that I was driving, somehow reflexes were very slow. Perhaps thats what happens to the brain when learning anything new. Reluctantly had to go to driving school after uncle coaxed me. Later on, I did learn a lot about the whole process that goes on during driving, i.e. changing gears, judging vehicle space, indicators, signs, how to park properly, etc. About 3 months into learning to drive i.e. in driving school, I have probably learnt about 80% and to my surprise have developed some fancy for it. Still do have quite a way to go before learning to drive properly in Indian traffic. For me it helps me more to learn to control my nerves in crampy traffic/awkward situations and to keep calm than learning to go with the flow at high speeds. Now, I am able to understand, to some extent, why driving is a special skill and why so many look up to it, and the fanaticism associated with cars and why new and new car models are launched yearly. Being a driver is probably one of the most complex jobs. Everyday taking public transport makes me realize the value of the man at the wheel and appreciate the toughness of his profession.
Driving is not a right. It is a privilege. Will have to keep reminding myself of this fact.
Heads up.
