Ready, Get Set, Go!

For 2012 I decided that its time to start learning new skills. And the first and a must on my list was to learn how to DRIVE. Yes! I am 23 and I only learned how to make a four wheel vehicle actually move yesterday! And I have to say, Thank God for the courage to drive around the busy streets and highways of Metro Manila.

So Last February 15 I enrolled at Red1 Driving School for a 5 hours, 2 days session of basic driving for a Manual Car. I attended the Basic Lecture Yesterday from 10am - 12noon and got my ass on a car the same day at 2am - 4pm. My last 3 hour session was today and I drove all the way from C5 Taguig to Project 4 Quezon City! I went through C5 highway, Pasig, Eastwood and I don't know where that was until I asked my Instructor where we were and he told me we are in Project 4 QC already. Sorry, but I'm not really good with places.

I was able to pass through a bumper to bumper traffic, all the "pasaway" drivers who suddenly overtakes and gets in front of your lane, the motorcycle people "na bigla na lang sumusulpot", a busy one lane residential street where a lot of people walks + the garbage trucks and tricycles that will make salubong + the many cars parked on the side + the street which my instructor referred to as "gahibla ang lapad" + the flyover car hanging and the parallel parking. Darn! I could say I was a good 5 hours student! Take note it was my first time to actually drive! =)

Of course, I used a lot of aid from my instructor. The sudden turn of the steering wheel which I haven't mastered yet. And how to maneuver the steering to keep myself on my lane during U-turns and 3rd and 4th gear driving. I still need a lot of practice. More, more and a lot more practice.

Basically what I learned as a beginner driver is this:

1. Courage. You need a lot of it to be able to get through the Metro Manila traffic because of all the trucks, buses, motorcycles and Pasaway drivers and pedestrians.

2. Think, Look, Signal and Think Again. A must do every turns, change of lanes and sudden overtakers.

3. Stay in your lane. Let them blow their horns. Let them wait.

4. NEVER panic! Focus is the key.

5. Keep thy eyes on the road but don't forget to check the side mirror and rear view mirror once in a while.

6. Never rush. Slowly is better than "fastly".

7. Don't hold tightly nor put too much pressure/weight on the steering wheel. Relax.

8. ALWAYS WEAR THY SEATBELT.

9. Gas then slowly release clutch to Start moving.

10. Clutch down then break to Stop.

I hope somehow I managed to share useful pointers.

Happy Driving!!! =D

PS. For those who wants a driving lesson all you need is a student driving permit then contact

RED1 Driving School: 634-0570