Third lesson

This lesson was more interesting as I got to learn about directional change/3 point turn!

Of course, this was done out in the carpark where there was a lot more space. This was just to give me a feel of how it feels like to steer using the 3 point turn technique. In the circuit, I was told that the space is much tighter and many learner drivers mount or strike the kerb as they do not have a good grasp of space and car handling. Made me a bit nervous but doesn't seem too hard on the road.

As for my gear and clutch control, getting better but still shaky. Trying now to shift to higher gears and also doing so without looking down constantly at the gear level.

Joshua

Second Lesson

Second lesson this time round was more or less the same.

Mr Ong got me to practise my half clutch and also gear level control. This, he say is the basics and without it one can never hope to pass the driving test. Kept stalling and trying to get used to this clutch thing which can get somewhat tiring.

Went out to practise navigating the roads too. Again, not confident yet, still somewhat stressed and trying to get used to controlling the car rather than letting the car control me.

Joshua

First lesson

First lesson was to learn about the clutch!

Met my instructor at a housing estate where there were relatively no cars. Had read about the half clutch in my books but it feels real weird to actually be stepping on it. Half clutching is no mean feat as well! Tiring but it was a magical feeling being able to move a car first time in my life.

Tried half clutching a few times to get the biting point but stalled, though Mr Ong told me it is very normal for beginners to stall and once you get it, you get it.

Mr Ong was also really patient and somewhat put me at ease. However, I was still rather tensed up as I was afraid of getting into an accident! Then, we went on turns around this carpark constantly to get a feel of the steering wheel.

As the lesson was ending, he got me to go onto the main road to drive to Admiralty MRT. Was pretty much praying for traffic to be smooth so that I didn't have to stop and half clutch to move off again lol! biggest nightmare is to stall at a junction.

Still, it was a pretty fun lesson and I look forward to the next.

Joshua

Choosing a private driving instructor (PDI)

For me, the choice was simple, I would want to learn from a PDI rather than from school as a PDI is SO much cheaper.

But getting a good one was not so simple.. Luckily I managed to find PDIreviews.com. It contained user reviews, ratings and passing rates of Singapore private driving instructors. This made things much simpler and I decided to choose Mr Ong Chee Chye. Decent passing rates, reviews and also recommended by a friend.

Also learned from the site not to just go for those PDIs with high passing rates. This is because some PDIs purposely make you go for many lessons before registering you for the TP Test (yes, you need their permission to register for the TP test). In this way, they get more money and also increase their chances of maintaining a high passing rate.

Arranged one lesson a week though he say he can increase the frequency when my TP driving test gets nearer!

Hope this will go well and that I won't be one of the horror stories!

Joshua

This blog will help me to consolidate what I've learned

Hi!

Have decided to create this blog to consolidate everything that I've learned during my driving lessons. This will help me remember my mistakes, weaknesses and work towards eliminating them. Hopefully, I can pass my driving test with one try.

Some more details about myself: I am learning class 3 manual at SSDC.

Joshua