First gear – learning to drive

“Just ease off the gas a little,” my instructor warns, for the fifth time today. But it’s hard when I’m so eager to pass my practical test.

I’m Dominic – a new copy writer for Auto Trader – and I’ve been a learner driver for about two months now, itching to tear up my learner badge and get my first set of car keys.

Driving a car for the very first time can be described as… sort of like riding a bike. With two extra wheels. And an engine.

It’s a steep learning curve but gets easier with practice. And learning what to do at a junction soon becomes second nature.

Just don’t make the same mistake I did on my first lesson – by attempting to accelerate straight after foolishly putting the handbrake on, causing my instructor, Alex, to chuckle quietly and the car to rev angrily.

The little diesel Renault Clio wanted to shoot off but was forced to stay still, wailing like a tortured cat.

Taking it up to fifth on a dual carriageway let it stretch its legs though – and the soft purr of the turbo kicking in as I entered the overtaking lane was music to my ears.

It made me realise how much this supermini packs quite a sharp bite – even if it is the only car I’ve ever driven.

Driving down the old drag racer straight alongside Hanningfield Reservoir or around the many winding hills of Essex is enjoyable – but learning to drive isn’t all fun and games.

Renault Clio

Stalling can be interesting. I say ‘interesting’ instead of ‘painful’, because it’s humorous when it happens in the middle of the road, causing elderly drivers to shake their fists at me before driving past.

Before long, the words “mirror”, “signal” and “manoeuvre” are etched onto my brain. Manoeuvres such as the three point turn and parallel parking are fine, but don’t even get me started on the left reverse.

For some unknown reason my brain likes to steer whichever way I look while reversing – so after looking front-right for oncoming cars, I cut into the wrong side of the road. And if I look left instead, I sub-consciously steer onto the kerb.

But I’m determined to pass early, and my theory is already done and dusted (one cheeky week before its questions were increased to 50 and price upped to £28, might I add).

So watch this space to join me on more learner driver experiences in future blog posts – and if you see a learner on the road, cut us some slack – we were all novices once!

Don’t forget to visit the Auto Trader website next week for our exclusive learner driver features.