I got my driving license 10years ago. It didn't comes easy. I have failed don't know how many times that I couldn't even remember, changed driving instructors and even changing the venues of the learning routes. All these during my polytechnic days, I kept my driving lessons a secret from my parents. I don't know why I did that but I'm glad I did, consider the number of times I failed...
After I gotten my license, I did not have the opportunity to drive a car anymore as buying a car in Singapore is so so very expensive. With my salary, I couldn't afford it. My teenage dream was crushed.
Before I came to Toulouse, I have 3 lessons of driving refresher course. Not going to help. So when we came to France, I was even more shocked to realize that the cars are mostly manual transmission. I did took manual car license in Singapore but I tell you the narrow road lanes, driving on the left hand side and slopes on most traffic lights junctions were a nightmare for me. Ken was very encouraging, he leased 2 cars (for him to drive to work and the other for me to bring the kids around). For nearly 7 months, I did not even drive the car (ok, once and it was horrible experience for Ken). He thought very hard about it and decided to check out the market for an auto transmission car. We are in luck, my car came from Spain and is semi-auto. honestly, I wonder why they can't just make a full auto car and what is semi-auto? Haha
So here, I am driving the car around speed of 50km/hr. It's the correct speed when I'm driving around neighborhood. At the moment, driving on highways, is a no-no for me. I guess, if I'm alone without the children, I don't feel as scare. I don't want to put them in danger, also their noises, crying and talking sometimes distract my concentration. There will always be a first time but I need to gain confidence first.
Just yesterday, I had an accident, luckily it was not serious but I got a very nasty flat tire. I was on the way to Stacy's school to pick her up, Erica was with me. I was driving along a curvy road near a construction site, suddenly, 'BAM'! The car swayed to the other side of road with oncoming cars coming at me and horning me, causing me to freak out and I steered too near to a kerb and then I stopped the car. I came out to find a flat tire on the front passager side. At that moment, I'm really at a lost. Can I move the car? Who should I call? Erica is with me, who is going to help us? Stacy is still waiting for me at school. This is lunch hour, nobody is around and I couldn't call any mechanic at this time. Maybe I can call a taxi? Oh, well, it's lunch time.
I called Ken to fetch Stacy. A kind passerby came and usher me to move the car to a safer place. I took Erica and walked back home. Luckily, it took me 10mins to walk back. Do you know, unlike Singapore, we have to change the tire ourselves. Singapore is truly blessed to have 24hrs car services throughout the island.
Ken came back with Stacy and went out to change the tire himself . My hero.
Oh yes, my teenage dream? Is to drive a really big family car so that I could drive my parents and siblings around and bring them to place of interests and nice restaurants once in awhile. Ok.... Until the day I have the money to buy that kind of car in Singapore and to drive safely.
my car, came with an adorable model. Haha
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