As I am only 12 years old, I didn't expect to find myself driving a car until I was at least 17. However, this didn't turn out to be the case...
A few weeks ago, I spent a fantastic afternoon learning to drive in a real car on top of Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North London. I learnt this with a company called Young Driver and here's what I did.
I had my first taste of sitting behind the wheel on the top-floor car park of Brent Cross, and was instantly struck by how much space there was. There was a bridge, lamp-posts and obviously, loads of flat spaces to drive around, meaning that there was something for all levels of drivers.
In my 60 minute lesson, I learnt to start and stop my car, move away, change gears and steer. In the car, there were two pairs of controls for my feet - one for me and one for my instructor, Mike. I had control of the steering wheel, but he could easily reach over me and change the direction in which the car was going (just in case he needed to!)
Mike was really helpful and he taught me a lot. Although I was absolutely terrible at braking, he managed to A) keep a straight face B) not have a heart attack and C) help me improve. We had a very interesting discussion and he make my experience even more special.
Near to the end of the hour, I was driving figure-8s around lamp posts and driving around roundabouts made of cones. This was incredibly exciting, and definitely my favourite part of the session.
Apparently, one in five people crash their cars in the first six months of passing their driving test. I wonder if it would help if you had more experience of driving beforehand. Dad says that this is definitely something he would buy me a few months before I started taking driving lessons for real.
Overall, I thought Young Driver was something you should definitely try out if you live in the UK, as there are 33 centres across the country, you learn loads, and have an incredibly enjoyable time. Now I have to wait another five years before driving myself again...
Here's some more information:
Young Driver was established in 2009 with the aim of helping to teach youngsters to drive over a longer period, therefore encouraging a safer generation of new drivers at 17.
Anyone over the age of 11 and above 1.42 metres tall can get behind the wheel of a brand new dual control SKODA Citigo car with a fully qualified ADI driving instructor. Lessons take place on private property which has been developed into a realistic road system complete with road signs, junctions and car parks.
A one hour lessons costs £59.95 and a half hour lesson costs £31.99.
For more information log on to www.youngdriver.eu or call 0844 371 9010
Disclosure: Jessica was given a one hour lesson to try out on a complimentary basis. All her thoughts and opinions however, are her own.
More by me:
An Awesome Time At Hever Castle!
Brighton In The Winter
Labels: Blog, days out in London, driving