Just had my first car driving lesson and man, it was a ride. Well, first of all, my instructor had deviated from my expectations too much. I had expected a middle age man sure, but what I got was a Brahmin man, a Pandit. Now, I don’t know why that came as a shock but it did. I guess it was his experience of teaching so many people but he had absolutely zero attention to spare me or that’s what I thought because he’d corrected my direction every time the car was going off-road. I think I just felt that way because he was being so nonchalant, talking freely about whatever he deemed fit, and checking his mobile every now and then; then again, it wasn’t his first time trying his hand at driving a car. The car was so fabulous that the doors could only be opened from the inside locks. It was evident of how many people it had taught over the years. We sat in, and he just carelessly threw a few instructions about the indicators and the pedals- the CBA- and told me to start the car. Thank the Lords above I could atleast think about turning the keys at that moment. And just like that, we were off. Of course, he was the one mainly controlling the system and had his hand over the steering wheel most of the time like he owned the car or something, and that was what annoyed me to my wit’s end. I just wanted myself to be the one doing the stuff with his minimal interference. This generation I swear, being so impatient with everything. And when he did do so, I’d let the car go out of control, wasn’t able to take the turn properly, he had to butt in. It was my first time trying to drive a car, my first time looking into a rearview mirror and seeing from my perspective but it wasn’t my first time being so unobservant. I had been so focused on the road just ahead that I had, once again, ignored all of my surroundings. I couldn’t even remember what path we had taken and how we had gotten from my house to Golf Links Residential Area (had forgotten again, just asked Mum and Dad). It was so hard to focus on everything at the same time, to look in the right-side mirror and still be able to maintain that presence of mind on the road ahead. I guess it would’ve been easier if I knew what I was looking for in the first place. I think an important thing to grasp and certainly tricky too, would be to know how much to rotate the steering wheel to get the car to turn at certain angles; and when exactly to start rotating the wheel. So, I learned that you’ve got to press on the clutch whenever making a turn, will try to remember that. All the time my mum was sitting in the backseat, not making a peep, and the few conversations they had, I don’t remember. When we finally got to the place where he had to pick up another student who would drive us back, we had to wait long and, in that time, I got to know of his punctuality. It’s a good thing my dad refused me to take our dog out on a walk when he had already arrived. That would’ve been a foolish move. He’s really familiar with the city, and he let it known, what with all the turns and streets he took to get us back home that even my mum and I didn’t know about. And as soon as we got out, that dog outside that’s gone mental attacked a man on a motorcycle who slipped. That was the first time I’d seen someone slip. Well, the dog ran away, the motorcyclist probably had a bad morning and would complain to his family after getting back home, we came inside the house and the car drove away. Once again, I guess, to pick up some other student who then would in turn drop off the current one and so on it would be.
Jun 22
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Rating: 3/5
The story recounts a first car driving lesson that proves to be an eventful and somewhat frustrating experience for the narrator. While there are some interesting and relatable moments, overall, the story lacks coherence and fails to provide a satisfying narrative.
The narrator begins by expressing surprise and disappointment at the unexpected choice of their instructor, a Brahmin man. This initial reaction seems irrelevant to the overall story and doesn’t add much value to the reader’s experience.
The instructor’s lack of attention and nonchalant behavior frustrate the narrator, who desires a more involved and attentive teaching style. The annoyance grows when the instructor dominates control of the car, leaving little room for the narrator to practice independently. This struggle to take control is relatable, but it could have been explored in a more engaging manner.
The narrator’s own lack of observation skills and struggle to focus on multiple aspects of driving are highlighted, which adds a touch of realism to the story. However, the narrative becomes disjointed and loses its direction as the narrator delves into unrelated topics like the dog attack and the instructor’s familiarity with the city.
The lack of a clear structure and purpose in the storytelling hampers the reader’s ability to connect with the events and empathize with the narrator’s experiences. Additionally, the writing style feels informal and lacks polish, detracting from the overall quality of the story.
While the story contains some relatable moments for those who have experienced driving lessons, it ultimately falls short in terms of coherence, focus, and engaging storytelling. With a more concise and structured approach, the story could have better captured the challenges and emotions associated with a first driving lesson.
Title: A Memorable First Driving Lesson
Review:
“The First Ride” recounts a unique and eventful first car driving lesson. The story takes an unexpected turn as the narrator’s instructor, a Brahmin man, differs from their initial expectations. The instructor’s, frequent phone usage, and casual conversation initially create the impression of a lack of attentiveness. However, it becomes evident that the instructor’s vast experience allows him to correct the narrator’s mistakes promptly.
As the lesson progresses, the narrator realizes multitasking challenges while driving. They struggle to observe their surroundings, fixated on the road ahead and inadvertently ignoring essential details. The difficulty of accurately navigating turns and determining the appropriate steering wheel rotations becomes apparent.
Throughout the lesson, the narrator’s mother silently observes from the backseat, and their conversations are easily forgotten. However, it becomes evident that the instructor’s familiarity with the city is impressive as he skillfully navigates unfamiliar turns and streets. Finally, as the lesson concludes and the narrator arrives home, an unexpected incident occurs involving a dog and a slipping motorcyclist, leaving a lasting impression on the narrator.
“The First Ride” offers a relatable and engaging account of a memorable first driving lesson. It highlights the challenges faced by new drivers, such as the need for focus, multitasking, and understanding the intricacies of controlling a vehicle. It also sheds light on the importance of experienced instructors who can guide learners through the complexities of driving. Overall, the story serves as a reminder that learning to drive is a process that requires patience, attentiveness, and respect for the road and surroundings.