Great Beginnings: My Journey to Safe and Enjoyable Driving

For many, learning to drive marks a significant milestone in their lives—it's exciting, challenging, and often humorous. My experience, albeit unique, is a great illustration of this journey. Let's dive into my early experiences and the important lessons I learned along the way.

Learning to Drive: A Very Young Age

Back in 2007, I was just 6 or 7 years old—an inquisitive and curious kid. My parents had just bought a new Maruti Omni in 2005, and until 2007, I was merely an observer in the cockpit. I would watch my father meticulously operate the vehicle and ask countless questions, eager to understand why he performed certain actions. It was only natural that I would try to replicate what I saw, and in 2007, I took my first solo drive. While it seems almost unbelievable now, at the tender age of 6, I started driving a motor vehicle. This early experience laid the groundwork for a lifetime appreciation for safe driving.

A Later Experience: An Exciting Start

My second foray into driving was much less about observation and more about excitement. At 17, I was eager to learn, partly spurred by my desire to gain a bit of independence. My instructor was an ex-racing car driver from the 1950s in Singapore. His wisdom, imparted to me when I was just 17, has stayed with me to this day. According to him, knowing the rules and being able to take the correct action in emergencies are crucial. His advice has helped me maintain a clean driving record, no matter the country: India, the UK, and France.

Key tips from my instructor included:

Mastering speed control and emergency braking Parallel parking and perfecting the reverse Hill starts and making U-turns on hills General defensive driving techniques

Unfortunately, many drivers in Southeast Asian countries, including India, do not get tested on these crucial skills. Instead, accidents often lead to victims or their families being blamed. This mindset, however, is misplaced. The lack of knowledge of traffic rules and the inability to take proper precautions in emergencies are often to blame.

Forging a Path: With Dad's Help

One of my earliest memories of driving for real was at the age of 13, without even a learner's permit. I was helping Dad transport bales and feed cows. Once we were done, he let me drive a few miles home. It was short but the experience made me feel like I was on top of the world. I'll never forget standing in the snow that night, thinking my Dad had let me take the wheel.

“Don’t tell Mom” became a mischievous exchange between us, each trying to keep the experience a secret.

Another milestone for me was when I got my permit. My mom took me out driving, and it was a bumpy journey. She would stomp on an invisible brake and then gasp, grabbing my shoulder. It was nerve-wracking for a 14-year-old and led to many arguments. Driving with Dad was much smoother. He was more laid-back and our personalities meshed well.

My first driving test was another learning experience. I failed the parallel parking section, so my dad decided to create a makeshift parallel parking scenario in the yard. He set up two bales and had me practice non-stop over the weekend. When I took the test again, I passed with flying colors. This experience taught me the value of practice and perseverance in achieving my goals.

Safe driving is not just about following rules; it's about preparing for the unexpected. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a new learner, these tips and experiences can help make your journey to safe and enjoyable driving more successful.