Driving Lessons Update: Part 3

For a recap on my hands-on driving lessons: (hands-on because my hubs tried to teach me a bit but its mostly talk, and insisted on "try to memorize the theory and use your imagination" ---what?!!)

Course A (Asan Area) the most straightforward course

Course C (Asan Area) mostly lane changing and right turns

Day 1 (3 hrs)
H1 - driving around almost without accelerator in the driving course
H2 - Course A, with instructor driving and showing the route
         Course A, me driving
H3 - Course C

These three hours were pretty too much to handle for my brain so I opted for a two hour schedule for the following sessions.

*Day 2 (2 hours)
H4 - Course B
H5 - Course D

*Day 3 (2 hours)
H6 - Course A and C
H7 - Course B and D

Day 4
H8 - Course A and C
H9 - Course B and D

Course B (Bebang Area) with U-Turn

Course D (Bebang Area) with more complicated turns

This is pretty much where I am right now. I have managed to get into the 80km/h road, change lane, speed up and reach the second traffic light without seeing the red light to stop. The downside was I almost forgot to hit N as I wait to get out of the road because my hands were up in the air celebrating that 70 km/h!

I have to decide tomorrow to sign up for the road test this Thursday. I am a bit confident now in terms of turn signals, neutrals, accelerator and brakes. I have yet to work more on 

1. changing lanes at a speed
2. turning the steering wheel at different angles except for a U-turn and a sharp right-angle turn
3. getting in and out of traffic (Note here: Getting in, I can safely do that with a red light of oncoming traffic but have to watch out with other cars coming from the other directions.) 

I have unconsciously found myself figuring out how to use the side mirrors but not the rear-view mirror ever. Never had the chance yet. Come to think of it, I noticed my husband was able to drive with the rear window blocked with ice last winter. It may be helpful to learn that later on after I passed the road test. My extra learning sessions will only cost 50 k by then, after the Hapgyuk (합격)

My ajussi instructor promised me that he will use the table tomorrow so I can be familiar with the audio instructions for the test. Good thing I changed back to the male instructor, at least he knows my history with recorded audios in Korean. Sticking with the same instructor was something my hubs pointed out when I tole him how my driving lessons are going. Makes sense as I've realized. At least, hubs did give me a some of tips. 

Now as I prepare more for the road test, I try to find other websites as resources.

Here are some blogs/links that I found helpful and encouraging so far:

• no korean - Irish with no or limited Korean language skills going thru it
• Another Pinay blog - the initial parts of acquiring the license (written test etc.) She had to do her written test twice coz the husband gave her the wrong test reviewer. Funny but hey, at least she learned something about motorbikes. 
• And this is the hands-on part in a driving school she enrolled in. She only did the six-hours-behind-the-wheel and managed to pass the road test. This really gave me hope that I can finally wing it this week. I've already clocked in about 9 hours and two more tomorrow so I should be able to do it soon. 
• ESL forum about getting a Korean driver's license

That should wrap it up for this entry. My next entry should most likely start with PASSED! (I will probably wait for at the most another year before I get a chance to drive my husband's car or my own car. Why? He has just renewed his car insurance last Feb or March so I don't think he will be willing to alter that to accommodate me. So either that or I'll have to be able to afford having my own by next year.)

My next month's target is to concentrate on the Korean language again, and finish the KIIP language series. If God willing, I might even have enough courage to start the immigration papers this year. If not, the Driving License goal should have been accomplished. That calls for another entry all together.