On Wednesday morning the alarm clock went off early. This time not because I didn't want to sleep all day, but because I was actually off to work! It was only going to be a short trip, but still: work is work and I really wanted to get back to it.
I arrived early and was met by another driver who would show me the way. I know hardly anything road-wise here in Northern Ireland. I am always happy I find my sister's home! So, not having to do everything on my own is good.
I would drive the same bus (ie the mini bus) I had driven during my test-drive and soon we were out the gates and heading to the school to pick up the children. They had a school trip to a local fun farm in the area.
Once we were there, I was given the chance to drive the big proper coach. It was a bit tricky getting it out of the parking lot (narrow and high tree/hedge), but with some assistance from the other driver, I got out eventually. Getting on to the road was again quite tricky. I immediately noticed the coach was very different to drive than all the coaches and buses I had ever driven. But with some care I managed it.
And then... there was a mishap. I had not kept enough distance between the coach and a parked car and I just scraped past it. Literally! Mirror and bumper of the car were gone/loose and there were large marks on the coach. A ton of bricks was dropped in my stomach.
After it had been resolved (insurance details and such), I sat in the passenger seat and we drove back. For the time being there is no way I will be driving a large coach. Mini bus it is. Just to get used to it.
I know how to drive a coach. I know how wide they are, how they turn. I know how much space I have between me and the door. When I sit on the left side of the coach. It is so different when you sit on the right side of the coach. My spatial awareness is completely gone and that's when mistakes will be made.
Let's hope that everything from now on goes well and I might be able to soon get on a proper bus again!
Oops! You'll eventually get used to it. I'm sure I would do no better in a smaller vehicle if I had to drive on the "wrong" side of the road.
ReplyDeletehari OM
ReplyDeleteUgh... my tummy joined yours. What a darn shame. However, I must say that I observe these megacoaches which drive our tiny roads here and often wonder what it takes to work out the feet and inches of them!!! I am certain you will get there - Mara, is there some kind of orientation driving reviser available for pro-drivers??? Might be worth the investment, just for reassurance... but am glad you got some work at last! YAM xx
What it takes? Experience really. Not much else. You just get the feel of it. You see a gap and know whether the coach will fit or not. Same with corners, you know you will need extra space to make a turn, so you take that, perhaps blocking others or taking twice as long.
DeleteAdjustments to new vehicles are always a challenge. I have complete confidence you are still special and spatial, too.
ReplyDeleteI was lulled into a false sense of security I guess, since I have not had any trouble with the car at all. And even driving the minibus is fine! Just that darn coach!
DeleteWhat a shame. No major damage done except to your confidence of course. Keep smiling, you will get the hang of it in no time.
ReplyDeleteMy confidence definitely got knocked! For twelve really!! I had been most worried about that part of driving in the UK, but I hadn't expected it to be that bad.
DeleteAck! That is so disappointing for you. Things have to get better, eh?
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that happened. Yes the perspective is totally different. I've never driven with the steering wheel on the opposite side and never plan on doing it. Hopefully you they will let you practice that in the future.
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