Monday, February 6, 2012
Double delight for teenage test takers
Twins often share similar experiences of life's defining moments. Many enjoy their first day at school together, some move out of the family home at the same time, and in one special case twins from Bristol passed their driving tests on the same day.
What makes this story even more extraordinary is that that each sister had taken exactly the same number of one hour driving lessons, and they both began their practical tests at 3pm on January 20th.
The girl's chosen driving instructor said, “Everything seemed to fall in together – they started the same day, they had exactly the same number of lessons, they passed on the same day.”
It's traditional for twins to grow up wearing identical sets of clothes and be treated to shared birthday parties. However, the girls’ parents went to extra lengths by rewarding them with a blue Ford Ka each.
Their Mum said, “They both felt that they were under a lot of pressure, and they were worried that one might pass and one fail. They would have rather both failed than one pass and one fail.”
After joint celebrations the youngsters are expected to turn their minds to what they can do together next. Perhaps they'll both achieve the same A level marks, go to the same university and even begin same course next year.
Photo © samantha celera via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: Bristol, driving lessons, driving test, Ford Ka, instructor, practical test, twins
Friday, December 9, 2011
Getting onto the motorway
When I was taking my driving lessons I found ‘A’ roads frightening enough to tackle with my instructor next to me, so I can well imagine that there is some merit in the new scheme coming into effect next year.
Apparently, road safety minister Mike Penning has stated that soon learner drivers will be allowed to go onto motorways as long as they have a qualified instructor with them. The aim of this initiative is to familiarise learners with the 70mph (perhaps eventually 80mph) speed limit and the motorway layouts, so that their risk of suffering an accident on these roads once they pass their practical test is reduced.
The head of road safety at the AA stated, “This is good news. It will end the ludicrous situation where people can live near a network of motorways and pass their test without ever having been on one.”
I have to say I agree. The first time I went onto the motorway I had to take my dad with me for support and almost missed my exit because I suddenly forgot how to change lanes through fear of the high speed I was traveling at.
Exactly when this scheme will begin hasn’t been reported, but I have a feeling learner drivers will really appreciate the experience. I know I would have.
Photo © Firing up the quattro… via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: 70mph, AA, accident, driving lessons, learner drivers, motorway, road, road safety, speed