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| with Sir Clifford and Bebang, the Altis |
A week ago, I enrolled for a Beginner's Course in Smart Driving School. For beginners with no driving experience at all they require a minimum of 10 hours of lessons. The requirements are a student permit from LTO and the payment, of course. I paid P4,300 for the lessons and the secretary, Shayne, and I drafted my schedule. I planned to have an hour a day of lesson. I'm hesitant to have 2 hours of lesson in one day, worried that my feet would hurt or get tired.
In their list of offered courses, there is a SMART course which is more expensive than the regular lessons. Shayne told me that the SMART course allows the student to select the instructor or the vehicle to drive. I thought it was impractical and just a waste of money.
I was excited on my first day and nervous. I read a forum wherein some students were not able to learn how to drive even after going to a driving school. I hoped I won't experience the same. The first lesson was all lecture. The instructor and I sat inside the car as he explained the different functions of the pedals, gears, etc. I "drove" for about 5 minutes or so. I went home feeling great that I learned these different parts but disappointed also that I wasn't able to drive longer.
Second day came and I had another instructor, Sir Clifford Manimtim. His supervisor was with us during the lesson. Sir Clifford let me drive the car! Woohoo! I told him that I didn't do that the day before and he said I should've done so. He was very patient and kept my fears at bay. Booo to my first instructor whom I shall not name.
I was ecstatic after my second-but-should-be-first day of driving lesson. I thought about upgrading my lessons to the SMART course so I can pick Sir Clifford to teach me everytime. It would cost more but I would not risk letting another not-so-good instructor in my driving lessons. I humbly ate what I said about the impracticality of choosing your instructor. For me, it's better than having a different instructor everyday. Having the same instructor means he knows your day-to-day progress. :)
It was a good decision that I upgraded my lessons. Sir Clifford thought me alot about defensive driving and he wasn't selfish about sharing his knowledge on the road. He made me feel at ease while driving, boosted my confidence and he even cracks jokes.
I finished my 10-hour lessons in 8 days. I recommend having 2-hour lessons a day (I did it one Saturday). It may seem too much for a beginner to be behind the wheel but true to Shayne's advice, 1 hour lesson is short to fully enjoy it.
SMART Driving School
St. Francis Square Mall
Tel.# 631-1663
http://www.smartdrivingph.com/
