While ‘Drive a car’ appeared on the 40×40, I decided to go one better and have actual lessons and pass my driving test for the Kettle List.
This task is the perfect example of an EBI -an Even Better If.
This page will be updated whenever I have news to tell about my journey towards getting a licence.
24th September 2017:
On my previous list, I had put ‘drive a car’ as one of my tasks and I had fully intended to do that. However, as of today, I have yet to apply for my provisional licence.
It is a pretty simple job, I can do it online, but it will cost me £34, but as I can’t afford lessons at the moment, getting one is fairly low on the priority list.
Also, It takes your passport photo…and mine is horrendous! When I applied for my passport, my photo was turned down because it showed my teeth, they kind of stick out, so creating a pose that the passport people would find acceptable meant pulling a face like Pob.
I, therefore, am not enamoured with the picture and don’t particularly want it on my driving licence. But my passport does run out in 2020 and providing I look like a human as opposed to a pink-haired puppet, I will be able to then get a licence with a better picture on it… so until then, this task is on hold…
Update! 28th June 2018:
So, I caved!
I decided to apply and was impressed with how swiftly my provisional licence arrived (less impressed with the terrible picture) Now I will have to look at booking up some driving lessons…
Further Update, January 14th 2019:
I have started my lessons! Not only does this mean I have been able to tick off the 40×40 task, but I am also a step closer to completing the Kettle List Task.
The fact that my younger daughter has also started lessons may have also spurred me on. That, and the fact that in Japan they drive on the same side of the road as us. So if I have a licence, when I eventually get to live there, I will be able to drive.
2019 is going to be the year I take my driving test…in theory.
Oh, and also my theory test. Must get that done too.
A very happy update. April 4th 2019
Just a quick update and a smiley photo!
I have passed my theory test. This now means I have 2 years to pass my actual driving test.
My preference would be to try before September. That way if I don’t pass, I can put in again before the end of the year. Apparently, the pass rate is under 50%, so they will be no shame in failing it. It will just mean I need to keep paying out for lessons.
My motivation is that once I no longer have to pay out for driving lessons, I will be able to afford Japanese lessons instead. Hopefully, that will help with another task on my Kettle List.
5th February 2020
The happiest of updates! Today I passed my driving test.
I wrote a whole post on it here, suffice it to say that I am very pleased to finally be able to put my little stamp on this one. A great and encouraging start to the year – I wonder what other tasks I will complete in 2020?
June 2020
Not long after passing my test, we got ‘locked-down’ (Thanks Covid 19!). After driving to visit my Mum on Mothers Day, I ended up not using the car for about 2 months. I was able to use it to get to work and slowly started driving further afield.
This month I have become the proud owner of a Black Mini that I have christened ‘Hydei’.
I have taken my Mum to Gloucester, been to Bath and back a few times to help Harri move into her new flat and driven to work. Now I have been offered a parking space in the work car park.
Once lock-down is over I am hoping to drive Hydei down to Cornwall – and get another county ticked off.