November, 2015
I’m pleased to say that at the grand old age of 38 I have finally passed my driving test!
After years of stop-starts and not making any progress, I decided to take up lessons again, as I’m sure many people do, as a New Years resolution.
I have to admit that I had done this a few times before, again as I’m sure many others have done in the past.
And so, it was with fragile confidence and an uncertain sense of “here we go again”, I decided to take the plunge last January and book in some lessons.
And so after contacting L Plates Driving School, I found myself getting a call back from Ray Brewster, my local instructor. And that was it. We were ready to book in some lessons and get out on the road together.
Over the course of several, I am surprised to admit, enjoyable months out in the car together, I found myself driving the routes of Burgess Hill, thinking, “I could actually do this”.
Somewhere out on those country roads, circling those roundabouts, reversing around those corners, parking in those bays, navigating those one way streets and occasionally stalling at those traffic lights; with his patient coaching ability and friendly, supportive manner, Ray had installed the confidence and belief in me that I was actually ready to take, and pass, my test.
And pass I did. First time! And with confidence! Thank you so much Ray for the belief that you have shown in me, that I admittedly did not always see in myself. Thank you for the hard work you have put in over that time, instinctively knowing how to coax the best out of me. Throughout those months, Ray combined true patience, a steely nerve and a great sense of humour to keep me heading in the right direction.
It has been a real pleasure to be taught by you Ray, thank you, and I wish you all the best for the future. Matt Norman. Brighton.
