How many years has it been since you’ve been driving? If you’re like me, it’s been a While (with a capital ‘W’). And you probably think you drive like a boss, too. Am I right? WRONG! At least I know of all of my bad driving habits because I’ve taught two kids to drive and while they were learning, they kindly pointed out everything that I’m doing wrong. Repeatedly. Sheesh. Beginners. Think they know everything.
I hate to admit it, but they were right. It’s been a while since I took a driving lesson. Sure, I’ve had some race day driving (which was cool. I was MADE for speed). But, I haven’t had a refresher when it comes to the basics. Which is made completely obvious when I’m forced to parallel park my truck in a downtown, nerve-ridden environment (hey! I live in the suburbs. When exactly would I have the chance to parallel park?)
My group at CAA roadtest. We’d just finished parallel parking. Do I look expert?
What would you give for the chance to have a morning of driving lessons and instructor led practice in three key maneuvers? Would you jump on it? I did when CAA offered to school a bunch of us in the art of backing in, three point turns, and the ultimate power skill, the parallel park.
Here we are at #CAARoadTest. I had to picmonkey myself in since I was in the bathroom when they took the group shot.
But first, before we could get in the car, we had to take a little written G1 test. I’m pretty sure I flunked. How do I know this? They wouldn’t give me my score. One guy got almost perfect. They told him his score….
What I did learn, however, is that I CAN parallel park when I’m not nervous and worried about inconveniencing other drivers. And that I kick butt when it comes to backing in (my instructor was EXTREMELY IMPRESSED – in my own imagination.)
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Parallel parked on the first try. #likeaboss #parking #caaroadtest #driving
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Thanks to CAASCO here are some more tips for you on performing difficult yet basic and necessary vehicular gymnastics. Like moving.
Important tips to remember while driving:
Do not depend on backup cameras when reversing. Drivers only see what’s already in view of the camera, not what’s approaching the car
Driving forward or reversing, looking in the direction of where you want your car to go will help you steer your car more accurately
Avoid dry steering. Your vehicle should always be moving slowly when turning the steering wheel
Why you should back into your spot (aka Reverse Lot Parking)
Visibility around your vehicle is better while backing in
Easier for drivers to see if the way is clear when exiting the parking spot
Mechanical problems are easier to diagnose, and vehicle is easier to tow or boost
Parallel Parking (aka the horrifying slide)
Ensure the space is large enough to accommodate 1 ½ times the length of your vehicle
Signal early to help the driver behind understand your intention
Do not start reversing until the way is clear or traffic has stopped to let you begin parking
Three-Point Turns (easy peasy chicken sleazy. What? Isn’t that the rhyme?)
Be aware of U-turn restrictions
Be 360ᴼ aware throughout the entire manoeuvre, check all mirrors and blind spots
Avoid using a driveway or private property
I have to say I was very impressed with the instructors from CAA Driver Education. They were patient, interested, and most importantly, KIND and FUN. And they knew their stuff. No wonder. Because CAA has over 50 years of experience in driver education.
With my bebe about to turn 16 next summer, my mind is on driving school. I’m seriously considering The CAA How to Drive Beginner Driver Education Course for him. The CAA course is MTO-approved, and is only taught at CAA Approved Driving School Network (ADSN) locations across Ontario. I need my youngest to stay safe. He’s so precious to me, and with his ADHD I have to make sure he gets the best training we can find. Unlike other kiddie milestones, driving does not get easier the more kids you have doing it.
While the flagship CAA driving school is in North York (Toronto) and offers beginner driver education, senior driving seminars, corporate driving seminars, there are also 38 ADSN locations teaching the CAA How to Drive Course. In 2014, over 5,000 students graduated from the CAA How to Drive Course from CAA Approve Driving School Network locations
Benefits of the CAA How to Drive Beginner Driver Education Course
MTO-approved
40 hour, expert-led course (includes classroom and in-car training)
Graduates can take their G2 road test 4 months earlier than G1 licence holders who do not take an MTO-approved course (this group must wait a full 12 months)
Graduates may be eligible for an reduced auto insurance premium and PLUS all graduates of the CAA How to Drive Course are eligible to redeem a free 1-year Basic CAA Membership
AND THERE’S MORE (gee, I love saying that…)
CAASCO is currently running an exciting Tear-up-the-Tuition Contest
Running from September 15 to November 30, 2014, students registered for the CAA How to Drive Course at any ADSN location can enter the Tear-up-the-Tuition Contest by visiting this website.
Contest Prizes include:
2 x Grand Prize of CAA How to Drive Course tuition reimbursement
2 x $200 Apple Store® gift cards
3 x choice of $75 CAA Rewards Partner gift card
39 x Cineplex Great Escape Packages
So here’s the BIG question. Can you parallel park? C’mon – be honest.
Note: I was compensated by CAASCO to attend driving school and share my experience with you. However, I should have paid them because it was so amazing.