Session 10 Debrief: Back to Square One

A lot has happened since my last driving lesson. 

To put it simply, I’d got my license through special methods, bought a new car, and took it out for a quick two-minute spin. Within the shenanigans, I had the opportunity to drive here and there and I am consolidating all those experiences into a single session.

This has also given me direction toward the upcoming training sessions.

But first, the recaps.

Session 10 Recap: A Few Runs

The Test Drive

I decided to get the Tata Punch Adventure variant, manufactured in December 2024, and desired a test drive before booking the thing. The guy at the showroom presented a different variant of the same model, powered by CNG.

We went to a relatively emptier highway and went in a straight line and then a U-turn. It was pretty customary if I am being honest. After that ‘drive,’ I didn’t feel that I learned anything new, which is saying something considering I had spent two hours (upper limit) behind the wheel so far.

If anything, the car felt nice and I maintained my driving line throughout. There weren’t any jerky movements or instances of panic. However, the areas of improvement, such as downshifting, were predictably visible.

The License Test

A few days after the pre-purchase test drive, I was scheduled for my driver’s license test. The car available for the drive was a WagonR, the same machine I had my first lessons in. 

The test required the candidates to drive the car forward and backward in a S-shape. To my surprise, I did the going forward part well but messed up after putting it in reverse. Thankfully, I already bribed the officials through appropriate means, which got me my license.

This, again, exposed an already-recognized area of improvement — reversing. Speaking of positives, it was surprising how I was able to get a hold of the car going forward after such a huge break.

For context, my last driving lesson was on January 19th, after which I didn’t have any access to a car. Till then, I had attended only nine driving classes which were my first nine driving experiences.

I started this memoir to pen my path to the driving license, which was significantly shorter than I imagined. Nevertheless, I will still continue with this memoir for 30 more at-night city rides and ten endurance runs.

The diary will officially end after the last endurance ride.

New Ride

The final instance of driving was concluded last night. In my mind, I was thinking of taking it out for a spin and maybe a few laps around the city. However, as soon as I dropped the clutch, I thought otherwise.

There were too many variables. First, the pressure of taking out a larger vehicle with higher horsepower was immense. It also didn’t help that it was a brand-new car that just stepped out of the showroom.

Additionally, all my past nine driving lessons occurred in a ~15-year-old WagonR. The car, when brand new, boasts 63 horses. I bet that learning machine, after so many years, had around fifty left. 

The Punch has 87 horses.

The lack of experience, combined with stress and tiredness (yesterday was hectic as hell) made me realize that I should retire from the session immediately.

The Super Fun Friday

Speaking of yesterday. 

Every time, my Fridays require me to do the most stuff. Whether it is running errands or getting things done, it usually occurs on a Friday. At least for me. Moreover, there are always plenty of roadblocks and bumps along the way.

The schedule for the day, which was finalized on Thursday evening was as follows (in that sequence):

1. Go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to do the preliminary paperwork before the driving license test

2. Get back home to wrap some office work and send it for review

3. Arrive at the testing venue to take the examination for the driver’s license

4. Return home to have lunch and resume office work

5. Go to the showroom and receive delivery of the car

6. Attend a social function

7. Roll the car a bit at night to get a feel of the new vehicle

2 couldn’t happen because there was a power cut and my laptop had no battery. In the afternoon, I was on the call with the RTO dealer which affected how I executed 4. The car delivery was delayed and frustrating due to various ‘Indian’ reasons, which was expected.

I only ate starters at 6 because stress killed my appetite.

The drive at night stopped unexpectedly early after realizing my limitations in the cockpit and various other nuances of the vehicle.

While the day was draining and presented several challenges, things got done. I mean, the guy who Puja’d the vehicle was asking for Rs. 500/- but I somehow convinced him with Rs. 200/-. The damned salesman was trying to rip me off, which failed.

The car was missing certain features. This happened due to the salesperson’s oversight who showed me the 2025 brochure while suggesting the 2024-manufactured car for the financial benefits. It was an honest mistake and protesting wouldn’t have resulted in anything fruitful.

I just count the savings blessings and move on.

Like I said, if there were any positives, it was that things got done well.

Crazy, it all happened on my mum’s birthday.

Looking Forward: Baby Steps

There is a possibility that I can’t take the car out to the training field due to the lack of a skilled driver. In that scenario, my next training session can get as delayed as next week. This is definitely suboptimal, but I’ve been known to have tricks up my sleeve.

Regardless of when the upcoming practice session occurs, it will be me going back to the drawing board.

I will begin with clutch control and a bit of back and forth for the steering stability. Then, in the field, I will do some laps to practice shifting and maneuverability. Perhaps a large figure of eight done in second gear.

The clutch control will also help me gauge the dimensions of the car. The spatial awareness boost from this is essential for negotiating tight turns and reversing the vehicle.

For now, I will make a few calls to see if there is a driver available to take my car to the field and wait for an hour until I get done with the initial training. We will see how that pans out. Whatever happens, happens. 

My hands are already full and I will find something else to stay occupied with for the following week.

Until next time,

Tara

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Next Chapter: Session 11 Debrief: The Car Feels Good

Previous Chapter: Session 9 Debrief: Offroading and Time Off

Index (with Prologue): The Path to Driving License