So, I've got a driving test in two days.

Yup, that's right- after all these months of learning, I'm almost there- I have my test on Friday morning at 9:17am, and boy do I hope I pass it. I've been learning for a loooooong time and I sure hope that it's been worth all the time and money.

First off, I was late to the dance, starting to learn at nineteen. Before that I couldn't afford it, not having the fortune some of my friends and peers have had of either having a job or their parents pay for their lessons. After a not-so-great time with my first instructor, followed by a test I should probably have never sat, I went with a second instructor recommended to me by my girlfriend, who recently passed under his tutelage (with no minors too). I've been with this guy for a while and, with my confidence and ability now much improved, I am two days away from my potential license. And it means a lot to me.

It seems that for a lot of people (and it seems to be men in particular) that driving is something that comes relatively naturally. Not for me. My sense of direction kind of sucks, I'm kind of clumsy, and for the longest time I've had the spatial awareness of a one-eyed octopus with seven tentacles.

Luckily, it's all improved for me, through sheer hard work and endeavor, as well as some truly frustrating and infuriating hours spent behind the wheel of the four different cars of learned in, trying to understand why I haven't done it yet! Not to mention I've been subject to some weird things on my lessons- such as failing a mock test because I got charged head on, while driving along a dual carriageway in Dudley, by a herd of wild horses.

If I can drive, things should really just get a lot easier for me. No more waiting around for buses, no more having to hitch lifts. I can go where I want, when I want, under my own steam, provided there's fuel in tank. Sure, I don't have a car yet, but that's the annoying part- I've been able to afford one for ages! (Insurance will be a kicker, but hey, that's no surprise.) I'll have access to better job opportunities- I'll be able to drive for my current employer, which would be very convenient, and would also make my commute to my workplace only 10-15 minutes away a lot quicker too. I can take the girlfriend out places whenever we want to go. This license which means I can drive will also become a license for my full independence.

I'm not going to lie, it's been tough for me, but now I feel a lot better about it- I'm a lot more confident, and I'm sure I have all the skill to be an awesome driver. I've talked myself up a lot now- so here's hoping that Friday is the last time I'll ever need an L-plate.