Section 2

I've really been extremely busy lately, with everything piling up at once. On the evening of June 21, the driving school instructor suddenly messaged me, saying he wanted to check on my progress because I'll start work in July and might not have time to take the exams. I was a bit reluctant; previously when learning to drive they had only taught a single skill: 'backing into a parking space', which I practiced for more than 10 days. He booked me for Section 2 on the 28th, Section 3 in the morning of the 30th, and Section 4 in the evening of the 30th, effectively cramming all the tests together.

I didn't practice for long after that either; in total, at most four hours.

On the night of the 27th I went to take a look at the venue, I practiced 3 laps by myself and 6 laps with others; the venue fee was really expensive: 175 yuan. The morning of the 28th I took the exam; that day was very hot, no rain; the weather was quite favorable, but my eyes felt blind; the landmarks I had checked the night before seemed as if I hadn't checked them at all; nothing lined up.

The ending was like this, haha. The first try I forgot to adjust the rearview mirror; couldn't see the corner of the parking area; when I pulled out I immediately crossed the left boundary line and failed. The second attempt I learned my lesson; after adjusting, I did the side parking; the car was going fast and my eyes went blind again; I couldn't see the reference points at all, went beyond the marks, but the technique was good—we backed in. However, when coming out the speed was too high and I crossed the line, what a mess.

On the 28th I was discouraged, thinking I absolutely must not fail Part 2, but I was too careless; the speed should have been slowed down, staying at low speed would have allowed me to adjust the steering.

Also, it's really dramatic; the girls from other driving schools who failed would cry in a blizzard-like fashion, and they'd show me they couldn't do it. I might be a bit slow; even after failing I still kept a big toothy grin…

Section 3

After failing Section 2, Section 3 is even worse. On the evening of the 28th I did two laps, on the 29th two laps, and on the 30th two laps at the site before the exam. It started off terribly, I had no idea when to shift gears, or what to do.

After watching others practice for a while, I began to roughly understand; today, the 30th, I went to take the exam and unexpectedly passed. But the exam was dramatic: on the first attempt I forgot to turn on the turn signal, and before I warmed up for two minutes I failed; I was puzzled, like, why can't I drive… I only realized after hearing the voice prompt.

The next lap I actually wanted to slack off, but unexpectedly I passed. But earlier traffic conditions were hellish, following four cars; one automatic transmission car drove even worse than me.

Here's roughly what happened: we have a downhill; we should have shifted to 3rd gear early and braked to slow down; go down slowly. I didn't want to tailgate, so I watched the car in front performing; then I apparently misjudged the throttle and brake; downhill speed is already fast and I pressed the accelerator; the car shot down; I was stunned; what kind of operation is this? Why didn't my coach teach me??? Later it seems the safety attendant in the front passenger seat pressed the brake; we stopped mid-slope with an abrupt brake; the car swayed a bit.

I was a bit stunned, still immersed in the moment; I went down the slope too and pressed the wrong gas and brake? With the clutch fully depressed, I floored the gas and the engine roared; the car's sound shot up; I regained awareness; fortunately the RPM didn't reach 2500, or it would have been fatal. I was already mentally ready to fail, but I didn't.

In the end, during parking, I didn't control the distance well and lost 10 points; it was really a near miss. I’d rather fail Part 2 than Part 3, because Part 3 is expensive. Our district has no test site, so we have to go elsewhere and stay overnight, which means venue fee + accommodation + training fee + meals. Yesterday's trip at least cost 600+, going again would add up the cost, and staying somewhere outside for a night; the homestay conditions are hard to describe… For Section 2, the maximum enrollment fee is 180.

End of Month

Lastly, I wish all readers a happy July and may everything go smoothly!