Supposed to hit the highway today but…

Okay, I was supposed to take my driving lessons to the Magi Highway today. My instructor is keen to see me put the metal to the pedal but things didn't go exactly as planned.

The plan was for me to drive to Gaire and then buy some fresh fish along the way and head back. However, sometimes other things get in the way.  

Fortunately, that plan has been postponed to tomorrow which gives me some time charge my camera. Yep, I’ll be taking some pictures along the way.

If all goes well, I might be applying for a license a soon as next week.

I’ll keep you posted.

Taking a driving lesson at the UPNG campus

Yesterday afternoon, after work, I went for driving lessons with Sebastian at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) campus.

It was an hour of trying to build confidence. My RAV4 has automatic transmission so it’s not as complicated as changing gears etc. However, I lack the confidence to take it to main highway.

Now, I've had a couple of driving lessons with dad but that ended abruptly after I dented dad’s car. It wasn't a big deal but dad stopped me from ever trying to drive his car- hence ending my driving lessons.

After going around the campus for a couple times, I took the car into the Fort Banner; the staff residential area. My, instructor, Sebastian, seeing how fast I had learned asked me to take the vehicle all the way to Gerehu.

Anyway, let’s just say it was not as exhilarating as I had expected. In fact, I was calm and relaxed when I hit the main road – thanks to my number of years as a learn driver.

You know, it also funny because I should be driving on the road now but I missed the opportunity a few years back – when I first got my learner’s permit. I guess I didn't have a reason to learn then.

So the basic rule my instructor kept repeating was to maintain the left side of the road but overall was impressed with my performance. If I keep it up I might just apply for a licence next week.

There are a number of driving schools available in the city. However, the most obvious one that pops to mind is the Salvation Army Driving School, but if you don’t want to part with K300 for 5 hour lessons then find a class six drivers licence holder to be your instructor, get a learner’s permit and you are set to start lessons.     

Me and My RAV4

This is a picture of my RAV4

The missus and I recently became the proud owners of a 1996 Toyota RAV4 we imported from Japan through the website www.tradecarview.com.

It cost us roughly around K17, 000; relatively affordable considering how much mark-up used car dealers in Papua New Guinea charge.

The model is old but that’s how it’s supposed to be with first vehicles like Sam Witwicky and Bumble Bee. Unfortunately, my RAV4 won’t transform into an autobot but I’m planning on pimping it up a bit.

Anyway, I’ll be posting updates about the car and my driving lessons (I’m still not confident enough to take the road solo) in this blog. I’ll also share tips about car care, import procedures, accessories and anything else about the vehicle.