The Chaotic Journey to Earn My Pipeline: Insights and Lessons on Learning to Drive

My journey to learn driving was a chaotic and often frustrating experience, made all the more memorable by the involvement of my older sisters, Tracy and Lori. This story is a blend of personal anecdotes and reflections on the experience of learning to drive at an early age.

Struggling with the Stick Shift

My sisters first took a stab at teaching me to drive. The idea didn't sit well with my dad, who thought it would be better to hire a professional. Both Tracy and Lori were carsick since they had recently graduated high school and were college-bound in the next year. They received their presents—Shelby GT350s—on their birthday and for graduating at the top of their class. Ford dealerships were a perk of the job for dad, and he wanted to make sure they were happy.

I, on the other hand, wanted to learn to drive a manual transmission. "Why?" you might ask. Well, let's just say it's a family trait. This desire for the manual transmission meant I had to get used to the stick. It wasn't the most straightforward process. I stalled a few times and had some difficulty shifting gears, which causing my nervous twin sister to wince every time. But with her encouragement, I soon got the hang of it.

Nervous Teaching

Tracy was a nervous teacher. She would incessantly yell at me to watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and other hazards. I would often have to remind her, "Tranquillo Trace! I'm 20 yards away and slowing down!" She was always worried and would scold me for not checking my blind spots. It was a recipe for stress and anxiety.

Worse, driving beside a girl like Tracy in a Shelby GT350 attracted a lot of unwanted attention. Guys would drive beside us and try to talk to her. This was not conducive to a safe or productive driving lesson. I remember the frustration of having to drive home one day because I was done with her nervousness and unwanted company. "Where you're going, we just started," she would say. "I'm driving home. You're fired!"

Switching Tutors and Finding Peace

My younger sister, Lori, was altogether different. She taught me how to drive by chauffeuring me in her own Shelby GT350. Lori would give me driving lessons on the way to the shopping centers. While this was a relief from my overbearing sister, it also meant dealing with the same unwanted attention.

"How do you and Tracy put up with these idiots?" I would ask her. "We got used to it. Ignore," she would say. Eventually, I had a talk with dad about the futility of having my sisters as driving instructors. "I told you so," he said. "We'll do this the right way." Dad made an appointment with a professional driving instructor. After a couple of days of preparation and practice, I was ready for my test. It was time to take the road that I had been dreaming of.

The 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350s, one white and one black, were the vehicles that became my driving teachers. One went to Lori, exemplifying her fashion sense and taste, and the other went to Tracy, showcasing her love for cars. Despite the challenges and frustrations, my sisters and their fiery competition brought about a lot of fun and memories to my early driving years.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned

Learning to drive can be a challenging experience, and having your sisters as your initial instructors might not be the best choice. The story of my sisters and me highlights the importance of patience, trust, and practical lessons. Whether it's a family member or a professional driving instructor, finding the right person to teach you the basics of driving can make all the difference.

In conclusion, the journey to earn my pipeline was a process full of laughter, frustration, and personal growth. It taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of choosing the right mentor. If you're just starting out or looking to improve your driving skills, consider hiring a professional driving instructor for a smoother and more successful experience.