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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Right and Left (07/31/14)
In the summer of 1963, I had only one thing on my mind—getting my driver’s permit. My instructor was my dad. He was meticulous with his training which began with knowing the parts of the car, where to check the oil, where to put the fuel and how to change a flat. He called it the “right way” of doing things.

I had no interest in the right way of doing things. All I wanted to know was how to get our 1954 Chevy, turquoise over white, sedan cruising Main Street with me behind the wheel as Percy Faith’s “A Summer Place” blared on the radio. But dear old Dad had his system, and 15 year old me learned the technical stuff.

One steamy southern afternoon Dad said, “Okay young lady today we drive in town. I hopped in the driver’s seat waiting for Dad’s instructions. “Make sure the car is in neutral, press the clutch to the floor and start the engine. I did it and the car purred like a new born kitten. It was so easy. What was next?

“Now, put the car in first gear, slowly release the clutch, while you press the accelerator gently until the car moves forward.” Sounded easy to me so I proceeded as instructed, but something wasn’t right. The car lurched, then bucked, then bounced a couple of times before the engine died.

As I looked to my right I saw Dad’s hair was in his eyes. (guess the little dab didn’t do today) With his left hand he swept his hair into place as he said, “your coordination needs a little help, sweetie. Try again.”

I tried again and again with similar results, but eventually my coordination improved and the car moved smoothly forward. I was ecstatic! Dad was relieved and I was positive he would use more Bryll Creem on his hair for my
future lessons.

My ecstasy was short lived. Just when things were going well, Dad instructed me to press the clutch, let off on the gas and put the car in second gear. I did exactly what he said, but the car failed to respond in the correct way. After more bucking and choking I found second gear. Smooth sailing once again but then Dad said “repeat the previous instructions and shift the car into third gear.”

Here we go again. Once I found third gear everything settled down. I relaxed and so did Dad. “Turn left at the next corner. Stay in the left turn lane and turn left at the light,” Dad’s clam voice gave me confidence.

I repeated his instructions out loud to be sure I was right. As the corner approached, I turned the steering wheel but I quickly realized I was going too fast. When I took my foot off the accelerator to apply the brakes the car choked off right in the middle of traffic. Panic ensued!

Horns were honking as Dad patiently gave me more instructions. I forced myself to do what Dad was saying, but I wanted to look around to see if anyone I knew was seeing my fiasco. Within seconds the car was moving again. There was still a left turn to make and I now knew there was more to driving than having the steering wheel in a death grip. I had half a block to figure out how to slow the car, shift to a lower gear and prevent it from stalling as I did those things. Coordination, don’t fail me now!

I amazed myself and my daddy. The car went smoothly around the corner in second gear. I accelerated shifting into third like a pro. What now, Daddy-o?

“That was much better, sweetie. You’re getting the hang of it. This time we are turning right at the second light. Remember to use your blinkers (indicators) and watch your speed.”

My confidence soared that May afternoon in Alabama with my dad riding shotgun in our ‘54 Chevy. Right or left, left or right I had found my stride and driving became a passion.

Sometimes when I get in my car I remember my handsome daddy and it seems like yesterday I was learning to drive. So, I tune in the Golden Oldies of the 60’s and let the wind blow my hair wildly about while I sing “Surfing USA” with the Beach Boys.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
08/09/14
Thank you for this charming, touching story that brought me back to when my handsome dad taught me to drive!

Well written, and entertaining...I loved it.
Those memories are treasures that will stay with us forever.

God bless~
Phillip Cimei
08/10/14
How funny! I loved it!

You brought so many memories back in my life, when my dad taught me to drive and when I taught my seven children to drive.

I still drive better than them. No tickets in 40 years.

This was such a fun read. You exhibited everything good about writing a story. I was involved, it made me visualize your situation as well as percolating my memories.

And I like your choice of music!
Richard Hicks
08/12/14
I enjoyed reading this and getting a good chuckle in on a few lines.

This was a very engaging and lite-hearted story that stands out very well.

I remember learning how to drive a stick shift on a very steep hill, and it was very rough getting the hang of it, even for a guy! HA!

Well done, and keep on writing!