Driving

There are many differences living in my country and in Canada. When my family and I moved to Thunder Bay from Mexico, I never thought I would be learning to drive all over again because of the winter conditions in Canada and the rules which are really different in my country, and because I’m scared. But now when we are more stable living here, I see the necessity of having a car and knowing how to drive, to get to work and sometimes to drop the kids off at school, do shopping or anything that I need to, and be more independent, especially when we are living in the country.

My first experience driving here was in July so it wasn’t so bad because of the nice weather. But my second experience was in November, when it was snowing. It was very slippery, wet and really dark. There were a lot of hills to drive up and down on the road on the way back home. I felt how the tires slipped on a curve. I was so nervous. But I feel more comfortable driving in the country than driving in the city because the many lights and traffic make me nervous. So, I knew I needed to take a driving course here in Canada.

I drive very carefully, slowly, and with precaution. Studying from the driver’s manual, I learned how to use the brakes before a curve and how to use the accelerator after the curve. I also learned to be aware of what other cars are doing and to use the night lights correctly. It’s not so bad but, I’m sure I need a lot of practice before I can drive on highways or expressways. Driving lessons certainly have provided me the experience and confidence to drive in the Canadian winters.