I remember the day I first sat behind the wheel like it was yesterday. The feeling of excitement mixed with a hint of fear was overwhelming. Like many people, I had always dreamed of getting my driver’s license, but when it was finally time to make that dream a reality, I was terrified. The thought of driving on busy roads, navigating roundabouts, and parking in tight spaces seemed like a far-off challenge I wasn’t sure I was ready for. But that all changed when I decided to take driving lessons with GoDrive School of Motoring.
The First Step: Deciding to Take the Leap
It all started when I realized I needed to take control of my own independence. I had relied on public transport and lifts from friends for far too long, and it was time to get my own driving license. At first, I was overwhelmed by all the things I had to do: applying for a learner’s permit, finding a driving school, scheduling lessons, and preparing for the test.
I started researching driving schools in Galway, and GoDrive came highly recommended. Their reputation for patient, professional instructors and a focus on building driving confidence made them stand out. So, I called them up and scheduled my first lesson with Mahmud, one of the experienced trainers at GoDrive.
My First Lesson: Nerves and Excitement
I was a nervous wreck the day of my first lesson. I had never driven before, and I wasn’t sure if I could remember all the basics. But when I met Mahmud, everything changed. He immediately put me at ease with his calm and friendly demeanor. He explained the controls of the car and reassured me that I would take it step by step. I wasn’t alone on this journey.
The first lesson was a blur of trying to remember the pedals and adjusting my seat and mirrors. Mahmud guided me through basic maneuvers, like starting the car, stopping smoothly, and turning. We practiced in quieter areas of Galway, where I could focus on building my confidence before heading into busier streets. By the end of the first lesson, I felt a lot better. I wasn’t perfect, but I knew I was on the right path.
Building Confidence: Lessons with Mahmud
Over the next few weeks, I took regular lessons with Mahmud. His teaching style was calm, structured, and supportive, which helped me progress at my own pace. He focused on teaching me practical skills, from mastering roundabouts in Salthill to parking in tight spaces around Eyre Square. He explained every aspect of driving in a way that made sense to me, and we practiced various scenarios that helped me become a safer driver. One thing I really appreciated was how GoDrive tailored my lessons to match my pace. They didn’t rush me — instead, they made sure I was comfortable before moving on to more complex driving skills.
By the time I finished my Essential Driver Training (EDT), I had a solid foundation in driving. I had learned everything from lane discipline to how to react to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. GoDrive’s approach also included preparing for the driving test itself. They walked me through mock test routes in Galway, helping me familiarize myself with the test centre areas.
The Big Day: Preparing for the Driving Test
The day I had been waiting for finally arrived: the driving test day. I was nervous, but I felt confident knowing that I had received top-notch training from Mahmud. Before the test, I did a quick review with him to go over key points like adjusting my mirrors, making sure my seatbelts were on, and ensuring the car was roadworthy.
The driving test itself was intense but manageable. I felt more relaxed during the test because I had practiced everything so many times with Mahmud. From driving on narrow streets near Oranmore to handling busy intersections and tight turns in Galway, I was ready.
When I completed the test and the examiner told me I had passed, I felt an overwhelming sense of achievement. It wasn’t just about getting my license; it was about the journey I had gone through to become a confident, safe driver.
Reflecting on the Journey: The Lessons Learned
Looking back, I realize how much I learned throughout the entire process. Here are some key lessons I took away from my experience with GoDrive:
- Patience Is Key: Learning to drive is not something that happens overnight. With Mahmud’s guidance, I learned that patience — both with myself and the process — was crucial to becoming a good driver.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more time I spent behind the wheel, the more comfortable and confident I became. The lessons and mock test routes GoDrive provided helped me practice real-world scenarios that I would face on test day.
- Confidence Over Perfection: During the test, I wasn’t perfect, but I was confident. GoDrive’s approach taught me that confidence on the road is more important than trying to be perfect. I learned to stay calm and focused, even in tricky situations.
- Safety First: GoDrive’s focus on road safety, hazard awareness, and making the right decisions in the moment helped me understand that driving is not just about passing a test — it’s about being a responsible road user for life.
The Result: A New Chapter
I passed my test, and that moment marked the beginning of my new chapter as a fully licensed driver. Getting my driver’s license wasn’t just about the freedom of being able to drive whenever I wanted; it was about knowing that I was a safe, responsible driver who had been thoroughly trained.
I am forever grateful for GoDrive School of Motoring and Mahmud for being such a pivotal part of my journey. If you’re thinking about learning to drive, I highly recommend GoDrive. They will guide you every step of the way, from your first lesson to the moment you hold your license in your hands.
Start Your Journey Today with GoDrive!
If you’re ready to start your driving journey or want to feel confident and test-ready, GoDrive is here to help. Book a lesson today and begin your path to becoming a safe, skilled driver!
📍 Visit us: Unit 4, Westside Shopping Centre, Seamus Quirke Rd, Galway
📞 Call us: +353 89 432 4325
🌐 Website: godriveschoolofmotoring.com