Aaron Donohoe

What’s all this about?

Subscribers of old (pre-August 2008) would be aware that I have an embarrassing secret. I used to be heavily, and I mean fully immersed in the preservation of old cars, buses, fire engines and other noisy, smoky, filthy things. I used to spend countless weekends in Cork (1), Wicklow (1) (2) and anywhere else where there was an old relic in hibernation; tinkering around with them, learning how to drive them, repair them, restore them etc. — Yes it’s a weird hobby, but it was my hobby nonetheless, and one that I shared with close friends and family. Inevitably, the group dynamics broke down as I thought it would be best to take some time off to focus on more important things — the Leaving Cert.

Well since my Leaving Cert is over, my abstinence from noisy stuff is over, and now I’m looking to further my horizons and cast my net further afield into the depths of obtaining a category ‘C’ driving license, which would entitle me to drive Rigid Lorries. However, unlike the acquisition of my category ‘B’ driving license, there is a lot more to becoming a dirty trucker.

1. I need to book & pass a theory test for HGVs.
2. I need to book & pass a number of CPC tests (Competency Tests).
3. I need to get a medical and be signed off by my doctor to ensure that I’m fit enough to drive a HGV.
4. I need to obtain an eyesight report.
5. Following the above are in order, I then need to apply for a Learners Permit for the ‘C’ & ‘C1′ categories.
6. I need to book lessons from a certified and credible instructor on driving a truck, protocols etc.
7. I need to book & pass a driving test for the category ‘C’ license.

The above is a mean feat, if I thought obtaining the car license was a challenge, I am sure obtaining a truck license will be 10 times as hard! But I think I’m up for it, and my graceful youth and enthusiasm should help my drive and driving! Basically, since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated by HGVs, for some strange reason. Yes, I am still a petrol head, but I prefer the simplicity and presence of a larger vehicle. So now I’ve come of age, and qualify to take the HGV theory test (you need to have a full category ‘B’ license before you can take it), I thought that now is as good a time as ever! My motivational flame has been fuelled with my excessive playing of Euro Truck Simulator in my spare time

Wish me luck. I’m sure I’ll keep you all updated — whether you want to be kept updated or not

I’m still on a high at the moment, as thankfully my second attempt at the Driving Test was a successful one!

I passed with flying colours and a virtually clear test sheet — a major achievement for me, and another thing to be crossed off the list!

The examiner complimented my driving when we returned to the test centre, but I got the vibe that he was impressed by my driving during the test as following my Turnabout, Hill start and Reversing Manoeuvre he kept saying “Excellent” or “Good man” — believe it or not this gave me a boost of confidence and eliminated any remaining nerves!

Got through the oral and technical checks without a hitch, this is the only part of the test you can more or less learn off — although there really is no need provided you have  reasonable knowledge of the Rules of the Road (particularly Road Signs), and that you know how to check oil, coolant & brake fluid levels.

The practical aspects of the test are a bit more intensive — although once you are able to carry out the Turnabout in the Road, Reverse around a corner, and Hill Start competently there should be no worries. Just keep reasonable progress, exaggerate observations (especially your blindspot ), signal in advance of the junction and yield to your right and you should get through the test fine.

Just remember that the examiner isn’t there to fail you, they’re there to assess your driving — that your driving is safe & competent, and that you are safe enough to be let out on the road by yourself. Don’t let your nerves get the better of you — keep a cool head and relax.

And for anyone looking to learn how-to drive, I found these websites to be extremely helpful.

• Driving Test Tips – Video Resources are excellent
• Howth-Sutton School of Motoring (tell Larry that Aaron sent you )
• Learning to Drive (Boards.ie)

Well, I didn’t pass my much anticipated driving test today. Although, it wasn’t entirely my fault in my defence!

I began the day at 10am, when Larry (my instructor) picked me up from my house. After a few minutes discussing what will be expected of me today, we set off – not before a quick reverse around a corner and headed for the Baldoyle. I wasn’t going in at the time, but sussing out the area before hand. After a swift 3-point turn, it was onwards to some of the areas which would be on the test (you can’t predetermine the route). So after doing some of the usual manoevers, such as Reversing around a Corner, Hillstart and 3-point turn, we did some roundabouts which I was okay with – not so on the test (more on that later!).

Anyway, did some more reversing (coupled with Hillstarts my favourite part of the test), and fueled the car up for the test. The hour had gone by in a blur, now I was awaiting my fate. I was hoping to get into the waiting room and have a few minutes to go over the test in my head – no so! As soon as I opened the door to the test centre a friendly guy called Martin asked me what time I was at I said 11:30, it was 11:00 at this stage, but he took me out anyway.

Onwards onto the point of no return. He brought me into this room with around 5 desks with seats adjacent to them. He told me to take a seat and he’d be back. Around 5 minutes lapsed and having heard the poor sod behind me had failed for mounting a kerb he returned with this HP PDA. He confirmed my details and got me to sign a notice that the vehicle is insured, fit for road etc. and began to programme his PDA – SGS centres use this new fangled technology whilst the RSA centres are stuck with the Biro and Clipboard method.

After getting on with the oral and technical checks exam, we proceeded out to the car to carry out checks. Made a passing comment about the weather – soon discovered he wasn’t the chatty type! Got on, out onto the main road, and into a housing estate where I did my 3-point turn & hand signals – successfully! and onwards into another housing estate onto the road where Westlifes Shane Filan used to live (not that I’m a fan) for my reversing manoeuvre – not a problem!

Out towards Donaghmede, onto possiblyDublin’s fastest roundabout. Sorted with no problem, continued around Donaghmede towards Howth-Junction, where my judgement was tested on a narrow road, got by and was asked to pull up for my hillstart. Did without fault, and felt I was nearly on the home straight.

Back out onto Tonlegee Road, had to pull out of a junction on a main road, was warned about this road and have done it many times so it was no problem once a gap ensued…many minutes later. Continued back up towards Donaghmede and back onto Grange Road – now this is where things went sour!

I was taking the 3rd exit, I left two opportunities go as I felt I wouldn’t make it – as I mentioned it a very quick roundabout! So I see a van in outer lane taking the second exit, as he indicates I pull out..but he decided at last minute to change his decision and I have to jam on – Grade 3 (instant fail) on my lovely clean test sheet.

I knew at that point I failed. But the show must go on, I waited for another opportunity and pulled out, safely and proceeded back to the test centre and parked up outside. Larry was waiting at the door, obviously chomping at the bit, eager to see how it went. Once I gave him the “I don’t know what the fuck happened there” nod, he knew.

So myself and the examiner proceeded into the office where he broke the news. He was a nice guy in fairness, he complimented my driving (with the exception of the near death experience) and told me otherwise I’d of walked the test! He told me not to be disheartened and apply ASAP. He asked how long I had been driving – 8 days I told him (which is true!) and whether it was my first test – which it was. He said to use it as a guide and go for it again, as my driving was good otherwise. Only got marked on Observation and Vehicle Controls (at the roundabout fiasco).

Poor auld Larry was distraught! He told me he honestly thought that I’d pass, but once he seen my face he knew something unexpected cropped up – I’ve taken that roundabout so many times that it’s so frustrating, especially since I did so well the rest of the test and on the home straight (less than 2 miles from test centre) I fumbled.

Ah well, its an experience, and wasn’t as frightening as some people made it out to be. I wasn’t nervous, just apprehensive, but now I know what to expect next time. I’ll be more level headed and prepared – I focused too much on the manoeuvres that I overlooked roundabouts – so guess what I’m doing for the next week!

So any of you learners awaiting your test, take my advice: Don’t be worried, you’ve nothing to lose, drive your best and display your ability. The testers aren’t ogres, they me be formal, but just follow instructions remember and follow the tuition of your instructor.

SGS Baldoyle run like a well oiled machine, I was in and out in less than 40 minutes, their setup is professional and discreet. OH and if you’re looking for a good instructor for the Northside routes (Baldoyle, Clonshaugh, Swords, & Raheny ) give Larry from Howth-Sutton School of Motoring a ring…tell ‘em Aaron sent you!

Thanks to everyone who wished me well, I’ll try not to disappoint next time 

Well I’ve been getting the finger out and getting some practice for my upcoming driving test. Although as far as I’ve gotten, I’m making steady progress – after all it’s been a while since I last drove on a road. I had a pre-test today, and just barely passed with some work required on general controls and progress – I’ve another 6 lessons so I should get it covered in time for the test (11th November).

Time for a plug me thinks? My instructor Larry from Howth-Sutton School of Motoring is the best instructor I’ve had to date – and I’ve had four! Basically he doesn’t humour me or tell me what I want to hear, if I’m going wrong he tells me so, if I’m going straight and narrow he praises me, he lets you do what you think you should do in a situation (providing it’s not a hazard, or obstruction to anyone), then shows you and keeps you at it until your 100% capable of doing it yourself.

I was thrilled when I mastered the reverse around the corner first time and I’m nearly there with 3-point turn, and I need some work on Hill Start, but it’s getting there. He’s using a copy of the test sheet which the examiner will use to judge my progress and get an idea on what we’ve to focus on.

Anyway, I’ll keep you all posted!

Normal proceedings now resuming!

Why I wasn’t Blogging Last Week: I’m back to the normal pattern of posting, I’ve been so busy with my mind on other things the past week that my head has been all screwed up. Firstly my Grandad had a heart attack on Saturday, which had the whole family shook up as he was alone in the house at the time – everyone has been on high alert I’m checking in twice a day, I’ve sorted out another (!) mobile phone for him (it’s likely he won’t ever use it), and the rest of the family are checking in and getting him out and about.

So coupled with just not having the time to do anything blogging was very low down on my priority list. Although when I returned I did have a nice reminder of a new version of WordPress to install

Excessive Workload: I’ve also been unable to move with the sheer workload on top of me, I had four essays due in the past week – my last week only consisted of three days, a quantity of midterm exams (did well in all IMO), and of course there’s general online projects. I’ve sold two websites for continued use, and parked a lot of domains. It’s been difficult just remembering what domains I have, and with what registrar – I used to register with whoever had deals on – bad idea! it meant I spent half a day compiling a list of some 57 domains and trying to recall what registrar and account they were held under. Luckily I often bulk register so it made it a tiny bit easier. So I’ve parked around 30 of them, and around 15 are for sale, 7 provisionally sold and the remaining a held for development. The other 30 will go on eBay when I get a chance

More Projects: I’m presently lining up a project – yes another bus. What’s my obsession I hear you ask? I’m not an anorak, infact I cannot stand routes, fleet numbers, batch dates or anything, I just have a love for the mechanical aspect of things. I’ve done my fair bit of work to previously owned vehicles, that I wasn’t going through the retreat process very well. So having gathered a few family members together, it has been decided that a new project will be sourced shortly for overhaul. I’ve two prospective candidates lined up, but I can’t say too much about them at this stage, incase it invalidates the deal! But watch this space.

Driving Test: I’ve booked a load of driving lessons for the next two weeks, ahead of my Driving Test on the 11th of November, to familiarise myself with a car again. It’s been a while since I’ve driven on the public road, so I want to familiarise myself and get the swing of things again. Professional help and advice is the only way to go, I’ve the theory and technical checks down to a fine art, it’s just the practical stuff I need some help with. I’m not overly confident of my capabilities, people have told me I should sail it, but I don’t think so. I may be a good driver, but it’s how you drive on the day that counts – if you let nerves get to you it will affect your perception, reaction, and anticipation thus you’ve a higher chance of failing. I’m not a nervous person, but I don’t know how I’ll fair out TBH, but if I fail I fail. I’ll give it my all, go in positive and come out positive (same goes for any exam), anything unexpected crops up put it behind me. I’ve the old “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” drummed into my head, but it’s good sound advice, if I didn’t bother I shouldn’t expect to pass.

Macs: Yes, like many others I’ve fallen in love with Macs, particularly the new Macbook. Having played with a brand new Macbook, and a brand new Sony Vaio CS11S – the Macbook won hands down for proformance, even though it’s got less RAM, Hard Drive space and a lower spec Graphics card! And no, the Mac wasn’t more pricey, infact they were both in a similar price bracket (~€1200). I would have thought the looks of the new Macbook would have swayed me but no, the Sony looks that bit prettier from the outset, but performance wise the Apple was the superior. I’d trade my trust Dell Latitude for the Mac anyday…but would I trade my XPS for a specced iMac…it’d be a tough choice as I like my freedom of software! But shortly, the Laptop will be bidding a fond farwell, to be replaced by a shiney 13″ Macbook (don’t like the Macbook Pro – too fat!).

As you may have gathered I’m a new driver, although I have experience it’s still near impossible to get on the road with my own set of wheels! I’ve been driving my Dads car as of late – actually haven’t driven it since beginning of August, but still I hate driving it as I’m afraid of damaging it! I’m more so afraid of my Mam as it’s mostly her run about car and if I so much as get a minuet scratch on it I won’t be fed for a month (although of course it’s okay for her to reverse into gates, and walls!).

So there during the week my Dad received the renewal notice from his insurance provider, with a quote for €1600 for the year! soared from €342 last year with just him and my Mam on it (fully comp & open drive) to well over 5 times that! Needless to say he wasn’t happy considering he has been with them for 15 years with a Full No Claims Bonus and has a number of vehicles insured with them also! Allianz really appreciate customer loyalty!

So basically we’ve decided to book a few driving lessons for me to get some practice in – I’ve already established I can drive but all I need is practice to better my road confidence – which is what I was doing with my Dads car! So I’ve to get upto test standard before October 3rd which is when my first driving test takes place (I moved it from 28th August). He’s considering getting a quote from a friend of his in a leading insurance company for me on my own policy building my own NCB from scratch, on my own car. But it doesn’t look like we’ll be paying under the €1000 mark at least for Third Party

Insurance companies have the prejudice and vision of all young drivers as maniacs who take stupid risks and endanger others and themselves. Although it’s not the case! I feel I’m a safe driver, who’s courteous, vigilant, and tries to make good progress. I’m not swift but I’m not slow, I’m not cocky but I’m not afraid neither. And most young drivers like me who own their car will generally look after it and not thrash it – unless your a boy racer! Although I got my car for free (from my uncle who bought it for my cousin who in the end didn’t want to learn to drive) I have spent a great deal of time and money in getting it road worthy and ready for an NCT. I have no plans to modify or rally it, I just want to get from A-B without have to get public transport, walk or ask for a lift!

I know we’re considered a high risk, understandably their has to be some excess premium. But for a car that’s not worth half of the premium, and will do under 10,000 miles per year and is being driven by an accompanied driver is there much of a risk? I may like in Dublin which would be a high risk area also – but Fiat Puntos are renowned for being difficult to steal with the keys and are not top of the list for desirable cars by car thieves!

Something will have to be done, as most young drivers like me can’t afford these premiums and yet need a car as a necessity – are safe and competent drivers who do limited millage per year. With the recession looming no young drivers will be able to take out policies as most of us are rapped for cash! Road tax, petrol, and maintenance costs are surging! Pretty soon it will be a choice of fuel the car or eat!

I just had to rant about it, most of you are saying it’s good that young drivers can’t get on the road or some will agree. Either way you have to admit the insurance companies are taking the piss! I think I might invest in a mule…