A learner driver stops nervously at a red light. Suddenly the green comes to life. Trying hard not to focus on the cars behind her, she gently lets out the clutch out. The car sits low and she accelerates. Not even a tiny movement backward is visible while she pulls off successfully.
A learner driver stops nervously at a red light. Suddenly the green comes to life. Trying hard not to focus on the cars behind her, she gently lets out the clutch out. The car sits low and she accelerates. Not even a tiny movement backward is visible while she pulls off successfully.
Learner and instructor alike want to applaud and cheer – but the steering wheel and gears are much more important at the moment.
This achievement is what gives many learner drivers the confidence they need to succeed, a confidence that Jan Strydom, owner of Pronto Driving School, loves to see.
He loves seeing his students excel, but he marvels at the success story of former Rhodes biological sciences student, Alexis Olds.
In 2008 Olds was refused permission to drive a manual car for her test, meaning she could get a licence to drive only an automatic.
This was because Olds was born with her left arm partly formed.
But she was determined. "I can do everything," Olds says.
This includes being able to drive a manual car and change gears successfully after lessons with Strydom.
Olds arrived at the Grahamstown testing centre on test day, nervous and agitated. This is expected for any student about to take her driving test.
But her worry was that she would be denied the chance to take the test because of her arm.
Her mind raced as she prepared herself to possibly take her case to court.
Her first relief of the day came as a surprise: Olds says the traffic department in Grahamstown was very understanding of her situation.
She was allowed to do the test, as any other driving student in Grahamstown.
Olds got into the car and displayed her parking skills. She then moved on to the driving itself.
Waiting for the result was the next stage – and what a pleasing result it was. Olds passed the test, her second major relief for the day.
Her manual driver's licence is vital to her work in marine science, where she now drives 4×4 vehicles while negotiating tough tasks such as towing boats and transporting equipment.
Her determination could serve as an encouragement to other learner drivers.
Jared Coetzee, who recently passed his test after taking lessons with Mike’s Driving School, tells of his dread when the tester started, “I’m sorry to tell you… " and then continued, "you have passed”.
