by kardiokate » Mon Aug 06, 2012 9:08 pm
Hi all. I've been browsing here for a while, but I think it's time for me to join and introduce myself properly! There are quite a few (virtual) faces I recognise from Pistonheads where I am an active member, so if you recognise me, Hello!
I'm called Kate, I'm 23 years old, from (near) Hull, studying medicine at Cambridge with a view to becoming a Cardiologist.
A little background on my driving 'career'. I learned to drive in 2006 - I had literally been counting down since I was 5 years old. I passed my driving test on September the 6th 2006, first time with no minor faults. I'm still pretty chuffed with that. I went straight on and did Passplus which although it didn't reduce my insurance premiums much, was absolutely invaluable. My instructor (same one I studied for my test with) suggested I might like to go on and do some more advanced driving courses, and pointed me in the direction of the IAM.
I have done various offroad driving days, skid pan days and a couple of track days too.
Unfortunately in 2009, due to a (non driving related) incident I lost a ton of confidence and my GP suspected I was suffering with a bit of Post Traumatic Stress because of it. Honestly, the most horrible time of my life. I took a year out of Uni, gave up driving apart from local essential journeys, and pretty much stopped socialising completely. I did manage to maintain my job, which looking at things now, was of huge benefit.
Anyway, the point is, my driving went down the pan. I didn't drive on a dual carriageway / motorway or without a passenger between April 2009 and May 2012.
Anyway. I'm back making up for lost time now, and hope to get back into advanced driving and back really enjoying driving! I've a lot to learn and re learn and a lot of confidence to build up in my driving, but I will get there!
Kate.