De La Salle College Dundalk

TRANSITION YEAR

Rosemary Smith's "Think Awareness" Driving School

Every year for the last number of years Transition Year students from the College have attended the Rosemary Smith "Think Awareness Driving School at Goff's, Co. Kildare. The event has proven to be a highlight of the year with students having the opportunity to brush up on their theory in the classroom component of the programme as well as the practical part where each student gets over one hour's tuition behind the wheel of a dual control vehicle from a qualified and experienced driving instructor.

It was with weary bodies but expectant minds that this year's TY group met at the back gate of the college at 6.45 am. on the morning of Monday 27th April. A smooth journey saw us arrive at the venue ahead of schedule, but a quick half hour was passed catching up on mixed breakfasts and stretching our limbs before a day seated in cars and classrooms. We were met just before nine by Keane and the team (unfortunately we didn't have the opportunity to meet Rosemary herself this year owing to her continuing commitments in rallying and other motor sport events). Keane was the lucky guy who spent an hour and a half at a time in the classroom with us. It is a testimony to his abilities as a teacher and as a communicator that these long periods of classroom passed almost as quickly as the periods we spent in the cars.

The time spent behind the wheel of the car was the most enjoyable and rewarding. Little did we know as we breezed towards our vehicles that the driving, controlling and stopping of a vehicle required such attention and co-ordination. At some point in the day we each made some potentially fatal error only to have it corrected by the instructor to whom we had been assigned. They deserve rewards for their patience and courage, but the message was loud and clear; THINK about what you are doing and be AWARE of what others are doing or are likely to do.

Once again, the TY trip to the Driving School was met with enthusiastic and positive comments from the participants. The "Beer Goggles" gave everybody a giggle and there is photographic evidence of the effects the goggles had on our attempts to walk the line! Good luck with the Driving Test Mark! Let's hope that, as a result of having the opportunity to attend this programme that the roads of County Louth will be a somewhat safer place in the future.