Getting behind the wheel of RAA Drive School Instructor Phil Kellett’s Suzuki Swift training car,

I’m interested to see where I’m going wrong while out on the road.

Do I check my mirrors enough? Am I using my indicators correctly when leaving a roundabout? Can I reverse parallel park under pressure?

These are just some of the questions I want answered during my one-hour driving lesson.

“Sometimes people start driving with one hand as they get more confident,” Phil responds.

“It shows how relaxed motorists can become behind the wheel. For the majority of us, driving is one of the most dangerous things we do, so both hands need to be on the wheel, particularly when responding to an emergency situation.”

While Phil usually instructs teenagers learning to drive or seniors who need to prove they’re still able to control a car safely, he says some people my age – in their 30s – will occasionally book a lesson to make sure their driving knowledge is still up to scratch.

Now, it’s time to hit the road. See how I went in the video below.

We turn out of the RAA car park onto Richmond Rd. Phil begins giving me instructions to change lanes, turn left at the next side street and take the next right at the traffic lights.

I’m instantly taken back to 20 years earlier when I first learnt to drive. Once we’ve found a quiet street near Mile End, Phil asks me to pull over. He jumps out and starts setting up cones in preparation to test my reverse parallel parking skills.

For the majority of us, driving is one of the most dangerous things we do, so both hands need to be on the wheel, particularly when responding to an emergency situation.

While I’ve completed this somewhat tricky manoeuvre hundreds of times, I’m surprisingly nervous.

Those fears are quickly allayed as I successfully complete a reverse parallel park between the markers.

My years of parking practice have paid off. From here we drive, and I undertake a range of manoeuvres, from a U-turn to three-point turn and multiple lane changes.

I have one little hiccup as I turn right out of a side street across four lanes of traffic. Losing patience, I don’t see a black car behind a truck and pull out thinking the road is clear.

Thankfully, I notice in time and slow down, but I can tell I’ve failed that component of the drive.

Phil explains that motorists losing patience is one of the biggest problems on our roads, using tailgating as an example.

Phil quizzes me on road rules, including the definition of stop and give-way signs, and when you need to indicate leaving a roundabout. He also constantly checks I’m using my mirrors correctly when changing lanes and driving through traffic lights.

As we return to Mile End, I pass my last test with flying colours – a 90-degree angle park.

Before leaving the car, Phil looks down at his notes to give me my final assessment.

Despite my earlier indiscretion, Phil’s happy with my driving ability, but he noticed I “palm” the steering wheel when turning sometimes.

Palming your steering wheel is when your palm is up against the steering wheel as you turn, instead of gripping it with your hand.

Phil also reminded me to check my mirrors before braking, and always engage my handbrake before putting the car in park.

I’m pleased with the results, and while Phil had a few pointers, overall, my driving is up to scratch.

Now, I just need to remember to always keep both hands on the steering wheel.