Drivers Training and Go Cart racing!

This morning I went to take my eight hours of drivers training. We started at 8:20 and got out at 3:15. HA, I love it when they surprise us that way. The instructor was fantastic! He had been a local police man for the past 29 years and is retiring in December. He moved quickly through the information, and used many local anecdotes to drive his points home. Also in the class was a high profile insurance agent, (got caught speeding in a school zone), who also added his two cents when in applied.

While I went in to the class I doubted I would really learn anything new that was applicable. However, I certainly left a much more educated person! I was unaware of some of the point changes that can affect your license if you aren't attentive enough to your surroundings. I think last time I tested, passing a school bus was 4 points, now it's 8. Many states, due to dash cams, and officers who wear microphones, if the blue lights come on, they no longer have the privilege to let you go with a warning. It used to be up to their discretion, now they can get written up by their chief, for not issuing a citation. Good to know! Here in my county in NC, the number of concealed weapons permits were up three women to every man. That means that you better not pi88 granny off on the road! She might be just as likely to cap you now as the obvious street thug. If you drink and drive, and blow a .08, it can cost you up to $20000, over a 36 month period of time! I'm glad I hardly ever drink, let alone drink and drive. If you lend your car to someone, and even make them sign a responsibility waiver, it will still fall back on your insurance. The waiver means nothing. (I think this is different in Europe). Granted I wouldn't be the one involved with these infractions, but it is helpful to know of the changes.

All in all, a lot of good information. I'm glad I took the class! I especially like that the instructor was able to able to cover so much and keep it a shorter than what any of us anticipated.

Tomorrow is Superbowl Sunday! While I was very excited about watching the game, I am forfeiting the opportunity for a greater purpose. My nephew is turning 9 tomorrow! He has had a tough year this year, so my son and I are going up there to enjoy an afternoon of go-cart racing! He is everything about cars, trucks and speed. Very much my brother's son!!! We will have a great time I'm sure! Last summer we went together and that kid is not only a great driver for a then 8 year old, he laugh's like a maniac the whole time!! My brother even stepped up and baked a monster truck cake with homemade marshmallow fondant! I am even impressed!! This generation of men in my family make great single dads, if I do say so myself!

Hopefully if I am lucky, I can catch the game on the radio while we travel back. If not, then I'll check it out on NFL.com. For those of you who have interacted on my football blogs, enjoy the game. I hope it is down to the wire and lives up to the hype!