[Rick Parker]

Be aware of your surroundings. Get the feel of the controls, the brakes, the steering, the engine noises, the throttle, the exhaust note, the clutch pedal (make a mental note: where does it engage). Look at the gauges, know where they should be when normal temps are reached. Watch the mirrors, learn wherre the blind spots are. Being in the open convertable plays on all your senses. You will feel like you are going faster than you are (this is good). Stay focused, be aware of what is going on around you. Make a mental note of the brake pedal feel and how increasing the pressure affects stopping distances.
Avoid streets with a lot of traffic until you have some seat time.