A few weeks ago I have started my driving lessons in Cardiff. The thing is: I have passed my driving test 20 years ago in Cologne, but have not driven much since. Mainly because I never needed a car and because my mother put me off driving. Since moving to Cardiff I’ve noticed that a) public transport is rubbish and a journey that should take no more than 20 minutes takes over an hour on the bus and b) if you can’t drive you are really stuffed. So far I rely on my hubby to chauffeur me around which is not great for an independent spirit like me. So this year I have decided that I need to get over my fear and get driving again.
I contacted one instructor who told me that I needed to re-take the test, despite my German license. I think she was hoping to sell me lots of lessons. I rang the DVLA and it turned out that my license is fine and if I wish I could obtain a British counterpart. This is useful in case I have an accident and I will avoid having to go to court. I am still waiting for my counterpart, but in the meantime I have found a lovely female instructor who has the patience of a saint and is very encouraging. She is also not that expensive either. She charges £18 per hour or £17 if you book 10 lessons.
I’ve also bought a useful book by Maria McCarthy “The Girl’s Guide to losing Your L-Plates – How to Pass Your Driving Test”. (you can read excerpts on her website: www.mariamccarthy.co.uk/girls-guide.htm )I bought this before I noticed that I didn’t need to take the dreaded test. I’ve read it and it has some useful information nevertheless. I didn’t know that theory tests were introduced only in the nineties in Britain and that you can actually drive around as a learner (highways excluded). In Germany theory tests have existed for much longer, as a learner you can only practise in specific areas (called Idiotenhuegel or such like in German) and accompanied by a driver. What I also found surprising was that you can take extra lessons called Pass Plus after passing your test which includes night driving. I remember that 10 specific lessons were mandatory in Germany- they included country roads, highway, night driving. But these are not the only differences I’ve noticed.
Having lived here for almost seven years I have got used to the traffic being on the left and getting into the car as a passenger on the left. But actually sitting in the driver’s seat is a different ball game. After my first lesson I thought: I will never learn this again. But Ann thought I did well. So far I had three lessons and haven’t ventured afar. We simply drive around the hospital area, where it is relatively quiet during the day. I still struggle with steering the correct way (i.e not crossing over your hands and then panic) and turning left and right. There is so much to take in.
I keep telling myself that I learnt this all before and will be able to learn it again. It just takes time. Though I won’t be tested I aim to be a good and responsible driver. So I practise my theory with a useful DVD (things are different over here) and bought the highway code.
After a two-week break due to twisting my muscles in the neck I am back for my next lesson on Monday.
Hope I can remember everything I’ve learned so far.
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