In January Chris and I got, what we now call "the letter", saying that our current car insurance would not be able to cover me driving in England any longer and that I needed to get my UK drivers license. Chris and I had been under the impression (for nearly 3 years) that I was okay to drive in the UK as long as I left the country every 12 months - WRONG. We found out that a USA license is only valid for 1 year from the time you move into the county.
Here in England they do things MUCH more different than they do in Utah. I first had to take my theory test. I didn't feel like studying much for that test and, of course, waiting until the last few days to study and then being VERY frustrated that every sample test I took, I failed. Here are some of the things in the Highway Code:
*Motorized Scooters should NOT be used on motorways (freeways).
*When riding your horse on the road, make sure you can control them.
*Make sure that children in the car are kept under control.
*The rules in the HIGHWAY CODE do NOT give you right of way on the road (you mean just reading a book doesn't give me right of way??)
*Note: Night is considered the hours of darkness.
*Be patient, everyone makes mistakes.
*Never use a handheld microphone while driving.
*You MUST ensure you do not hit anyone while opening the door.
*Give way to sheep.
Yes, they are all in the handbook we are meant to study. After passing the theory test (even with the silly questions) - I then had to start on the second leg of my testing, taking driving lessons and taking the practical test.
I was lucky enough to find a great instructor who I had great chats to, the whole time I was in the car (luckily he liked Americans). He was so positive that after the first 2 hour lesson I booked the test scheduled for April 30th. Herein lies the problem - Chris and I have a wedding to go to on the 16th of April and I needed to drive by then. So I was "lucky" enough to get a cancellation spot - ONE WEEK AFTER MY FIRST LESSON - panic ensued...
My instructor packed in 5 more hours of lessons this week in preparation for the test today.
I was so nervous... shaking, sick, speechless nervous! I know I am a good driver - 12 years, 4 countries, 5 cars (sick and auto) - and no accidents later proves this but, this test shook my confidence... like and earthquake!
It shouldn't have - I passed, and in a test where not looking in the mirrors enough, hitting the kerb, lane discipline can not only give you point off but fail you - I only got 3 points off out of the possible 15. I even managed to have a great conversation with my examiner during the test.
I am so pleased it is done! I can get the car fixed (tomorrow - I don't waste time!), tax, and MOT it and I AM FREE AGAIN!!!
I may be eating rice for the rest of the month, but I will be free!!!
