American licence will not do

After 27 years of driving, Dennis and I have to take a driving theory test; if we pass, then we can 'book' for the driving practical test. An American licence (British spelling for all you English teachers out there) is only accepted for one year at which time you either pass the tests or lose your insurance. Before returning to the States for a visit, we will each take the theory test and hopefully book the practical test which has a six week waiting period.

Some folks told us we could just go to Ireland and get an international licence and be done with it. Sounded great to me but Dennis won't have any of that - he says, 'this will make you a better driver.' Gee thanks, and give me a few more gray hairs to be sure! None of the other Americans have taken the test yet so we are the guinea pigs for the team.

Apparently the British driving test is the most difficult or picky in the world with few passing the first time through. Given the fact that I failed my first driving test in the States at age 15 do you think I'll be able to pass here at age 43? You'll love this, we've actually taken a few driving lessons to assess our driving and get the tips on UK driving. They have the quirky requirements of keeping hands at 10 and 2 o'clock positions, never allowing the hands to cross over the 12 o'clock position or release the steering wheel. If you go over the speed limit once - it's a fail. If you hit the curb when doing your 3 point turn or parallel park - Fail. You have to use the handbrake if you are stationery for more than 5 seconds - in other words - no putting it in neutral and holding position. If you don't take the manual test, you can only drive automatic cars which means that even though I have an automatic car here since Dennis has a manual I will need to pass the manual test in order to drive his car. Can you tell I'm excited about this?

So far, in the year we have been here, I've had 4 incidences with the cars Dennis' company has provided - three have been in our driveway. I have scraped the wooden fence, the rock wall and stone pillar. To get to our driveway you drive through a maze of cars parked all over the alley and then take a very, very sharp right avoiding the necessary driveway obstacles. Dennis hasn't had this problem - just me so obviously I'm the hazard. The road hasn't been my greatest challenge, though it is challenging, it's the driveway! The kids make fun of me as I still comment as I drive and make gasps and other weird noises expressing my true feelings about driving here. However, Dennis is right, I've maneuvered the car in ways I never would have attempted back home.

This summer Anna Catherine hopes to get her learner's permit while we are home. I will be able to relate all too vividly to her feelings of anxt.