Study to pass...

Just at the time that I signed up to prepare for the driving exam a study was reported in the Spanish news.

Apparently, when people went to reknew their driver's licenses they did a survey, asking the reknewers a couple of the questions that are on the theory test.

The surprising results: 96% failed!

As I have been making notes, doing practice exams, highlighting sections and studying charts (which I never study well) I've been grumbling a lot. True, it's my first week of real studying so it's normal that I've been getting a lot of questions wrong. And true, there are many differences between driving laws and regulations in Spain and in the US. But after reading this article, I'm more convinced that the testing here is ridiculous.

It seems that driving laws in the US are more based on common sense and a good deal of posted signs than based on the knowledge of all drivers of the rules that prevail on the particular road. Doesn't it make more sense to post a speed limit sign than to expect all the drivers to know the speed limits on interstates and pay roads, in town roads, out of town roads, out of town roads only for automobiles, roads with large shoulders and small shoulders and the specific limits for cars, cars with trailers, trucks and special cars (the only example I've seen of this last one is a hearse). It's maddening.

And clearly a case of studying to pass the insanely specific theory test, on which you can only miss 3 questions, and then forgetting everything! What's the point of that?

Driving Lessons (PS)

Ok, I've changed my mind. To follow my progress on my path to driving legally in Spain, you should check out my other blog: The Spanish Sky

It's sure to be lots of fun!

I finally did it!!

After a year of thinking about it, deciding on it, knowing I have to do it-but dreading it like the plague...I've done it. I've signed up for driving school!

I feel a little relieved, to tell you the truth, for finally having done it. But now the hard work begins, and I'm facing these next few weeks, ok...months, like someone is going to be pulling out my fingernails one by one. Why all the drama? Let me explain.

I've been driving for 12 years now. It's a long time. I've taken Driver's Ed classes, never been in an accident, have gotten only one ticket (and it changed my ways!) and am definitely the best driver in my immediate family (by far!). So, when I come to Spain to find out that my license is not valid and I have to do things the Spanish way, it makes me angry, frustrated and indignant.

I mean, have you ever been to Spain? Do you know how the people drive/park/speed/have no regard for motor vehicle safety? Have you seen the book of the traffic regulations I have to study? Have you read the confusing-for-Spanish-people options on the multiple choice exam? Do you know that the average amount of money spent on getting your driver's license is 1,000 euros??

And for what am I going to do all this? Because everyone knows that once you study and know the book and get your license and start driving with everyone else the first rule is to throw away the book, forget everything you learned and start driving like you're fighting for your life! That's what makes my blood pressure go up!

BUT, I'm doing it. I signed up this morning. I'll record my journey here so that you can all share this experience with me. Starting with today:

Time in the School: about 15 minutes
Money paid: 180 euros: signing up fee (which includes the books and all the practice exams)