Driving lessons | ExpatWoman.com
 

Driving lessons

128
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 09:15

Im living here 2 years now, without driving.
To be honest im absolutley terrified of the roads here.
does anyone else not drive.
I feel like i want someone to come with me and hold my hand if i went for driving lessons.
Being on the roads with the crazy drivers, taxi drivers and the minibus drivers really scares me.

222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:37
Officechick, I didn't drive for the first six months as was on probationary period at work and didn't know if I'd stay so didn't want to drive a car. Getting taxis and metros was fine until it got too hot to walk to and from metro. I always quite enjoyed the adrenaline rush of being in a taxi as you never knew quite what would happen, but on the whole they were safer than many of the cars on the road and I survived! But in terms of shopping, getting out and about, once I knew I was staying, I bought a car as it just makes life so much easier and petrol is so cheap. After a few trips with DH sitting beside me I felt confident, but always drive defensively. Several friends have decided not to drive here and seem to manage just fine, though like me they don't have kids here - I think that's the crucial factor for many people. It really isn't as bad as it seems out there, you just need your wits about you and nerves of steel. Good luck.
1184
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:29
thx :)
108
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:19
@dentro, around 4200 for everything and one road test, and for every next fail, that's an additional of about 700. So around 7k for 3-4 attempts.. or even more, depends on how evil try.
1184
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:02
sorry to hijack - anyone knows approx how much is it to get a license for someone who has never driven before? including classes and let's say 3-4 attempts to pass the exams... what shall we budget? thx
867
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 10:25
I wouldn't have said I was terrified of driving, more apprehensive but now couldn't live without the convenience and freedom..........go ahead, take lessons and get your license! When you start driving, take the car out (with someone if it makes you feel better) on a Friday morning, when the roads are quiet. You will easily be able to build up your confidence and before you know it, you'll be going everywhere. Where possible drive in the third lane from the LHS, if you stay in the far left lane then some idiot will drive up behind you and tailgate, if you stay in the second lane you're in danger of those being bullied in the far left lane frantically moving (into you) to get out of the way of the idiots....... TBH I find the taxi drivers (except those 'pink' taxis) really ok, they are on the road day in and day out and most of them seem really on to it when it comes to being aware. If they speed, just tell them to slow down. Ever since the working vans and cars had to put the 'how's my driving' stickers on the back, they seem to also be more careful now......Saw a van the other day driving a bit scary, and low and behold, there wasn't that sticker on the back so obviously he thought he could get away with it! The cars to be careful of are the blacked out ones and the Moms (normally on the phone) with the BOB stickers - that's the two category of dangerous drivers to be wary of. Good luck :)
169
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 10:15
I was exactly like you but then went and passed my test first time with Belhasa in March this year. I spent 2 plus years in Dubai fearing for my life in taxis and actually felt safer myself as a new driver. I also thought if I had kids I would never want to put them in a taxi in Dubai.I also was spending a fortune on taxis for work. Then I got a dog that taxis won't take so it all pushed me to do it. I got a SUV and felt much safer and felt I drove better than I did in my nissan sunny learner car at the driving school. I say go for it I truly understand how you feel but I promise once you are careful it is safer to drive yourself than by a taxi I think. Good Luck!
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY