BS: I passed my driving test!

Subject: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:07 PM

I've just managed to get through my test for a Maine driver's license!

I got my UK one back in 1983 but this is a real result for me. I think I'm getting a bit too old for that kind of stress!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: lady penelope
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:08 PM

Hurrah for you! I'm starting driving lessons on sunday!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:17 PM

Good for you, Jacqui! My brother will be completing his, after no driving for the past 2.5 years, next Tuesday. He is really stressed out!

Have fun, Lady P!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:18 PM

Well done girl.... now get him to buy you a nice little red soft top...

And we ain't talking Tshirts here!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:22 PM

Liz - we bought him a 1930 Model A Ford. What he doesn't know yet is that that's his mode of transport from now on.....

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Peace
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:25 PM

You remember that for every 100 miles of road ya got 200 miles of ditch. Congratulations.

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: kendall
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:31 PM

Peace, that is so profound. I shall have to tell Sinsull!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: GUEST,Nancy
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:40 PM

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:42 PM

That was me above. Sorry about that -- I pushed the wrong button at the wrong time!

What I wanted to say was

CONGRATULATIONS, JACQUI!!!

See you soon,
Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 06:04 PM

Congrats!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: ranger1
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 06:10 PM

See, I told you you'd do it no problem!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Bill D
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 06:13 PM

setting your head for the other side of the road must have been interesting! I congratulate you!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 06:24 PM

Keep Death Off The Road !!!! Drive on the Side walk !! (Pavement for UK )

Congratulations Jack - Does that mean Kendall can relax when you go off places now ??

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 06:34 PM

Congratulations, Jacqui!

I didn't get mine until the day before I got my divorce from my first husband. Remind me next time I see you to tell you that story -- including the story the examiner told me after we got out on the road. Then he had me park on a "hill" on Rte. 1 in downtown Kennebunk. (About 1 degree slope, I think) He was writing out the license before we got back to the registry.

Hope your examiner had the sense to put you at ease.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: jeffp
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 06:40 PM

Well done, Jacqui!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Becca72
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 06:45 PM

Woo Hoo!!! BIG congrats and a hug!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 07:13 PM

Congratulations!

How many deer are on the roads in your neck of the woods? Do you earn any points for evasive maneuvering?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: gnu
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 07:26 PM

Congrats and keep 'er twixt the ditches eh!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 11:26 PM

congratulations for learning to drive on the wrong side of the road.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: open mike
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 02:09 AM

I EXPECTED TO FIND A TEENAGER WRITING THIS THREAD.
CONGRATS, AND BUCKLE UP!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: alanabit
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 02:20 AM

Congratulations. It is actually no big deal driving on a different side of the road, as it all makes sense when you do. You automatically approach a roundabout on the right side of the road etc. What I found difficult in Germany at first, was the sheer volume and aggression of the traffic. I am told that Americans have a much politer and more restrained style of driving.
Hope you enjoy your new found freedom!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 07:07 AM

The one thing that was a bit difficult to overcome was angling my head to the right to look into the rearview mirror. That really is an automatic reaction!

Many thanks to Kendall and Ranger1 who both gave me so many opportunities to get out on the road and just drive. I did have one driving lesson but when the instructor started talking about Jesus about half way through I decided that was not something I wished to repeat.

Of course, it could have been the standard of my driving at that time.........

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: kendall
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 07:54 AM

Relax? How the hell can I relax? I've just given my wife the means to get out of town! I suppose now I'll have to shape up.

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: MMario
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 08:04 AM

One bit of advice.

Do not attempt to drive in Boston.

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 08:11 AM

Boston is a cakewalk Mario, unless you actually want to go somewhere that is!
I take it you'll be going to the Getaway driving Kendalls motor home then Jacqui!
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 08:19 AM

Not this year Giok - need a bit of practice in that one.

However, I will be sharing the driving with Deb in her Lexus.

Mmario - I first learned to drive in the outskirts of London in the rush hour. I'll try to avoid Boston but it can't be any worse than London!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Essex Girl
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 08:38 AM

Congratulations Jacqui!! I'm trying to get my son to apply for his provisional and take lessons so that I can stop being a taxi service.

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 08:55 AM

Congratulations, Jacqui. Two points to keep in mind:
1)When Kendall says turn left here, he means at the next available driveway. Hence his amusement at Peace's ditch reference.
2) When driving after dark keep your brights on and watch out for mooses in the road. It is simpler than explaining to Kendall about the brights blinding oncoming drivers.

I love you, Kendall!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 02:31 PM

well done!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 02:52 PM

Pay no attention to Mario.....He once got lost in Zanesville, Ohio, population 30,000.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: MMario
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 02:54 PM

dammit spaw! the signs were wrong!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: kendall
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 03:19 PM

Sinsull, I worry more about oncoming Moose than oncoming cars!

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 04:40 PM

Well done Jacqui!

Kitty

PS Glad I passed UK test before they added theory and hazard perception...

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: JudyB
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 08:17 PM

Congratulations, Jacqui!

I'm just as glad that I don't have to take one - and I've always driven on the same side of the road (Charley does the driving when we're abroad - says he feels safer that way for some reason). One thing we did discover - while I (as designated navigator) am coaching him around giant roundabouts (with half the signs in a language other than English), when he gets to the correct exit, I mustn't say "this one - right here" - as the exit is on the left and my saying "right here" is just too confusing for an important split second!!

But we did fine in England and Wales (and Australia previously) - and I know you will do fine in the US!

JudyB & Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: I passed my driving test!
From: GUEST,obie
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 09:27 PM

Congrats Jacqui!
   If you see me comming down The Airlane for God's sake keep right! LOL!