Driving in Ireland

Sorry I've been slow on the posting.  I've been quite busy with work - classes start tomorrow and I have two classes this semester (including one I have never taught before).

Driving on the left (i.e. wrong) side of the road is a bit intimidating.  Everything is backwards.  In addition, most of the cars are manual tranmission, so there is an added degree of difficulty of having the gear shift in the wrong location as well.  I'm not all that comfortable with a manual transmission even on the right side of the road.

So, I did everything I could to put off driving.  First, I wasn't insured.  We solved that problem, although the insurance companies decided that 25 years of driving in the U.S. is equivalent to an Irish learner's permit.

Then, I argued that I needed some practice, preferably withouth the kids in tow.  And in a large parking lot with no other vehicles.

This strategy worked for about two months, until LBJ got sick of driving everywhere - especially since we had a substantial number of errands to set up house here (such as Ikea trips).  So, one Sunday morning, LBJ drove to UCD (with the girls in the back), parked, and the adventure began.

Turns out that my fears were largely unfounded.  Aside from drifting too far one way or another (and one instance of going straight in the turn lane without much traffic), I've done fine so far.

The closest thing to a funny story is when we asked the kids if dada could drive in Ireland, ORBJ (age 2.5) replied "You betcha Margie!"

Still, the process of getting a licence has been tedious.  VERY tedious.

First, I had to pass the theory test - the computer-based, multiple-choice test.  I ordered the study book and CD from the library, which took 3 weeks to arrive.  It took another couple of weeks to get a computer with a CD/DVD player to do the practice tests.  I took about 20 tests, passing all of them.

Finally, I scheduled the test - took another 2 weeks to get an open date.

I took the test about the same time as a couple other foreigners (no teenagers that day), and I passed.  I thought I could get my permit there.  Nope - I had to go to the motor vehicle office (where you pay parking tickets, fines, etc.).  But first I had to pass a vision test!  That took another 2 weeks to schedule.  I passed that, too.  Whew!

So I took my application to the motor vehicle office, waited for 20 minutes, and dropped off the paperwork.  A week later, I got my learner's permit!  I now can drive like a 17-year old Irish kid.

Now, all I have to do is take a bunch of driving lessons and pass a driving test, and I can get a full Irish driving license!  Oh, and I need to wait 6 months.  Good thing I got an international driving permit before leaving the U.S. (good for one year).  So I have until May 2013 to complete this process.

Fortunately, one of the other parents in FABJ's school is a driving instructor (saw his car with "AJ's Driving School" on it), so at least I have found my instructor.