Driving test

On my week off, I should have focused on preparing for my driver's test. I didn't and now I'm stressing over the test, getting readings done for my Queen's classes, and moving into the house. I need to get a British driver's license soon so we can pay a lower car insurance premium when David renews the insurance. Sigh.

I'm 100 pages into the 500-page manual that prepares you for the written test. If I pass that, I get to read another 500-page manual in preparation for the driving test. Another sigh. The driving test is notoriously difficult. Few pass it on the first try.

The manual reinforces my perceptions that Britain is generally a more sane place than America. There are several pages devoted to the importance of lowering your carbon footprint. "Burning fossil fuels causes air pollution and damages the environment, while using up natural resources that can't be replaced." I somehow doubt Americans read this kind of thing when learning to drive.

One of the tips points out that driving at 70 mph uses up to 30% more fuel than 50 mph. Another suggests not leaving an empty roof rack on your car or carrying heavy items longer than necessary. Here's a good one: "Try not to use your car to make a lot of short journeys: consider walking or cycling instead. Using public transport or sharing a car can reduce the volume of traffic and vehicle emissions."

Petrol here is about $6 a gallon. I paid $75 the other day to fill up, and the tank was only three-quarters empty. You don't see many SUVs here. If you buy a car with low fuel efficiency, you pay a much higher tax than a car with high fuel efficiency. It all makes so much sense, but would be anathema to the US-SUV industry.

There's also stuff in the drivers' test manual about how to drive when there are sheep or a horse on the road. And I'm having to learn about not only zebra crossings but also pelican crossings, toucan crossings, and puffin crossings. I honestly don't get the distincitons. They are various ways roads are marked and lights are installed to facilitate people and bikes crossing the road.
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