Driving Lesson and Test - Final Installment.

Remember what I said about the Driving Test?

Have you ever met someone who talks like they're in a real hurry but are not? Have you ever met someone who talks so fast the words stumble on top of each other in a rapid flurry of mumbo-jumbo? Have you ever met someone who, when talking to you, keeps nudging you with their elbow and sometimes with their fist or hand?

Well I did. 'John' the driving instructor. I had to take a few driving lessons in preparation for my driving test - I've been driving for 20 years so my habits (bad and good) are well formed - And I am glad I did! There was not a chance in hell, heaven or earth that I would have passed without a few lessons. 

John established, with my help, that he knew my dad when my dad was around. My Dad, Basil, was fairly well known around these parts. He was a performer and a character in many ways. But his musical performances as a one man show and as a band member got him most exposure.

I sat into the car beside "John-of-the-fast-talk-and-the-nudge-and-the-poke," and started driving...

"Now, Tommy I want you to drive straight across this lane and indicate right and drive on down. Aw... Basil was a nice...indicate! indicate! Now continue on here and outside the gate indicate left and continue. I knew him from Murrisk Abbey and the Tavern, Left!, Left!, He used to play his music there. LOOK over to your right when you move out - stop!... Now, Tommy, I want you to go into the roundabout and take the third exit. He had a great way about him really, Indicate! Look right, and move on sharply! How long is he dead now? Move on sharply, he won't be happy if you don't move on. Is it that long now? Aw well, powerful the way time passes too. Pull in here after this road. Stop! Stop! Now, Tommy back around that corner. Aw he was a great performer, wasn't he? Look in mirrors, and back, look over your shoulder, sure you have to look behind you, over your right shoulder again... and stop. He died too young. Now, Tommy, pull in and when you are ready turn the car around. He knew some amount of songs! Look left as you take off, Oh Jees don't forget to look left or he'll fail you. You can't beat them old songs. You'll be fine. 35 Euros. Thanks for your custom."

Well, all good things do come to those who wait and therefore my actual driving test came upon me on Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 in Castlebar. The lessons (four of them) were badly needed and did the job. I got the test.

The lesson I had on the day of the test just before the test was a great idea of Johns. It was not free but worth every penny. It was absolutely necessary. I made loads of mistakes on the run and it seems that got them out of my system for the real test.

I can now go ahead and apply for the real 10 year license and this should have a positive effect on my insurance costs. Yippee.