Learner driver..

 

Hi people

You know, something that never ceases to amaze me is the comparison between the standards of how things are done here in the UK and how they're done back home in Nigeria.

So, after realizing that we might have to get a car soon, I’ve been involved in all the processes of becoming a certified driver. Even though I’ve probably been driving for more than twelve years now, it’s still mandatory to undergo a lot of tests, assessments, and training before these ones here allow you drive a car on their roads.

Bruhh,.. The difference is amazing.

I remember this early article I wrote about driving in Lagos, and cringe in embarrassment now. Omo, we’re just suffering in Naija. 

There are basically three major tests you have to take here. The driving theory test, Hazard perception and actual practical driving test with a certified driving instructor. Of course, you have to pass all three before becoming fully certified to drive. I’m currently studying (Yes, you heard right…actually studying) to pass the theory part and my goodness…The attention to detail these tests consist of, the amount of safe driving practices, the rules of the road and all the other modules just make you realize how God probably assigned a special guardian angel to watch over Nigerian drivers because what we’ve been doing back home cannot be remotely classified as “Driving”.

Lol …. My introduction to driving back then was to just hop in a car with our trusty mechanic Moshood who took me out to a field and just ordered me to go ahead….

Driving over here is sooo different. First you have to get used to the left hand driving position, then there are all the rules of the road you’re mandated to get familiar with, rules of having a road worthy vehicle and then all the hundreds of road signs, road markings, safety practices, incident avoidance maneuvers, and countless other practices that safe driving in the UK consist of. 

The motorways (we call them expressways back home) here are extraordinarily detailed and very well planned. You see things like hard shoulders, rest stops, emergency telephones, digital billboards, speed cameras, and so many other features which you realize are designed to keep you alive. Even the roads are obviously planned well ahead of construction. There are so many safety-related road features that honestly boggles the mind. I used to think it was just Zebra crossing… here you’ll see Pelican, Puffin and Toucan crossing too..lmao

The amount of care and consideration in relation to vulnerable road users, cyclists, motorcyclists and animals on the road is just amazing. I swear I’ve learnt so many things that make me just shake my head in horror at what we do back home in the name of being road users.

Idiot me that used to scoff at having car insurance back then.. Oya nah..come and try it here first and see something. 

One thing in life I’m constantly being reminded of is the fact that learning, re-learning and Unlearning has to constantly happen if you’re to become a better human being. Truly, you encounter so many new ways of living that make you wish things could get better back home. It's just insane