Driving test for foreigners in the USA

I heard a wonderful story this week about how much of a pigging nightmare it is to take the USA driving test if you’re not a U.S citizen. The tests might be different in the various States (I am sure they are!), but you can’t survive without a set of wheels out here, so needs must with the test.

I didn’t have to take this lengthy test, but I thought I would try my hand at some of the Q&As anwyway….

Prior to taking the test you are advised that ‘Driving is a privilege, you are responsible for knowing what all traffic control signs mean. Did you know there are over 500 Federally approved traffic signs in use today?’ Nope I did not know that.

These are just some of them…

Holy crap, not got a clue about many of the questions – oops. Oh dear, sorry folks on the roads of America.

But, I do like these signs – and they are so very American. Our trucks do not look like that in the UK, because we have lorries, and we certainly don’t have the Amish horse and trap sign!

Digging the digger!

Parking valets

I can’t remember if there are parking valets back in the UK, I really can’t. Not at nightclubs, anyway. Not the ones I frequented, that’s for sure!

But valet parking is a big deal here and when you hit a club or a restaurant the valet will take your keys from you right outside the front door and park up for you safe and sound. I’m just a little bit unsure if this kind of promotes drink driving (unless you are the sensible designated driver, of course). I might just be referring the movies and TV shows, so forgive me if I am, but I’m sure I’ve seen valets hand over the keys to folks who really shouldn’t be driving home after that night out…..

Mine needs a clear out too, if you’re up for it 😉

Dinner conversations

I love dinner conversations with American folk.

American friend: ‘In Europe, is it true that the cheese comes out at the end of the meal?’
Me: ‘Yes.’
American friend: ‘Nice.’

British friend to American friend: ‘Why do you pronounce Route 66 like ‘root’, but when you say ‘which route will you use?’, you’ll pronounce it ‘rowt’?
American friend: ‘Hmmmm, not sure.’
British friend: ‘Interestingly inconsistent.’

Route or rowt?

The Mall Shooting in Columbia

I have to mention this tragedy today. I can’t tell you how much this has shocked the community here today. I have to say, watching it all unfold on TV and via social media, I have a deep respect for Howard County Police and all the responders, plus the Columbia community who rallied together checking on everyone. This is a wonderfully vibrant place to live, and I always feel safe here, so this is something that has really shaken the core of Columbia.

You know, I’ll still feel safe, but maybe I’ll just be a little more vigilant in future.