I have to take a driving test....at this stage in the game?

Say what?? Did I just write that? You bet! 

We have been in England for just about a year. Can you believe they require us to take a written test and a road test within the first year you are here? Of course you wait it out until you absolutely have to take it and then just do it because they said so. 

It wasn't long ago that expats didn't have to go through the whole ordeal because they will eventually repatriate to their home country anyway. But I guess the rule changed and my hubby and I have the distinct pleasure of getting our English driving license. 

A few weeks ago, I'm not kidding, Shawn and I were studying for hours on end just to pass the written test. I mean, it felt like we were in college again studying long hours to pass a final. The good news is, we both passed it. 

This situation gets even better. We now have to take driving lessons for hours on end. The guy that works with Kellogg to help expats like us to get our license is proposing that we take 5 to 6 hours of lessons to get us up to speed in order to the pass the road test. That's 5 to 6 hours each, separately! From what I often hear, you don't pass it the first time either. 

Just to reiterate what I said in the first place was that we have been here for almost a year! We certainly haven't been taking taxis, buses, and trains to get to places. We've been driving!  I'm a little perturbed by this situation. My husband feels the same way as I do. Wouldn't you be?

I thought I'd share a plethora of nifty signs we had to study. 

This means there is a t- junction coming up - I'm sure you figured that out.

How do you like this one? I've never witnessed it personally. 

This one is "Frail or elderly crossing".

Trams only.

This sign warns you of a speed camera ahead. It once saw us doing 36 in a 30 and we had to pay £60. It sent a picture of our car, too. Argh!

Tunnel ahead

I've never seen this one either. It cracks me up, though.

This is the British version of "Yield".

No Thru traffic.

Here are a few that I took from inside the car. 

I thought I'd throw this in the mix because I love what it says. There is actually a bus in London that says the opposite. It says, "There probably isn't a God. Don't worry and enjoy life."

I'll keep you posted on how the road test goes in June. I still can't believe we have to do that!