My Bumpy Ride to Getting My Driver's License Back
add_circle Pros
- I liked that the driving school was close to the train station, making it easy to get to class.
- The accelerated course was a great option for me since I already had some driving experience.
- The instructor was patient and helped me build my confidence behind the wheel.
- I appreciated the flexibility of the course schedule, which allowed me to balance my studies with driving lessons.
- The school had a good reputation in the area, which gave me peace of mind.
- I was motivated to get my license back since I'd recently purchased a plot of land outside the city.
remove_circle Cons
- I was disappointed with the quality of the practice cars, which were a bit worn out.
- The course was pricey, especially considering the quality of the vehicles.
- I found the theory portion of the course to be a bit dry and lacking in engagement.
- The school's customer support was a bit unresponsive at times, which was frustrating.
- I had to take a few extra weeks to complete the course due to some scheduling conflicts.
- The course was accelerated, but it still felt like it dragged on at times.
Gallery
Editor's Summary
Getting my driver's license back in Russia was a wild ride, to say the least. I'd been out of the game for 10 years, so I signed up for a driving course to get back up to speed. The course was pricey at 34,000 rubles, but I figured it was worth it. I was motivated to get my license back since I'd recently bought a plot of land outside the city. The driving school was close to the train station, which made it easy to get to class. The accelerated course was a great option for me since I already had some driving experience. My instructor was patient and helped me build my confidence behind the wheel. I appreciated the flexibility of the course schedule, which allowed me to balance my studies with driving lessons. The school had a good reputation in the area, which gave me peace of mind. However, the process wasn't without its challenges. The practice cars were a bit worn out, which was disappointing. The course was pricey, especially considering the quality of the vehicles. The theory portion of the course was a bit dry and lacking in engagement. The school's customer support was a bit unresponsive at times, which was frustrating. I had to take a few extra weeks to complete the course due to some scheduling conflicts.
Specifications
I'll be the first to admit it: getting a driver's license isn't always a smooth process, especially when you're trying to do it for the second time around. In my case, I had to relearn the ropes after my initial license expired, and I had to start from scratch.
Why the second time around? Well, I'd already taken a driving course in another country, but unfortunately, my license had expired, and I needed to retake the test. It's been 10 years since I last drove, so it was a bit of a challenge to get back into the swing of things.
I decided to take the plunge and sign up for another driving course, despite my initial reservations about driving in Russia. But with the purchase of a plot of land outside the city, I realized I needed to get behind the wheel.
I chose the driving school based on its accessibility, as I wanted to be able to walk to the train station from my home. Plus, they offered an accelerated course for people like me who already had some driving experience.
The price for the course was 34,000 rubles (2023), which was a bit steep, but I figured it was worth it. I was also motivated by the fact that they were offering the course at that price for a limited time, and I wouldn't have to pay the increased rate of 44,000 rubles later on.
The course lasted for 1.5 months, and I purchased all the study materials from the school, which cost an additional 600 rubles. The materials included a brochure with the rules of the road and a book with practice tests.
I opted for a mechanic instructor, as I thought it would be easier to learn from someone with hands-on experience. The classroom was a bit cramped and hot, especially during the winter months, but I managed to get through the course.
The theory portion of the course was my favorite part, as I enjoyed learning about the rules of the road and practicing my driving skills. My instructor was a great teacher, and I appreciated his sense of humor and ability to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language.
However, the practical portion of the course was a different story altogether. The cars were beat-up, and my instructor's Renault Laguna had a wonky transmission that made it hard to drive. I felt like I was being thrown into the deep end, and I wasn't given enough time to practice my driving skills.
Not to mention, I was paired with an instructor who seemed more interested in chatting with me than actually teaching me how to drive. I was given a series of questions on the first practical lesson, including 'Can you drive?' and 'What are your weak points?' - which was a bit intimidating, especially since I was a beginner.
On my first practical lesson, I was even taken out of the city to practice driving on the highway, which was a bit of a shock. I was glad to have the experience, but I wish I'd been given more time to practice my skills before being thrown into the deep end.
I also felt a bit ripped off when I realized that I'd only completed half of the practical lessons, and the second half had been paid for but not completed. I decided not to make a fuss about it, as I knew I wasn't a complete beginner.
The internal exam was a breeze, and I passed with flying colors. I was given three chances to pass, and I made sure to study hard for each one. The external exam at the traffic police office was a different story altogether, as I made a silly mistake and had to retake the test twice before finally passing.
Looking back, I wish I'd taken my time and chosen a different instructor, but I'm glad I persevered and got my license in the end. If you're a beginner, I'd recommend taking your time and choosing a reputable driving school with a good instructor.
Two years on, I'm still driving my trusty old car, and I'm grateful for the experience. To all you future drivers out there, I say: don't give up, and always keep your wits about you. And remember, it's not just about passing the test - it's about becoming a safe and responsible driver.
Naturally, I wish all you future drivers the best of luck. May you pass your test with flying colors and become a safe and responsible driver. And remember, it's not just about passing the test - it's about becoming a safe and responsible driver.
No obstacles, no worries! ✊
Good luck, and don't give up!