Write@Home
Winter 2015

Driving

cropped image of hands on steering wheel - instructor guiding driver

When I came here to Canada, I saw my wife taking a taxi to go to work. One day I told her that if we buy a car, I can drive her to work. She replied, you need to have a driver's license. So, I decided to get a driver's license. We inquired how to get it. I had an international driver’s license from the Philippines, but decided to take the driver’s test to save money on insurance. I chose to take the exam and go to a driving school to learn the traffic laws and regulations.

I passed the first exam which was a written examination. I completed the class and went for a driving lesson. My instructor told me that I knew how to handle a car, and he noticed that I knew how to drive well. But he told me that I would not pass the exam if I drove like I did in the Philippines. He told me that I should do what I learned from the class. Don't rely on the side mirrors; look at your blind spot while overtaking; be careful to read the pedestrian, stop signs, U-turns, stop lights, yield, right of way, and more. After my lesson, I realized lots of differences in the way we drive back in the Philippines and here in Canada.

I passed my G2 license, and after a year, I took my G license and I got it in one try. Driving here is so essential; it makes life easier, quicker, and it helps a lot. And one more thing is that drivers here in Canada are decent and so good.