So Wednesday morning I finally got to attend the driving course. Although I am still kind of worried about driving on the left I am attempting to embrace this new adventure.
Promptly at 7:45, I arrived to the classroom ready to learn. I did not know I was also entering a hot box, but that’s another story. First we were given a “warning” from the base safety director about not drinking and driving. He really emphasized not do “dumb shit” – yep he said it. He was a little rough around the edges.
Then our class begins with this little Japanese woman named Waka. She was such a good teacher – she was VERY animated. For example when you see and ambulance with its lights on you can continue driving because they always have them on. However, should the sirens be on –she stops here to give us the sound effects. “If you hear WIIIIIOOOOOOOWIIIIIIOOOOOOOOWIIIIOOOOOO, please pull to left.” As she gives this sound effect she is using her hands to flash the lights in front of her face and behind her at her butt, while walking back and forth in front of the board. Too funny, but I liked that she was energetic. She also said when we get our license we would be considered “professional and experienced drivers” in Japan. As she told us this she pumped her arm muscles, apparently professional and experienced = strong. J
After 5 hours of instructions on the Japanese street signs, DWDI, DWI, DUI, blue tickets and yellow tickets it was time for the test. Without much fuss the test was given and I became a “professional and experienced” driver in the eyes of the Japanese government. We’ll see how long I keep such a status…..
