UK Driving License

So, I moved here to London in May of 2006 and my driver's license is only good for 1 year. Since I drive everyday to work, figure it is a necessity. There is no reciprocity for US drivers like there is for EU citizens. For some reason, Britain thinks Polish, Italian, and Bulgarian drivers are better than those from the United States!?! What a joke, #1. Anyways, I had to get a UK license, so I took the written test back in May 2007 (it took me two tries to pass, which is another joke, #2). Then, I signed up for the practical (actual driving test) in June. Unfortunately, something came up at work and I had to reschedule. However, I was leaving for the States and the WSOP last Summer, so had to postpone the driving test for August, when I came back from the Summer in the US.

My first trip to the driving center, I left 75 minutes before my scheduled test, which was at 9:12 in the morning, far too early for me to actually be awake, but that was the only time available. On my way to the test center, which was only 6.2 miles away, I got stuck in some of the worst traffic I've ever seen. Long story made short, I arrived at 9:17, 5 minutes late for a 55 minute scheduled driving exam and the instructor "instructed me" that I'd have to reschedule the exam for a later date. WHAT A JOKE (#3).

My second trip to the driving center, I schedule BSM (British School of Motoring), which is supposed to be a reputable teaching school that increases your odds of passing the damn test. They took me down to the driving center two hours early and we practiced the course, did all the "tricky" test moves, etc. Again, long story made short, I had 6 "minors", which you are allowed 16 before they fail you. The "instructor" still failed me because he said "I think you can work on your observation skills a bit more". What a joke #4! The funny thing is I have been driving for over 17 years with ZERO accidents. I've NEVER had a claim on my insurance. So, I found it ridiculous. Basically, this is another form of taxation on the people.

My third and final trip today was more successful. I got this really nice Irish guy who I bonded with immediately. Within 10 minutes he was telling me about how his wife died last year and his goal for 2008 was to stay positive on life. It was a sad story, but that got me thinking about my life, how lucky I am, and even poker -- just keeping a good attitude is all you can do to maximize the quality of your days and the results on the table. Oh, yeah, and it made me relaxed driving. So, ended up with only 3 minors and he passed me for my UK drivers license - FINALLY.

Cost of my license:

• Studying for practical exam = 8 hours
• Written driving test 40 pounds (x2) = $160 plus 6 hours
• Practical driving test 50 pounds (x3) = $300 plus 12 hours
• BSM pre-test lessons: 8 hours x 20 pounds = $320 plus 12 hours
• BSM test costs: 220 pounds = $440

TOTAL COST: $1220 and 38 hours, almost a week of my life (I won't tell you what I get paid weekly, but the grand total makes me sick)

Now I'm finally legal on the roads. So, I suppose this is where all my problems will start - Murphy's Law.