Driver's Classes

Well, the day has finally come when I can begin my actual driving classes. I have studied and taken the THEORY part of the Spanish Driver's Exam. Now I have to take 5 driving classes in which I will learn all the bad habits I have that may keep me from passing the driving test here. Things like not crossing over the hands when turning. Not turning the steering wheel 'under handed'. I can only have my hand on the OUTSIDE of the steering wheel - not the inside. Ugh. I can't just put it in neutral and brake. I have to DOWNSHIFT. I am very thankful that I know how to driver a manual car. Automatics here have the nickname 'American' cars. Typically, the only people who have automatic cars are Americans or people with some kind of handicap who CAN'T use the gear shift!! So. . . tomorrow I will - hopefully - get 2-3 hours out of the way and then the rest on Friday. I will then wait a week to take the actual driving test since Sam is out of town and he drives me to the train station to go into Madrid. I COULD have taken it here locally but they only teach in Spanish. I would be totally on my own if I want to take it in English. So. . . here I go. I will keep you posted as to how it goes. I have 2 chances to pass or I'll have to pay the fee again. On an average, it costs about $1000 to get your license here. Sam's was more 10 years ago!! I am SO nervous about this part!!! Jill