Are you considering relocating to a new country? Whether it’s for work, study, or simply a change of scenery, moving to a different country can be an exciting and life-changing experience. However, amidst the flurry of preparations and adjustments, one important aspect that often gets overlooked is the ability to drive.
Learning to drive in your home country before relocating might not seem like a top priority, especially if you’re moving to a city with excellent public transportation. However, here are some compelling reasons why it’s crucial to learn how to drive before making the move:
- Independence and Mobility: Having the ability to drive gives you a sense of independence and freedom to explore your new surroundings at your own pace. It allows you to venture beyond the confines of public transportation routes and timetables, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in your new environment.
- Job Opportunities: In many countries, a valid driver’s license is a prerequisite for certain jobs, especially those that involve sales, delivery, or transportation. By obtaining a driver’s license in your home country, you open up opportunities for employment in your new location, giving you a head start in the job market.
- Cultural Adjustment: Moving to a new country involves navigating unfamiliar customs, language, and regulations. Learning to drive in your home country provides you with a familiar context to grasp the basics of driving rules and regulations. This can help ease the transition and reduce the stress associated with adapting to a new environment.
- Emergency Situations: While public transportation may be readily available in urban areas, having the ability to drive becomes invaluable in emergency situations. Whether it’s rushing to the hospital or evacuating during natural disasters, being able to drive provides you with a reliable means of transportation when every second counts.
- Integration and Socialisation: Driving is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s also a social activity that facilitates interaction with local communities. By mastering driving skills in your home country, you’ll feel more confident engaging with locals and participating in social activities that may require transportation.
- Familiarisation with Traffic Laws and Road Conditions: Every country has its own set of traffic laws and driving customs. Learning to drive in your home country allows you to familiarise yourself with these regulations and develop the necessary skills to navigate diverse road conditions, from city traffic to rural landscapes.
- Cost Savings: Taking driving lessons in your home country can be more cost-effective than doing so in your new country. You can benefit from competitive pricing and choose from a variety of driving schools that cater to your specific needs and preferences.
An anonymous member of a group on Facebook documented how much they spent on their journey of learning to drive. This person happened to have obtained a learner’s insurance and did extra hours of practise with their parents car.
See photos below:
Photo source: Driving Test Success – Learner Driver Hub Source: Facebook
The post inspired some comments and questions in the Facebook group.
MMegan Lennox said:
| I have spent double this and still not passed 
I’ll get it one day 
Joann Wang said:
| That’s very quick. I started from August and still can’t park.
Driving Test Success said:
| Hey! This is great info and we’re sure will be really helpful to other learners. Would you be okay with us sharing on our other social channels? No problem if not, we just thought it could help those who are about to start their driving journey! 
Although learning to drive before relocating may require some time and effort, the benefits far outweigh the initial investment. By acquiring driving skills in your home country, you equip yourself with a valuable tool that enhances your mobility, job prospects, cultural integration, and overall quality of life in your new destination. So, before you embark on your journey to a new country, consider putting driving lessons on your pre-relocation checklist—it’s a decision you won’t regret.
You can also check out our previous post for tips that would help you when learning to drive in the UK.