Monday, November 30, 2009

If at First You Don't Succeed...

There's an old saying which says "if at first you don't succeed, try again". However, for some people, it should be "if at first and second and third you don't succeed, ask someone for help". For the end of another November, here's a video to demonstrate that.



See you in December!
Nadav

nadavs

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Extend Your Tires' Life

Tires are crucial for driving. In fact, they are your only contact with the road. Even more, they are very expensive to replace. In order to keep them intact for your safety and your wallet, watch this short video with some instructions.



Hopefully you learned something.
Nadav

nadavs

Saturday, November 28, 2009

The Passenger Difference

How strong is your car? How did you test it? I have the perfect test for that: drive a car full of passengers.

Earlier this week I went out with friends, and the car was full. The car's behavior was changed immediately. Suddenly I had to press harder on the gas, take turns slower (remember the centrifugal force?), and generally adapt to a totally new driving style.

Usually I drive alone or with one more passenger, so the car accelerates easily and quickly. When it's full, it takes more time.

That that into consideration next time your car is full.

Have a great, safe weekend!
Nadav

nadavs

Friday, November 27, 2009

The Advantages of Studying Online for the Written Test

Before you can drive, you need to pass your written test. Before you can pass your written test, you need to study. There are many ways to study for the test, and one of the best ones is online. Here is an article I wrote about this.

Study Online With a Driving Test Guide

It is a fact that because driving instructors are paid by the hour, they have every motive to delay students from obtaining their driving licenses in just a few hours and on the first try. Whatever you call this, it is a bad practice and can be associated with theft. Not to mention the time you loose taking all those extra driving lessons, which you do not need! So why not study online with the driving test guide? A driving test guide provides insight information about the tests and the simplest ways to obtain the license.

If you study online with the driving test guide, you will definitely save a lot of money on your driving lessons and learn to drive faster than before. You also get the chance to see for yourself what examiners want to see in your test. Because you need fewer lessons than other students do, you minimize the time spent on learning to drive and you can also pass your test quick and easily. Think about the fact that once you get your driving license, you need to buy a car and insure it.

Study online with the driving test guide! You save money for your new car and never have to worry about failing the test. The statistics show that 90% of the people who study online with the guide manage to pass the test on the first try. They also minimize the time spent for this with about 60%. So why pay all those extra bucks to a devious instructor when you can save them for a new car or for insurance?

In the driving test guide, you will find detailed information on how exactly to pass the test first time. You will learn of things that driving instructors are hiding from you. And, most of all, you will learn that taking the test first time is not as hard as it looks.

Rather than paying hundreds of dollars extra for your driving lessons, why not study online with the driving test guide? It will help you pass the driving exam first time and with ease, while allowing you to save some money for a new car and insurance.

Hope you liked this article,
Nadav

nadavs

Thursday, November 26, 2009

First Time Driving: Hannah

Calm and relaxed, that's how you teach driving. Watch Hannah learning how to drive while everyone tries to stress her, yet she doesn't break. Very good!



This video is from May of 2007, so Hannah probably has her license for a long time now. All I can say now is be safe!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Nadav

nadavs

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Top Gear Truck Driving Challenge: Part 2

The truck driving continues with some Alpine races and precious cargo in the trucks. Watch and enjoy.



Next week: the third and final part of the challenge.

Nadav

nadavs

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Ontario Keeps on Striking

Remember the Ontario driving examiner's strike? It has been going on for three months now, and it's still going on. However, Serco, the company that handles driving tests in Ontario, said they are giving driving tests to special groups.

What are those groups? People who need the license for a living (commercial vehicle drivers) and people with out-of-province licenses. Everyone else will have to keep waiting.

Last week the union which includes driving examiners said "no" to an offer from Serco. Looks like the Ontario people will have to wait for a long time.

Nadav

nadavs

Monday, November 23, 2009

The California DUI Punishment

As you know, drinking and driving do not mix. Ever. But even though everyone knows that, there are a few people who keep making the same mistake over and over. Lawrence Taylor wrote an article about the consequences of this mistake in California.

What Happens to Your Driver's License If You're Arrested For DUI in California

Initial Procedures. If you are arrested for DUI (or drunk driving) in California, you should have been given a choice of a chemical test of your breath or blood. If you take a breath test and the results are .08% blood-alcohol or higher, your driver's license will be taken by the officer and you will be given a Notice of Suspension. This pink document operates both to formally advise you of the immediate suspension and as a temporary permit to drive (unrestricted) for thirty days. If you give a blood rather than breath sample in a California DUI case, the results will probably not be available for a few days; the suspension begins but will be conditional upon later results being over .08%. If you should refuse to take a chemical test, your license will still be confiscated but the period of suspension will be substantially longer.

Out-of-State Drivers. If you are an out-of-state driver, the police in California cannot confiscate your license, as it is the property of another state government. You will receive the same Notice of Suspension, but this serves only to suspend your driving privilege within the state of California; your license remains valid outside of the state. You should be aware, however, that your state's motor vehicle department will probably suspend your license upon being notified by the California DMV of the DUI license suspension.

Administrative Penalties. A first drunk driving offense carries a suspension of 4 months. You should be aware, however, that this can be reduced to 1 month followed by work-restriction of 5 months if you file proof of insurance (the SR-22 form) and proof of enrollment in a state-approved DUI school. If you refused to take a chemical test, the suspension is for 1 year - and no work restriction is permitted. If this is a second offense within 10 years, the suspension is for one year, two if for a refusal - and again, no work restriction will be granted.

Challenging the Suspension. You have a right to contest the suspension (called an Administrative License Suspension, or ALS). This is completely separate and apart from the criminal proceedings. It is strongly recommended that an ALS hearing be requested: There is a good chance of having the suspension thrown out. In any event, the worst thing that can happen is that you will receive the same suspension as if you had not requested a hearing

Lawrence Taylor is the author of the standard textbook "Drunk Driving Defense, 6th edition" and senior member of a 9-attorney law firm in Los Angeles, California, specializing in DUI defense since 1979. See Los Angeles DUI Attorney for more information.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Once again, let's all say it: DON'T drink and drive!

Nadav

nadavs

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Replacing a Thermostat

The thermostat is the device that keeps your car's engine at the right temperature. If you notice that there is a constant problem with your car's heat, you might need to replace the thermostat. Here is a video showing how to do it.



I hope you learned something valuable,
Nadav

nadavs

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Back to the Summer

Last week I wrote about rain driving and how it affects me and everyone around me. Only one week passed, and we're back on summer mode.

I hate this weather changes. It's hard enough to get used to one condition, and all of the sudden we have to adjust to a completely new way to drive. Now it's regular summer driving with rain alerts. Tomorrow it can be storm driving that becomes a regular summer drive.

Why can't the weather just stay constant throughout, let's say, a week?

Have a great weekend,
Nadav

nadavs

Friday, November 20, 2009

Reducing Car Insurance Rates for Teenagers

One of the highest car insurance rate category belongs to teenagers, and there is not much that can be done about it. However, there are a few ways to bring those rates lower. Here is an article I wrote about it.

How Car Insurance Rates For Teenagers Can Be Dropped

Car insurance rates for teenagers tend to be pretty expensive. This is because teens are thought to be dangerous, risky drivers by the insurance companies. Indeed, statistics show that 16-20 year olds are involved in more accidents than anyone else.

Fortunately, there are a few ways in which the costs can be brought down. To begin with, parents may be able to save money by asking their agent to raise the deductibles on the teen's policy. This may lower the premiums. In order to get the best out of this method, however, parents need to go for the highest amount of deductibles they can afford.

Another way to cut down car insurance rates for teenagers is by giving them older cars to drive. Sure, they all want to drive around in fast sports cars, but those types of vehicles are considered to be more "risky" than older, less "sporty" ones. Moreover, the collision and/or comprehensive coverage *may* even be dropped when teens driver older cars.

Teens who make good grades can get discounts on insurance rates. Just as long as they maintain at least a 3.00 average, they may be eligible for discounts. Parents can use the money they save to encourage their teenagers to continue working hard.

All in all, the more responsible a teen is, the more money his or her family can save. Car insurance rates for teenagers will almost always be more than average, but the price can be reduced some for those who drive responsibly, work hard in school, and have the willingness to drive older vehicles.

These are just some of the few ways car insurance rates for teenagers can be reduced. There are other tips, tricks, and secrets as well. If you need more affordable insurance, you can use the internet for researching. You can also receive free advice and even quotes!

Hope you learned something,
Nadav

nadavs

Thursday, November 19, 2009

First Time Driving: Lauren

The best way to encourage a new driver is keep telling her how she's going to kill everyone soon. Saying "we're all going to die" every five seconds doesn't help unless you really want to die. Otherwise, help the driver, don't put more stress.



This video was uploaded on May of last year, so Lauren probably has her license already. Hopefully she drives better by now.

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Top Gear Truck Driving Challenge: Part 1

As promised, today there is another crazy Top Gear challenge. This time it's a truck driving challenge. Watch the Top Gear guys try to learn some truck driving techniques while competing against each other.



Enjoy!
Nadav

nadavs

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The True Meaning of Irony

Irony can be found in many life situations, but not many of them are as funny as this one. A man dressed as a Breathalyzer test for Halloween was asked to use a real one because the police suspected he was drunk.

Apparently, James P. Miller has been driving the wrong way without headlights on a one-way street. His breath test showed double the legal limit, and he was charged with enough charges to keep him away from drunk driving for at least another year, when he's 21.

Next time he should dress up like a vodka bottle. No one will say he's drunk.

Nadav

nadavs

Monday, November 16, 2009

The Future of Vehicle Safety

Vehicle safety is an ever-developing research field. There is always something that can be done to make vehicles safer. Here is an article by Mac Demere about the future elements of vehicle safety.

Vehicle Safety Systems and the Law - What Soon Will Be Required

New-car brochures and vehicle reviews regularly tout facts and features about new models, and high-tech, advanced safety systems such as dual front airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). That's the same as saying it meets current emissions standards: If the vehicle didn't have dual front airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system, it couldn't be offered for sale. Of course, the promotional information often mentions that its star meets current emissions standards, too.

Things are different for electronic stability control, side airbags, anti-lock brakes, rearview cameras and active head restraints, among other components. None of these are currently required. However, some of these features will soon be required by regulation and some likely will be needed to meet safety performance requirements. Here are some regularly mentioned safety systems and the government requirements or regulations surrounding them. (Government decisions are subject to change. Don't be surprised if dates for some yet-to-be-required systems are pushed back a year or two.)

Tire-pressure monitoring systems, or TPMS give a warning when one or more tires are radically under-inflated. This system has been required on all cars since the 2008 model year.
Electronic stability control (often abbreviated ESC, but also called by a host of other names and acronyms) will be required on most 2011 vehicles and all 2012 model-year vehicles. ESC has been optional or standard equipment on some cars for more than a decade. ESC uses a sophisticated computer system to sense when a vehicle is about to spin out or plow straight off a slippery road. In such situations, the computer will apply brakes at individual wheels and, possibly, reduce engine power. Many drivers won't even notice the butt-saving they just received.

Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are part of a package. In other words, while not specifically required, everything needed to make ABS work is part of the ESC system. It would require some skillful programming to not have ABS. It's not unfair to say ABS will be required on all 2012 vehicles.

New Federal regulations for active head restraints, designed to reduce neck injuries, began to take effect in 2009 and will be in full force by late 2011. However, passing the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test and earning its Top Safety Pick award is just as important to some carmakers. It's feasible to both meet the law and pass the IIHS test without active head restraints. However, many consumers can't find a comfortable driving position with the resulting devices. The bottom line: Active head restraints won't be mandated by law (or required to pass the IIHS test), but carmakers may find they have to employ them to produce a comfortable vehicle. (Active head restraints use the force of a rear-end collision to move the head restraint toward the occupant's head.)

Front airbags for the driver and front passenger airbags have been a government requirement since 1998. The government isn't specifically requiring side-curtain or side-impact airbags. Rather, it has created new side-impact tests. The new tests include more sensitive crash-test dummies, smaller dummies to represent shorter people, and a crash that simulates sliding sideways into a tree or utility pole. The new crash standards go into full effect starting with 2012 model-year vehicles. To get top ratings on these tests, manufacturers may be required to fit both types of these airbags and make other modifications, such as increase door structure. The answer: not required, but might as well be. One benefit of side impact airbags and side-curtain airbags is that they will also help protect occupants of automobiles struck by large sport-utility vehicles or pickups.

Legislation passed in 2008, called the "Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act," requires car manufacturers to install rearview cameras or sonar sensing systems that warn drivers of objects in the blind spots behind them. Specific enforcement dates and regulations have not been drafted. Versions of rearview cameras or the sonar-based sensing systems currently available on many vehicles will likely meet the law's requirements. In the relatively near future, a "rearview camera" or "sonar rear sensing system" will be featured on every new vehicle. While the feature has very definite, positive benefits, it doesn't preclude us from turning around and looking before backing out.

autoMedia.com, together with their expert automotive journalists, has been providing automotive advice you can trust for over 10 years. They research and write original auto reviews and road tests to provide accurate and entertaining information to car shoppers, enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers. Learn more about vehicle safety features, including comprehensive "buyer's guides to assist you selecting the right vehicle.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Hope you enjoyed reading,
Nadav

nadavs

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Clean Your Convertible Roof

Cleaning a convertible roof is not an easy mission. You need to know exactly how to do it in order to avoid harming the roof. Here is a video that will show you how to take care of your convertible roof without emptying your pocket.



Hope you learned something valuable,
Nadav

nadavs

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Driving in the Rain

Finally, after waiting for many months, rain is here. However, with all the blessings it brings, rain also has a negative side. Rain driving.

There are no many things more annoying than driving in the rain. People automatically cut their speed by half, the road become slippery (I saw someone losing control for a second), and most annoyingly: I do the same.

Yes, I am the most annoying driver on the road when it's rainings. I do that because I'm scared. I heard and saw so many rain driving stories, and I don't want them to happen to me. I prefer to live.

Drive safely!
Nadav

nadavs

Friday, November 13, 2009

Getting Car Insurance Online

Getting car insurance can be pretty hard, especially with all the paperwork involved. However, you can use the service of some online companies that will make insurance much easier.

eCar Insurance - The Only Internet Based Car Insurance Company!

If you're using the internet to find good deals on car insurance you may as well check into eCar. This company is the only insurer that deals directly online. It will be very easy for you to get assistance and make payments every month. eCar insurance even offers a monthly payment option in which you can "pay as you go."

It takes only a minute to get a quote. You can buy, edit, and renew your policy on the internet without having to go through any middle men. Every comprehensive policy comes with the following: assistance, legal coverage, a choice of paying monthly as you go, reward after eight months, and more.

eCar insurance offers short term insurance, so if you only need temporary coverage for specific occasions, then this company will be a good choice for you. If you need to go on a UK holiday, for instance, one of these short term plans will be beneficial for you. Whether you need coverage for business or leisure, eCar insurance plans are definitely worth looking into.

You can get a policy for anywhere from one to 28 days. You can still extend afterwards if you'd like further commitment. You will have access to your plan all hours of the day, everyday of the week. You'll be able to make any chances if you need to. You can add drivers, change details, make adjustments, etc.

Needless to say, having eCar insurance can be very advantageous! This is one, web-based company that will let you have control over everything. You can get your quote quickly, either by the phone or online.

Even if you already have a good policy, you will still need coverage if you travel. eCar insurance offers good, comprehensive, affordable plans. Since you can control your account online, you won't have to ever worry about any hassles or confusion.

Hope you found this article useful,
Nadav

nadavs

Thursday, November 12, 2009

First Time Driving: Vanessa

A quick search through this blog will show you that there have already been two Vanessas on Thursdays, but hey, it's a common name.

This Vanessa has the stupid question syndrome. It happens when the driver is so nervous that she asks really stupid questions ("this is the brakes?"). It happens to many people, but it's still funny. Watch and enjoy.



This video was uploaded on October of this year, so Vanessa still has a long way to go. Hopefully her family and she calm down by then, so she'll be able to concentrate more.

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Top Gear GTR vs. Bullet Train: Part 2

Today is the second and final part of this race. Who will win? The GTR or the train? Watch and find out.



Next week will be another crazy Top Gear challenge. Wait and see!

Nadav

nadavs

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

From 771 to 950

Two months ago I wrote about a South Korean woman who was trying desperately to pass her driving theory test with no success. Back then I said that it was her 771st attempt on February.

After trying for four and a half years, she made it. Last Wednesday, Cha Sa-soon passed her written test with a score of 60 at her 950th attempts. Finally, after all these years.

Now all she has to do is pass her practical test. Let's see if it'll happen in 2009.

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

Monday, November 9, 2009

How to Get a Dutch Driver's License

Living in the Netherlands is not easy, especially when considering the driver's license. The process is long and expensive, but it can be done. Here is an article by Arwa Lokhandwala showing how to do it.

Getting a Driving License in Netherlands For Knowledge Migrants

Getting a car driving license in Netherlands for an expat is considered to be a very difficult and at the same time a very expensive proposition. There is lots to be done, right from attending theory classes, to taking driving lessons, to giving practical tests etc..and yet there is no guarantee that one will surely pass the difficult Dutch license test.

But if one falls under the knowledge migrant category of expats, getting a driving license becomes both easy and inexpensive. It can be done by a simple process called exchanging your old (the driving license from your native country) driving license with a Dutch one. I know you all are waiting for me to spill out the beans fast..so here it goes:-

1. The first and the foremost thing is to have one's 30% tax ruling document in place. This can be collected from one's office HR department.

2. Go to Gemeente (town hall) with this document and residence permit. There one needs to purchase a form called "Eigen Verklaring" which is a health form. It costs around 20 euros. One has to fill up this form (it asks some basic health questions) and then post it by simple mail to CBR. The address is mentioned on the envelope. In case one answers "yes" to any of the health questions, he/she needs a doctor's certificate for it.

3. Within 3 weeks one will then receive a confirmation from CBR that he/she is qualified to drive in Netherlands and does not have any health issues.

4. On receiving this letter, again go to the Gemeente. This time take along all the docs i.e identity proof, 30% tax document, CBR letter, old driving license, 2 passport photos and 50 euros as the fees. In case one wants this old driving license back again, this needs to be explicitly mentioned in writing to the Gemeente. This letter should be addressed to the RDW.

Note : Remember to keep a copy of the old licence until the processing is complete.

5. If all goes positive, one will get a letter from the RDW within 3 weeks stating that the driving license application has been approved and that the license can be collected from the Gemeente. It will also state from where you can get the old driving license back.

6. Collect your Dutch driving license from the Gemeente.

Note : They are very specific about the passport photos. The face must be in the center, and with a mid grey background. Dimensions: length (crown to chin) 26-30mm, Width 16-20mm. Must not exceed these dimensions.

All in all, its not such a tough process. It takes a little while long but then its much better than taking tests to get the dutch license.

Arwa Lokhandwala http://orangesplaash.blogspot.com

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Of course, don't forget that a driving test guide can always help, especially if you have a test to pass.

Nadav

nadavs

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Restoring Your Car's Leather Seats

Leather seats in a car show the owner's wealth, and it's a big headache to clean them up. However, by properly maintaining them, you can keep them good for a long time. Here is a video that explains how to do it.



Hope you learned something,
Nadav

nadavs

Saturday, November 7, 2009

The Impatient Police

Two weeks ago I promised you another story of impatience, but last week was the last day of October. However, today I can tell you about the most impatient police officer I have ever seen.

Well, this story isn't such a big deal, and it's very similar to the story two weeks ago. I was standing at a red light in the front of the row. A police car tried to squeeze in from the right lane, pushing its way behind me. A millisecond after the light changed to green, they already honked at me.

There's nothing special about this story, but it once again shows the impatience around here and how annoying it is.

Have a great weekend,
Nadav

nadavs

Friday, November 6, 2009

Free Auto Insurance Quotes

When you have a car, it's crucial that you will also have insurance for it. Not having insurance is not only illegal, but also dangerous. In order to get the best insurance for the lowest price, it's important to compare insurance quotes. Here is an article about getting many of them for free.

How to Get Multiple Free Auto Insurance Quotes in a Matter of Moments

The only way you're ever going to find the perfect auto insurance policy is by requesting quotes. There are many different companies that offer a wide range of insurance, but the only way you'll be able to compare all of them is by searching for and requesting quotes online.

No matter where you live, or what kind of vehicle you drive, you will have a variety of options to choose from. If you use the internet, you can look over all the options by requesting free auto insurance quotes. Sure, you could visit each company's website and request quotes, but that'll take forever.

Time, like money, is also important. While you do need to think long and hard about what kind of insurance would be best for you, you still need to shop around in a timely manner. The sooner you can get insurance, the better.

Fortunately, some websites will allow you to search for multiple free auto insurance quotes at once. You can simply fill out information about what state you live in, your age, type of vehicle, and so forth. Any insurance policy that you may be eligible for will show up in the results. You can then do a little research on each company that shows up on your results page.

To narrow down things even more, look for free auto insurance quotes that match your budget. If you can only afford so much, then simply overlook the quotes that are showing a price that goes over your affordability level.

Free auto insurance quotes are a must if you want to find the best and most affordable policy possible. Instead of trying to do things the old fashioned way, just use the internet to find every free auto insurance quote possible!

Use this information, it can really help you.

Nadav

nadavs

Thursday, November 5, 2009

First Time Driving: Alexis

Teaching someone how to drive is not easy, but apparently teaching Alexis is even harder. The entire first minute is dedicated to Alexis' questions (only one foot?) and her father's instructions (D, not 2). However, she's doing pretty good for a first time driver. Watch and enjoy.



This video was uploaded on March, so Alexis either already have her license or she's very close. Anyway, good luck!

Nadav

nadavs

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Top Gear GTR vs. Bullet Train: Part 1

The Top Gear guys never rest, and this time they bring competition to a next level. The make a race of a Nissan GTR vs. Japan's famous bullet trains. Who will win? Watch the first part to get a clue.



Enjoy!
Nadav

nadavs

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Even Pros Fail

Two weeks ago, the Telegraph posted an article about Jenson Button, a race car driver, and his lack of success in regular road driving. Button, who was driving go-karts long before he drove regular cars, let his racing instincts take over during the test, and he failed.

As his instructor says, Jenson, who was already an experienced driver, squeezed in between two cars during the test. His examiner thought that he was too close to an accident and gave him a major fault, which caused him to fail immediately.

However, Jenson realized the mistake and fixed it on the second test, which he passed with flying colors.

It's nice to see that even our big pros are like us. Only human.

Nadav

nadavs

Monday, November 2, 2009

A Japanese Driving Test Story

Today's article is not about tips about driving tests or insurance, but something a little different. It's a story. Scott Brady wrote an article which tells his story of getting a driver's license in Japan. It's written in a somewhat childish style, but you'll understand. Eventually.

A Foreigner's Attempt at the Japanese Driver's License Test

Once upon a time, there was a young American living in a far off world known as Fukuoka, Japan. This American had lived in the exotic world for a few years when he finally found out (refer to “Foreigners Wanting to Drive in Japan”) that the world in which he presently resides does not permit a creature from his home world to drive legally after having lived there for more than 12 months.

Seeking to please the leaders of planet Japan, the American sought to remedy the situation by obtaining an actual driver’s license. At first, he attempted to get a Japanese scooter license thinking it would be the easiest of Japanese licenses to get (refer to “Foreigners Wanting to Drive in Japan” to laugh at this poor American). But alas, the test was translated into such horrifically bad quality from Japanese to his foreign tongue that he could not pass the written examination... 4 times. (As a side note, the tests were identical all 4 times)

Upon failing the fourth time, one of the Japanese leaders seemed to take pity on the young boy and advised him to take the driver’s license test for automobiles instead of wasting the young American’s time and money (both of which had become a very considerable amount at this point) on the scooter license test. The Japanese leader went on to further encourage the already disheartened American by saying “It’s easy”. The young American’s eyes lit up! He had a friend on the inside! Poor foolish foolish foolish stupid idiot moron young American. What he understood as “It’s easy” was a misinterpretation. What the Japanese leader really meant was “You are in our land now. We are not finished taking your money yet SUCKER!”

What our silly young American came to find out is that a larger amount of the Japanese currency is required to take part in the automobile license test than the scooter license test. Ahh yes, quite a bit more actually. Documents need to be translated and more time needs to be wasted. The world known as Japan with its bureaucratic structure is here to offer substantial cruelty to those living within its borders.

What the American later found out is that the Japanese people themselves pay upwards of $3,000 to go to “driving schools” in order to pass the evil exam that is the Japanese driver’s license test (Another side note: “driving school” really means “money pit”. One who pays the fortune to go to a “driving school” is taught a few rules which are utterly useless and never followed in the real world but are required to be known for the driver’s license test). The American, having only spent about a hundred dollars or so at this point did not realize that the Japanese leaders would not be content until they took more money from him.

Our young American enthusiastically went about acquiring the necessary items for the automobile license test. After all the items were in order he went the following day to the licensing center. The test came in stages: 1) written test 2) eye examination 3) driving test. Fortunately for our hero, the written test was composed of only ten questions, seven being the minimum score required to pass. Yes, the language translation was still horrid, but the margin allowing for error was much greater than the scooter license test. Following the written test was the eye exam and then a two hour wait and then the driving test.

The driving test is taken on a course at the licensing center. In the car (which someone who takes the license test must rent for about $20) there is an examiner and two test subjects, one of which is in the back of the car to place an additional amount of pressure on the one taking the test at that time. Our brave American chose to be the first of the two subjects to take the test. About halfway through the course the examiner said, “Ok, you may return”. Confused, the American returned to the start and got out to let the other test subject try her luck. As it turned out, the American didn’t do any major thing wrong, but a myriad of tiny insignificant things.

Our heartbroken hero returned to the leader whom he considered his “friend” to ask him what he needed to do. At long last, the leader really did take pity on our young silly American and told him exactly what he needed to know to take the test, even down to the little most useless of things that the examiners look for. This information turned out to be worth its weight in gold and ended up saving the American about $2,000. The very next day our hero returned to find that the leader had told all of his minions that the American would pass the test today. And, after all was said and done, our American friend passed the test with flying colors. S.B.

Scott Brady works for a translation and English teaching company in Fukuoka, Japan. He works under Samurai Translators and has recently started up Anime-Japan as well as a telephone English school Myer English School

Source: EzineArticles.com.

I hope you enjoyed this little story. Next week I'll try to get a normal article. Promise.

Nadav

nadavs

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Get Better Gas Mileage Easily

Gas mileage is one of the biggest concerns of drivers. Usually there is nothing much you can do to improve it, but there are some tricks that will help you squeeze a little more motion out of your cash.



Use it, it can save you hundreds.
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