I've been driving for about 28 years, but it took me 4 attempts to get my license. In Slovenia, where I come from, the driving instructors have always been mostly unpleasant male chauvinistic pigs and the driving schools are a total mafia. You could know everything about driving but they still want you to take as few as 15-20 hours of lessons so they can get the money. I had to do 40+ lessons. I was 22, my instructor was probably 38-40 and he spoke to me like I was a complete idiot. My first attempt at the exam was perfect until the last minute (and there were already 45 min of the test behind me) when I was asked to reverse into a parking lot in front of the exam center and I failed to see a car coming and forced my way- the had the right of way- no accident, but bam, it was considered fatal. 2nd attempt a dog ran into the street and I swerved to avoid it, but didn't check my rear view mirror before, nothing happened, but apparently I was a danger to others in traffic (mind you this was a side road, with zero traffic, only me and the dog). The third time I was so nervous that I did everything wrong from start to finish. I was also told by my instructor that I had the bad luck of having had the three of the four most notorious examiners in the city. So he then requested a nicer examiner for my 4th attempt (I think he really was done with me by then) and I finally passed... Since then I have driven across large parts of West and East Africa, Scotland, from Sweden to Portugal and back again several times, and across most of Southern Europe more times than I can count...But I still remember being shamed by the driving instructor... Ooops, sorry for this rant. I do sincerely hope you'll pass you test soon. And having driven a bit in Barcelona, I must admit, it was one of my least favourite European cities to drive in...Maybe do you test in a smaller town. Plenty of nice ones in your neck of the woods.
I so feel for you. Especially the bit about how your driving instructor can really knock your confidence as a driver! Mine did that to me too. And the worst part was I didn't feel like anyone understood the stress of the experience, unless they had been through it themselves.
Do you know the expression "mal de muchos, consuelo de tontos"? I learned it thanks to me automatically failing my practical test the first time too, ran a stop sign. 😂 I called a Spanish friend who also said he had failed the first time and immediately after said that phrase. Now I can use it with you.
I was able to pass the second time, sending you all the good vibes you have the same luck! And for what it's worth it sounds like you should switch schools that guy sounds terrible. My professor knocked my confidence but he wasn't bad.
I’m Texan, and have been driving in Valencia (where I have a country home) with my American license, which I know could get me into trouble. But I figured since you can rent a car with a foreign DL…
I have looked at schools, but it all seems so confusing.
And even though this seems frightening, I know I have to do it. Thanks for your article!!
My condolences! I lived in Barcelona for several months last year and can commiserate—it's not an easy city to drive in, especially with all of the vespas that obey approximately 0% of the laws. I can only imagine that being a driving instructor is an incredibly aggravating job that eventually turns people into frustrated sadists. I'm sorry that happened to you, but it won't next time.
I actually once had to do get a driver's license in Sweden, which includes learning how to spin out on ice! Even though it was kind of fun, you can take heart in the fact that that's not part of the process in Catalunya. ¡Suerte!
Glad I tripped over your blog. I was fantasizing trying for a Spanish license and was wondering if you had tried or had any experience with https://autoescuela-sancristobal.com/contacto/ in Cuenca. Big bucks, but they have a reputation of 96% passes in very little time with friendly teachers. I ask, because I've been in Spain 11 years and haven't driven once. My Spanish wife had the license and did all the driving...until she died last month. I'm 77...could I have more strikes against me? My getting a license will decide whether or not I stay in Spain or return to the US. I can walk only so much carrying the groceries from Mercadona and then the arthritis kicks in. I know it's a dumb question, but are any "Teoria" tests given in english?
My Australian friend has just undergone the same ordeal here in Valencia. Twenty years of faultless driving, yet she has been subjected to months and months of lessons because her instructor deemed her a terrible driver (like you, she has an impeccable record). She's had to unlearn everything about roundabouts, because in Valencia they apparently use them differently to the rest of the world (i.e. dangerously), and she's similarly both too aggressive and too timid behind the wheel. You can't win. Just take heart that you're not alone, and be proud that you ventured out in that storm - it had me terrified! Good luck for next time.
Oh my goodness I've heard a lot of comments like this and they have been soooo helpful to hear! Yes, simultaneously too aggressive and too timid is exactly the issue. Thank you for the encouragement!
I've been driving for about 28 years, but it took me 4 attempts to get my license. In Slovenia, where I come from, the driving instructors have always been mostly unpleasant male chauvinistic pigs and the driving schools are a total mafia. You could know everything about driving but they still want you to take as few as 15-20 hours of lessons so they can get the money. I had to do 40+ lessons. I was 22, my instructor was probably 38-40 and he spoke to me like I was a complete idiot. My first attempt at the exam was perfect until the last minute (and there were already 45 min of the test behind me) when I was asked to reverse into a parking lot in front of the exam center and I failed to see a car coming and forced my way- the had the right of way- no accident, but bam, it was considered fatal. 2nd attempt a dog ran into the street and I swerved to avoid it, but didn't check my rear view mirror before, nothing happened, but apparently I was a danger to others in traffic (mind you this was a side road, with zero traffic, only me and the dog). The third time I was so nervous that I did everything wrong from start to finish. I was also told by my instructor that I had the bad luck of having had the three of the four most notorious examiners in the city. So he then requested a nicer examiner for my 4th attempt (I think he really was done with me by then) and I finally passed... Since then I have driven across large parts of West and East Africa, Scotland, from Sweden to Portugal and back again several times, and across most of Southern Europe more times than I can count...But I still remember being shamed by the driving instructor... Ooops, sorry for this rant. I do sincerely hope you'll pass you test soon. And having driven a bit in Barcelona, I must admit, it was one of my least favourite European cities to drive in...Maybe do you test in a smaller town. Plenty of nice ones in your neck of the woods.
Fuuuuck!!! Soooo frustrating! I give you lots of credit for hanging in there. I think the weather alone would have thrown me.
I so feel for you. Especially the bit about how your driving instructor can really knock your confidence as a driver! Mine did that to me too. And the worst part was I didn't feel like anyone understood the stress of the experience, unless they had been through it themselves.
Do you know the expression "mal de muchos, consuelo de tontos"? I learned it thanks to me automatically failing my practical test the first time too, ran a stop sign. 😂 I called a Spanish friend who also said he had failed the first time and immediately after said that phrase. Now I can use it with you.
I was able to pass the second time, sending you all the good vibes you have the same luck! And for what it's worth it sounds like you should switch schools that guy sounds terrible. My professor knocked my confidence but he wasn't bad.
Oh my Goodness thank you 🙏
It was also nice to hear from a Catalan friend of mine that his driving teacher was also, how shall I say... an *unhappy* person.
¡Abrazos querido!
Oh.
I’m Texan, and have been driving in Valencia (where I have a country home) with my American license, which I know could get me into trouble. But I figured since you can rent a car with a foreign DL…
I have looked at schools, but it all seems so confusing.
And even though this seems frightening, I know I have to do it. Thanks for your article!!
I’m sure it’s not in the least bit comforting, but Italy is just as bad. Forza!
My condolences! I lived in Barcelona for several months last year and can commiserate—it's not an easy city to drive in, especially with all of the vespas that obey approximately 0% of the laws. I can only imagine that being a driving instructor is an incredibly aggravating job that eventually turns people into frustrated sadists. I'm sorry that happened to you, but it won't next time.
I actually once had to do get a driver's license in Sweden, which includes learning how to spin out on ice! Even though it was kind of fun, you can take heart in the fact that that's not part of the process in Catalunya. ¡Suerte!
Glad I tripped over your blog. I was fantasizing trying for a Spanish license and was wondering if you had tried or had any experience with https://autoescuela-sancristobal.com/contacto/ in Cuenca. Big bucks, but they have a reputation of 96% passes in very little time with friendly teachers. I ask, because I've been in Spain 11 years and haven't driven once. My Spanish wife had the license and did all the driving...until she died last month. I'm 77...could I have more strikes against me? My getting a license will decide whether or not I stay in Spain or return to the US. I can walk only so much carrying the groceries from Mercadona and then the arthritis kicks in. I know it's a dumb question, but are any "Teoria" tests given in english?
Thanks for reading! Yes, the theory tests can be taken in English, just not the practical ones. Haven't heard of that school but good luck!
My Australian friend has just undergone the same ordeal here in Valencia. Twenty years of faultless driving, yet she has been subjected to months and months of lessons because her instructor deemed her a terrible driver (like you, she has an impeccable record). She's had to unlearn everything about roundabouts, because in Valencia they apparently use them differently to the rest of the world (i.e. dangerously), and she's similarly both too aggressive and too timid behind the wheel. You can't win. Just take heart that you're not alone, and be proud that you ventured out in that storm - it had me terrified! Good luck for next time.
Oh my goodness I've heard a lot of comments like this and they have been soooo helpful to hear! Yes, simultaneously too aggressive and too timid is exactly the issue. Thank you for the encouragement!
So, given your experience, I have to believe that all Barcelona drivers are outstanding. True?
Actually I do think driver's are pretty good in Barcelona.
Oh man, you're getting me excited for the day I take mine! 😂
Not the reaction I was expecting 😅