I moved to Germany last year and immediately my relocation company sent me details of every contacts I need to feel home here. From local Electric 'Handy Man' to 'Hausfrau' and more importantly the driving school, where I can enrol to get my 'Indian Licence' converted to a German one.
I was sceptical initially as we were still settling in this new country with my kid adjusting to the cold weather and non English friends.
It was in July last year that I finally thought of enrolling myself in the 'Fahrschule' (Drivers training school) so that I can have a licence to rent a car in Summer last year, to move around places in Germany and the neighbouring countries. I thought getting a licence converted will be a easier affair and i will have it in a month / 2 MAX.
But then it all started....firstly I have to attend a half day First Aid and eye test...which went pretty well. Then it was to send my papers to the authorities which they send back and verify with the Indian authorities. This was done in a months time and then i got a call from the Driving school that they have booked a theory exam date for me, and I should start studying and be ready .....
I thought this was very easy thing, and took it lightly and did very less practice. the Questions were crazy, the language was insane....English translation was just too bad. No doubt I failed in the first one. While coming home from the exam centre i remembered my Engineering 1st Year, 1st sem. The first paper I gave was Math - I and that time it was a reality check for me. Engineering is not easy...the same reality check I had after this Theory exam....passing a theory exam for German Driver's license is not easy.
I, overconfident as embarrassed due to early failure, took the next attempt in a weeks time. which was like axing my one feet....result: Failed again.
After realising that this really needs a serious effort, and studying 2 hours a day for a week, i was finally able to pass the exam in my 4th attempt...."Golden Attempt" in engineering...after which if you fail you will have a year's drop. I had cleared my Maths - 1 in 4 th attempt and this as well .....
Finally I see a possibility that I can get a license here in coming month , after passing the practical exam. Experience of 10 years driving in India, will hopefully be useful in this case...unlike the theory...HOPE!
