You guys remember how I failed my road test/driving test the first time in this country? I wrote about it here. Well after a second attempt, I passed in flying colors (to the glory of God and his son Jesus). I was issued my G2 license that allows me to drive on any expressway here but would require me to apply for a full G license in a few years time. My 2nd drive instructor who helped me pass the road test even said if he had met me earlier, he would have advised I apply directly for my full G license. As per JJC things unfortunately, I didn’t know this initially & my 1st drive instructor was out to get all my money.
Anyway, with my G2 license I can drive on major expressways and drive I did last week in the most interesting circumstance. An acquaintance I met here needed someone to help her with school runs for her kids for two weeks while she is away from home. As I’ve wrapped up school for this semester, it was a perfect opportunity to improve my driving skills, so I jumped at it. For the last 8 days, I’ve been driving about 60 kilometres to/from Brampton & Mississauga. It got me reflecting on the major differences between driving in Lagos and driving in Mississauga.
1. The traffic lights actually work ?? I mean they are not there for decoration, and the time lapse between the lights makes sense for the amount of traffic and accommodates pedestrians walking across the major roads.
2. These days, I’m startled when I hear someone honk behind me. I legit can count the number of times people have honked at me and it’s not like people are not in a hurry here oh. They are, but I have to imagine that they understand that car horns are not musical instruments and they are to be used sparingly with wisdom.
3. Can we just take a moment to marvel at the absence of ‘potholes’ and ‘manholes’ on high traffic roads? Walahi this has to be the main reason people relocate their families to Canada ??. The roads are not perfect but they are smooth enough for me to cruise through in my 2018 car rental ???
4. People driving behind you actually pause and allow you switch lanes when you trafficate/indicate where you are going. This one actually tripped me oh. Because I’m unfamiliar with the driving routes in the GTA, I’ve been using my Google maps A LOT! One time I was supposed to make a left turn and I didn’t realize until I was at the turn, on a different lane. I switched on my indicator and paused for a few seconds wondering what to do and the car behind me waited for me to slide left in front of her. I was positively stunned and very thankful.
5. Last week Thursday during rush hour traffic, I was on the 403 express way, heading to Brampton and to my right there is a lane specially designed for drivers with one or more people in their cars. That lane was free while the rest of the lanes were thick with slow-moving traffic. Though I saw a few cars that didn’t have any passengers speed past on that right lane, a lot of us stayed put in the cramped lanes slowly moving along in traffic. I couldn’t help but imagine if I was in Lagos, how crazy things would have gotten really quickly.
It’s safe to say my anxiety levels with driving here have reduced a great deal, in comparison to Lagos. These days, I have zero issues driving next to a trailer on the express way here. This might be more on a psychological level, but the trailers and trucks here look more road worthy; they are not overloaded; a lot of them obey traffic rules and you will not feel bullied driving in between two trucks because everyone maintains their lanes.
An ex-colleague and I were chatting a couple of days ago and he asked me how I was settling in Canada. My answer to him was binary- some things are far easier here while other things are harder. Driving a car on the highway here is definitely wayyy easier.
If only we could aspire to this level of sanity in Lagos, what a glorious life that will be.
Have you driven on the roads in Canada? What has your experience been driving in other parts of the world? Do leave a comment and share below ???
15 comments
Yay we finally get a post ???? It seems there is a bit of sanity in Toronto. I hear the horn more often than i would have expected in Halifax and the rush hour traffic is quite unfriendly.
Oh yeah?? Hmmmm. I’ve driven mostly in Brampton & Mississauga though. I hear there are crazy drivers in downtown Toronto shaaa, so maybe that’s the Halifax equivalent. How are you doing dear?
I stay in Toronto and I can tell you I hardly hear cars blare their horns.The annoying look I give drivers once I hear horn at times marvel me cuz I will be like the same me is now annoyed at hearing horns.
What an organized system can do to your psyche.
Hehehehe… so true Chester! I’m glad downtown Toronto is similar in complying with using the horn. Insanity is not the normal state of things
Hahaha I just moved to Calgary few months ago too and I am marveled at how things are here. I was surprised when my husband told me he doesn’t even know if his car honk works (he’s had the car for over a year o). I just started driving too and everyone on the road is so patient for a student driver . I love it
I’m so glad for you Kemkem. Honestly, life can be so much easier, filled with calm and sanity.
Yaaay!!! Our girl has finally arrived! So glad you finally got your license. Now we can cruise anyhow we want, shey? ?
Anyways, I feel you on those differences between driving here and driving there. Almost anyone who drives in Lagos has to have a bit of insanity in him/her. It’s good that is easily purged when driving in a saner environment. Did you miss having a Gala seller close by while in that traffic jam, lol?
It’s really nice to read from you again. Merry Christmas and a blissful 2019 ahead.
P.S.: Can we have a list of those ‘easier things to do’ vs. ‘harder things to do’? I’m sure people will love to read that and contribute too.
Heyyyyyyyyy, BMG’s number 1 fan. Thanks a lot jare. I’m so glad I got my license. Nor be smoh cruise oh. In fact ehn, this car I’m driving now ehn, na machine!!!! 2018 nice saloon car laidis. I love eet! See ehn, the driving styles between Lagos and here are poles apart. Everyday I shake my head, filled with sadness. Cry my beloved Nigeria! The list of easier and harder things is in the oven cooking. It shall soon be released ????. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thank you for all your support with my blog. God bless you richly. Cheers!
Congrats on the car. I have phobia for driving so I don’t think I can compare driving in Lagos with anywhere in the world yet…
Anywhere is sha better than Lagos driving and portholes.
I know your schedule is hectic but please post more often. We miss you here.
Reading your post always lifts me. Please don’t let the wait be too long in between posts. Lol.
Hehehehe… Thanks a lot Dolapo for leaving a comment. I’m glad you find it worth your while. Please feel free to share with your friends and network
If you can drive in Nigeria, you can drive anywhere in the world. The calmness and civility of driving on Canadian roads is a far cry from braving it with the rough riders in Nigeria. I was nervous at first and did a little happy dance after my first intercity road trip. Nothing says welcome to Canada than good roads and fine cars (as in no scratch lol).
PS: Great write up.
Hahahaha… Thanks a lot 9ja in Canada. I appreciate your comments and they are so real. This weekend I told the boyfriend say, ‘sufferhead no fit me again’ Thank God for Canada
Yay! Nice !
My first amazement was how everyone maintains their lanes and obey driving and traffic rules. It’s almost unreal! No jumping lanes any how and entering lanes designated for a particular use.
Then the almost non existent honking was my second amazement ! The first time I heard a honk I knew it was really really called for!
I’m preparing to take the knowledge test. And should do the road test shortly after that. I look forward to enjoying sane driving soon.
If you can drive in Nigeria, you can drive anywhere in the world. The calmness and civility of driving on Canadian roads is a far cry from braving it with the rough riders in Nigeria. I was nervous at first and did a little happy dance after my first intercity road trip. Nothing says welcome to Canada than good roads and fine cars (as in no scratch lol).