We will be returning to Bangalore soon. One of the problems I have been thinking about is driving over there. My driving classes 10 yrs back didn't go well. Every time I go to India my hysteria grows towards driving and I would really want to be able to drive and get around by myself. Driving a two-wheeler is not option because of safety issues.
Please share your thoughts around this. Driver is the best option but if they don't show up one day or for other emergencies I want to be ready.
Women driving in India..
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sumachechi
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:00 am
Women driving in India..
I have still not summoned the nerve to drive myself nearly 9 months post r2i. But am going to do it- right now with only one car and a hubby who drives it everywhere( working at the same place), its not essential that I do- but I think it will be soon a necessity. Lots of women drive , most of my female colleagues do so. Personally, we both do not like 'professional' drivers as the tension of sitting next to them is worse than driving oneself, but I can see that there will be many who feel differently.
Women driving in India..
We have been here almost 2 yrs and I never felt the need to drive because we have a decent driver, hubby also drives, and many things from veggies to tailor to restaurants are within walking distance. Many firms (esp IT type) offer pick-up service for work. So if you are really scared of driving, you can manage without it so long as you stay in a fairly well developed neighborhood. If day-to-day stuff is nearby, you can use autos and call-taxis for occasional shopping/visiting.
However, I do want to start driving for two reasons - 1) reduce dependency, and 2) I've driven in US for 10 yrs, I know I am a fairly careful and good driver (hubby would agree!) so it seems irrational to trust random hired drivers rather than myself. Question of self-respect I guess - so many people, men and women drive, so why the heck can't I?! We've bought an automatic car to make it easier. I plan to join a driving school soon to ease the license process and to first practice on their car!
However, I do want to start driving for two reasons - 1) reduce dependency, and 2) I've driven in US for 10 yrs, I know I am a fairly careful and good driver (hubby would agree!) so it seems irrational to trust random hired drivers rather than myself. Question of self-respect I guess - so many people, men and women drive, so why the heck can't I?! We've bought an automatic car to make it easier. I plan to join a driving school soon to ease the license process and to first practice on their car!
Women driving in India..
This is what I did:
1) Take a driving class for a week so I could just get the feel of the road without experimenting on our car
3) Hired a driver for some time, was lucky to get a really reliable guy who has been with my extended family for years
4) Drove with his help on my daily route whenever I wanted to
5) Hubby convinced me that concentrating on the road and the crazy way ppl drive in India while handling a stick shift was a bit too much to master all at once hence bought an automatic
Once comfortable with the automatic, switching to a stick shift was easy.
My advice to you is to trust yourself, don't let the paranoia get to you. Take it easy in the beginning, driving on the less trafficked roads till you are comfortable with the car.
I had got my cousin to start driving years back, so maybe we should just meet once you are back and I can have you driving soonJ/K :)
1) Take a driving class for a week so I could just get the feel of the road without experimenting on our car
3) Hired a driver for some time, was lucky to get a really reliable guy who has been with my extended family for years
4) Drove with his help on my daily route whenever I wanted to
5) Hubby convinced me that concentrating on the road and the crazy way ppl drive in India while handling a stick shift was a bit too much to master all at once hence bought an automatic
Once comfortable with the automatic, switching to a stick shift was easy.
My advice to you is to trust yourself, don't let the paranoia get to you. Take it easy in the beginning, driving on the less trafficked roads till you are comfortable with the car.
I had got my cousin to start driving years back, so maybe we should just meet once you are back and I can have you driving soonJ/K :)
Women driving in India..
I was pretty comfortable with driving in Kerala before leaving for US - had a great teacher who took me around through all possible driving situations in a month. But that was with a Maruti and after coming back we got a Toyota Innova (I was driving similar model in US). I am not really comfortable taking this mammoth around in Indian roads. The main issue is taking a U turn, parking etc.Even in a place with decent parking I'm worried about reversing and taking it out etc. Having a driver and hubby who drives I don't get much of a chance to get comfortable with the mammoth. Getting a smaller car is not a necessity now, so not much options other than do with it. But lots of females here drive, initially when we moved back we were pretty amazed seeing foreigners driving around and that was a motivation for us to get on it fast.
Don't worry it takes a while, but unless you drive quite often you will not get comfortable with it, so just start driving as soon as you can.
Don't worry it takes a while, but unless you drive quite often you will not get comfortable with it, so just start driving as soon as you can.
Women driving in India..
I drive in Mumbai and lot of other ladies too. Driving in Mumbai is like doing a dance in a chaotic rhythmic manner. The more your dance, the more you perfect your moves. Its not difficult...you just have to go out and drive....what will happen at the max? Few scratches...few dents...or worst... losing life....but why worry...you will get a new life!
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GutsyGibbon
- Posts: 1267
- Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:56 am
Women driving in India..
XOXO;367600or worst... losing life....but why worry...you will get a new life!
It is very hard to lose life in the city at day time traffic, while wearing a seat belt. Our city mechanics are experts at fixing dings and dents for real cheap (unless one buys a german/CBU car). In a car of little monetary value, but has a auto trans, with AC, tinted windows, and good music you are golden. One of the reasons to keep driving during India vacations is to not lose this thick skinned (valuable) skill to muscle through traffic.
While on this topic - Personally, I trust my driving skills more than some driver dude. (I need to be in control, control freak). I drive to the airport and have dad/someone drive it back home. The lost landmarks and new one ways are a pain, but still better than the stomach stuck in the mouth feeling when others drive.
Women driving in India..
All are worried about getting killed oneslf while driving a car but what if you hit a pedestrian or two wheeler?
One in car may be safe but not the other way round.
One in car may be safe but not the other way round.
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GutsyGibbon
- Posts: 1267
- Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:56 am
Women driving in India..
My Roots;367703All are worried about getting killed oneslf while driving a car but what if you hit a pedestrian or two wheeler?
One in car may be safe but not the other way round.
Seriously?? If one sits in a public bus, or has a driver is the pedestrian/two wheeler any more safer?
I worry about the stray dogs & animals more than the autos, pedestrians and two wheelers. As the later is supposed to be the smarter one that should know the laws of the road.
Women driving in India..
XOXO;367600I drive in Mumbai and lot of other ladies too. Driving in Mumbai is like doing a dance in a chaotic rhythmic manner. The more your dance, the more you perfect your moves. Its not difficult...you just have to go out and drive....what will happen at the max? Few scratches...few dents...or worst... losing life....but why worry...you will get a new life!
Seen "Om Shanti" one too many times.