Dear Editor,
I have been driving since the age of 18 and have driven millions of kilometres in countries all around the world. Over 30 years ago, I changed by English licence for a Portuguese one and I had no idea until last year about the changes in Portuguese law that mean everyone has to renew their licence between the ages of 50 and 52, even though a Portuguese licence may still show the validity of the original UK licence.
By the time I found out, I was a couple of months past my 52nd birthday and this means that I had to do the practical part of a driving test. I enrolled myself in lessons to try and iron out my bad habits and, in the meantime, was given a piece of paper to temporarily revalidate my licence for six months. This can be revalidated three times over two years during which time I had two chances to pass the test.
If I failed the second time, then I would be banned from driving and have to sit a full test with theory.
I found the whole experience of the lessons to be extremely tedious and frustrating, however it did bring me up to speed with the latest rules of the roundabout amongst other things. But the reason for this letter is to reveal what I have discovered to be one of the main reasons why the standard of driving in this country is so poor and that is simple, common courtesy, i.e. helping other drivers on the road which, so it turns out, is actively discouraged by driving instructors here in Portugal.
Various times during my lessons, I slowed down to let another driver exit when I had right of way and was reprimanded for doing so. Most of my driving over the years has been here in Portugal and I will admit to not being the most courteous of drivers as a result. But when I rent a car and drive in the UK, it really is a breath of fresh air, when other drivers slow down and flash their lights to let me pull out.
I actually cannot remember what I was taught when I did my lessons there back in the early 80s, but I am pretty sure that showing courtesy to other drivers is an encouraged and accepted practice.
Name and address withheld
