Charming Baby

Last night at this time I was falling asleep while trying to memorize the Zambia Highway Code or the 10 rules of the road.  My driver’s license expired and one of the steps to getting it renewed is to take an oral exam during which you recite the 10 rules.  This morning I was prepared.

Being that I don’t go anywhere without Tristan (still breast-feeding), I took along the Ergo and Tim as my guide to the R.T.S.A. labyrinth.  I got in line for room 1.  Waited for 30min while scooting along the wooden benches that lined the walls.  If you allow any space between you and the person sitting to your right…someone will scoot on in and you fall back one place in line.  Once in the examiners’ room he was so delighted to see Tim carrying Tristan in the Ergo that he didn’t quiz me!  Yay! Tristan’s charm got me out of the test.  The examiner instead wanted to talk about children…he has 12.

After room 1, I was sent to line 24, waited in que.  Then was sent to room 16.  Waited for another 30 odd minutes.  To look at this line, you wouldn’t think it would take 30 min to get through BUT that doesn’t account for all the “Bwanas” that like to cut to the front of the line.  Tim finally physically blocked the line so that no one could pass…this caused a verbal altercation.  My favorite line of Tim’s was, “Everyone’s case is special – except mine.  You owe me one!” as he finally let the security guard pass.

From room 16 (this RTSA agent had 2 children and isn’t planning on having any more), we were sent back to line 24.  At line 24 they said that the update which was supposed to happen in room 16 “didn’t take”.  So…back to room 16.  Then back to line 24.  Then I was sent to room 3 to get my picture taken.  From room 3 I was sent to room 17.  Again in line for room 17 we waited more than half an hour.  A very large man stepped in line in front of us.  I told him we were in que which he acknowledged but maintained his spot.  Later, He and Tim got into a verbal back and forth about who was there first etc.  Again…it did no good!  After room 17 we were sent to line 26.  After waited for about 15 min in line we were finally able to pay.  “Come back in 4 weeks to pick up your renewed license.”

Pheww!!  OK…now here’s the 10 rules…from memory!

1. Know the highway code by heart and put it into practice.

2. Concentrate all the time on your driving and you will avoid accidents.

3. Think before you act.

4. Exercise patience and hang back when necessary.

5. Drive with care and overtake quickly.

6. Drive fast only in the right places.

7. Develop your car sense and avoid wear and tear.

8. Use your horn considerately and give proper signals.

9. Be sure your car is road worthy and know its limitations.

10. Perfect your road craft and acknowledge courtesies shown to you by other road users.