The long story of how I became a car enthusiast in Norway. Part 11. It is never too late to learn.

I received a book on the theory of driving a car and two hefty dictionaries, Rus.–Norw. and Norw.–Rus., as a gift from Ivan, opened the book, and what did I see there? Not a single familiar word! I had the feeling that I was seeing a completely different language. What I learn on the courses is “one thing,” and what is in this book is completely another. In general, as they say in Odessa, “two big differences.”

What to do? — Of course, only emotions. I think: I’ll start studying the pictures and the captions under the pictures, and also the signs.

On the Norwegian courses with me studied one young man from Iraq. At that period our knowledge of Norwegian was at the same level. And suddenly I learn that he has passed the theory exam for driving. I ask him: “Hussein, how did you manage?” And he answered me very clearly, and his answer inspired me to further study. He said: “It is not necessary to know Norwegian perfectly; the main thing is to be able to understand the situation on the road. And what is needed for that? Of course, to drive more, to be at the wheel. Learn the signs, pay attention to the markings.”

Thanks to Ivan! He never once refused me practice driving. And he did not mind trusting me with the new car, a Citroën minivan Picasso, automatic. In Ukraine I learned “on a manual,” but I only took a course of 36 hours; I had no extra lessons. In general I did not drive very much, “according to mood.” And I treated the car very carefully, understanding that I “have no right to make a mistake” when at the wheel.

To be continued….