So, being a recent returnee

from a rather lengthy stay in Europe (seven years), I was required to

retest for my U.S. driver's license and motorcycle license. I studied

the manual carefully and passed both tests with flying colors. Here's

the test I had to take to get my European license: over 100 signs (you

can miss five), and a 50-question test (you can miss three), plus a road

skills test in various traffic conditions (city, rural, and highway).

I was not too challenged with a touch screen followed by a turn here,

turn there, park. With over seven years of driving in some of the most

challenging conditions I can safely say this: "Learn to drive."

As for the age of the driver,

no driver may operate a vehicle before 18, period. All drivers are required

to attend a period of instruction, where they learn motor skills, mechanics,

and are then supervised by an instructor. This is done at the student's

expense and can cost from $600-$1,600 depending on the skill of the student.

Any serious infraction can result in loss of license, and the entire process

must be started again after the suspension period is over.

Although the median age in

Europe is higher than the U.S., drivers are evaluated regularly, and if

they are deemed incompetent to drive, alternate transportation is arranged.

This can include vans carrying you to the hospital, daily chores, or family

taking up the load. With these additional rules how many drivers would

there be in Georgia?

And as the final answer, "when

in doubt, read the rules." Here are the Georgia rules for driving

in the left, and passing on the right, from the Georgia State Traffic

Laws, Article 3, 40-6-40:

"(a) Upon all roadways

of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of

the roadway, except as follows: (1) When overtaking and passing another

vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such

movement; (2) When an obstruction exists. (3) Upon a roadway divided into

three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon;

"or (b) Upon all roadways,

any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic (It says

not the posted speed, but the speed of traffic) at the time and place

and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand

lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand

curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another

vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left

turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

"(d) No two vehicles shall

impede the normal flow of traffic by traveling side by side at the same

time while in adjacent lanes, provided that this code section shall not

be construed to prevent vehicles traveling side by side in adjacent lanes

because of congested traffic conditions."

Hope this helps.

James Greer

Fayetteville