Driving & daycare

lau01 New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

Hello everyone,

Our family have an opportunity to relocate to Malta for a couple of years. We came to visit last weekend to have a better picture of what to expect. Certainly big storm did not help but I am sure it was just bad luck and generally I can imagine it is very nice there during sunny days

However, couple of things scared me off a bit like the driving there, I am already a bit of a nervous driver and it may sound like a silly question but do you get used to this and 'learn' how to cope with it after a while? Also, we saw some local guys getting quite heated up with each other on the road, is it always like this there? I know my worries may sound a bit ridiculous but I will be driving mainly with my 2 years old son and I want to make sure if generally it is quite safe there.

Another thing I would like to know if there is any good English speaking day cares there and if so could anyone recommend any please?

Thank you very much in advance

Laura

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ricky ViP

3522POSTS

14 years ago

Hi Laura,

welcome to the forum.

Driving in Malta is not really advisable for you if you are an inexperienced and nervous driver. Driving carefuly is a must as you can't count on anybody sticking to rules.

I disagree that driving slowly is the solution. This will put you at more risk as you will constantly be beeped at and have racers trying to overtake you all the time.

You have to be 'extra' careful all the time as drivers stop where they want and when they want, open car doors without looking back and any other behavour you might not expect!

I would advise you to take driving lessons in Malta even if you have a driving licence. Then you can decide whether you want to contuinue driving in Malta.

Cheers
Ricky

Toon Cyprus Expert

10240POSTS

14 years ago

I would tend to agree with Ricky on this one - I am an experienced driver and have driven under many different circumstances and it does take a while to get used to the maltese style of driving....but nervous drivers and slow ones are just cannon fodder to the malti.....and heaven forbid if involved in an accident as he who shouts loudest often wins....and OMG can the Malti raise their voices.....even whispering is loud.....LOL but my advise would be to try it first but dont commit to it....even as a passenger sit in with an experienced driver would help you assess your willingness to drive here...my wife has been here nearly four years and she hates driving here as ricky says you cannot trust anyone to stick to the highway code never mind rules.....

richuk09 Member

10POSTS

14 years ago

Hi everyone,

I don't feel that not driving is the solution. I have driven in many countries around the world and Malta is a breeze compared to these.

London is worse to drive in! Try driving in Thailand people and then talk to me.... : ) !!

I do agree with the other members comments of the rules that the Maltese break. For example; pulling out, opening doors, stopping in the road ect.

Don't let this put you off though....

Just make sure you have good insurance and SMILE

Regards

Richard

lau01 New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

Thank you very much for the info. Seems like I will be staying away from driving to start off... but looking at the brighter side of this at least I can drink more beer then. lol

Toon Cyprus Expert

10240POSTS

14 years ago

love the sound of that plan.....

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Alf007 Contributor

119POSTS

14 years ago

You might not really need to drive at the beginning... if you have all the services you need in a walking distance.

My wife (sounds like) is like you... but she got use to drive here in Malta very fast (we live in Mellieha so driving is kind of a must).. and it was also our first experience with the steering on the right side.. but we survived...

Maltese Drivers??? Well... I will say that they don't like to obey much the law (specially the parking ones) ..that is more a cultural problem I'll say.. in MY OPINION, they are selfish and if it works for them they dont care if they affect anyone else... (i.e: smoking in car with their own children in it)...that reflects in driving of course.