Job Discussion Forums

[lucreziaborgia]

I am interested in working in Italy but not prepared to drive a car.
It seems that most EFL positions require that the teacher has a current driving licence to 'drive between venues".
What is the problem with taxis and/or public transport? I appreciate that public transport maybe a problem but assume taxis would be available for this purpose.
Can anyone shed some light on this matter?

[spiral78]

They want you to teach deep in the wilds of industrial parks, on a tight schedule - public transport would not get you between your students in time.

[SueH]

... and taxis are expensive and not widely available in many places. I think I've used 2 in my 3 years here, when carrying heavy suitcases to/from airports and main stations. It's not like the ME or Asia where taxis are thick on the ground.

What about scooters? Are your objections environmental, safety based or (had it been me in my 20's) no car licence? They will normally provide the car which will probably something like a Fiat600 or Panda.. quite fun to drive.

[lucreziaborgia]

Thanks for your comments. I guessed as much but didn't want to think the worst of these language factories!
I haven't driven for years although my Australian driver's licence is current. I have been working in Asia for several years where the traffic is a nightmare - especially where I am - and know that Italian drivers are
not far behind in terms of patience and general adherence to road rules.
I also have certain environmental issues.
What happens if you refuse to drive...? Or is that a really dumb question. Are there alternatives; it seems not.

[SueH]

Well, without being mobile you probably won't get the job. Road safety isn't _that_ bad as soon as you learn not to expect the use of indicators from some people and realise the accident rate is highest amongst kids and drunks.. The environmental impact of an EU cat 4 scooter is pretty small and you can drive a 50cc one on a car licence (ISTR). Perhaps that might be a compromise you could accept?

I have a car but as I'm on hols I've used it once this week to carry a load. It really depends where you are and where you work as to your transport needs.

[Teacher in Rome]

If you've got "environmental issues" then I'm not sure Italy is the place for you. There is an incentive to get rid of old, polluting cars, but it doesn't seem to apply to lorries, vans, or pick-ups - all of which seem to belch out fumes and seemingly have passed the "revisione". Who knows how.

Despite exorbitant fuel costs, coaches and cars alike idle while their drivers go off for a coffee, and nobody seems the least bit concerned. If you think you're doing your environmental bit as a cyclist or motorino rider, think again. The danger you're putting your life in (well, deservedly so if you're the sort of cyclist that cycles three abreast with other mates on a busy A road) should convince you that being in a car is a lot safer, tho not greener, than being on two wheels. It may be that kids and drunks are the most often killed in cars here, but you'd be truly mad to want to cycle.

[Marquess]

I assume your environmental issues don't preclude you from flying from Asia to Italy.

[SueH]

Perhaps I'm slightly mad then, TiR!

I'd agree on the diesels (what do they do at the revisione?!) and the idling vehicles.

[lucreziaborgia]

Hi Marquess, No they don't as that's the way things are in this occupation. I might take a train...

[ragazzo gallese]

The only way you might avoid the driving is by getting a job in central Milan or maybe Rome.

By the way, I didn't find driving in Italy that bad (with the exception of Naples) and the school cars tend to be the most economical - my last school had little Toyota Aygos.

[Mrguay84]

Quick question; Do you need a drivers license to ride a scooter?

Would it be recommended that I try and get a drivers license whilst I'm in my home Country. As I can see how not being able to drive may become a severe disadvantage in the future, and I'm less likely to learn once I'm in a foreign land.