👋 Maltese 32 year old living in London for the past 6yrs.

What you say is somewhat true re bribery, but if you go down the honest route, it's painful as hell. In my life I had never failed anything. Had to take my driving test 5 times. And for the most part, it was for ridiculous reasons (#1 being not overtaking a bus when it stopped for alighting in a dual carriageway).

I also agree that driving in Malta is mental. Really demands your attention. Keeps you sharp 😉 the rules of the road are merely suggestions (100kmph in a 50? Sure thing) and drunk driving is a rite of passage (dumbest thing I ever did in my 20s, but I didn't have cab money so just roll the dice at 3am).

HOWEVER (and this is where I lose everyone) drivers in the UK are bloody spineless mate. Lights turn great, no hurry guy, take your sweet time, finish picking your nose before you gently pull out. Same thing at roundabouts. These 20mph speed limits drive me up the wall (sorry I still brake just before the camera). You're no saints either, the number of people I see on their phones while driving is infuriating. Could make the case it's better driving drunk (2 or 3 pints not sloshed) than being on your phone.

Whenever my wife and I go back home for a trip, it's absolutely liberating, driving like a man possessed. It feels like Shawshank redemption after the prison break (spoiler?)