It has been years since I drove a vehicle on Bombay's streets, but I haven't forgotten the stress that has always been an intrinsic part of the experience. It began with my driving test itself, which took place years ago and was over within seconds, for reasons that still don't make sense. I can't think of any country that takes these tests less seriously, certainly not countries with the kind of road fatalities that India has.

What struck me most about the farce that took place that day, as I hoped for a driver's license, was how I was offered a two-wheeler license as well, for a small extra fee. The representative of a driving school responsible for managing my paperwork made the offer nonchalantly, assuming it was what I wanted. I wasn't required to ride a two-wheeler either, because it was simply assumed that anyone competent enough to drive a car for 30 seconds would automatically be great with a bike.