Productive but inefficient.
From an industrial engineer’s standpoint, being productive means that you were able to translate your inputs into outputs with little to no waste. Being efficient, on the other hand, means that you were able to reach the goal or the standard with little to no discrepancy. From a normal person’s point-of-view, it seems to be the other way around, because today, I was able to get my driver’s license, but it took me an entire day. I was productive yet I’ve wasted so many time waiting.
The process was inefficient. I woke up past 3am just so I could leave by 4 and fall in line and get a number. This number was only a pre-assigned number since, by 8 am, when the offices have opened, you are to fall in line again (following earlier’s number) but is given a new number, taking into account all those who have left between 6 and 8am.
Afterwards, your picture was taken, and then you pay at the cashier. Then, you “attend” a “lecture” (catch my drift), after which, you take the written exam. They ask you what language you would like your exam to be and only two of us chose English. The proctor then started explaining how to shade and where to sign to each of the examinees, except to those who chose English. Haha! For professional license, the examinee must get 45 out 60 questions correctly, 30/40 for non-pro, and 18/25 for conductors.
When you pass, you are to take the practical exam. They give you an option to use your own two- or four-wheeled vehicle. You have to pay though if you decide to use their vehicle. My dad, too lazy to photocopy our car’s registration and wanting to get things done over and done with by wanting me to go first, decided to pay instead. Before the exam, I practised parallel parking. I managed to get to my dad’s car scratched before I even got my license and on LTO area no less! Good job, Abby.
The examiner made the motorcycle go first so, despite my being fourth in line, I was one of the last. I had difficulty navigating the car. Not only was it not on power stirring (I feel bad for both my arms huhu), I had to really step on the gas for it to move (which I wasn’t used to). The car jerked a lot, and my engine turned off a lot before I even left the parking area. My almost-marker-hit turned into an actual hit as I was backing into parallel park. Good thing the rule was not to make the marker fall. I hit it, but it didn’t fall. Booyeah!
Then, we paid again. And, at 4:35pm, I got my license. I forgot to mention that in between each process (paying, picture-taking, exam-taking, etc.), you have to wait for at least 15 minutes before your name gets called. Also, my earlier number was only up to the written examination. Plus, we, the applicants, were basically clueless about where to go and what to do. They had a sign that said not to leave while our licenses are being processed and they mentioned that we should devote our entire day just to get our license. They were not, in any way, lying, not even exaggerating. Man! I’m so tired!
But, I’m licensed, so yay!
I have one more thing to add to this day, but it merits a different blog post. Missed connection ang peg.