The Driving Test Story

[melanctha]

So Adam and I had tried going to the DMV a couple of times before yesterday, and each time I wimped out at the last minute. I know that I can drive, but my last road test was such an awful experience that the thought of failing terrified me. I couldn't bear another four years of being mocked for being a shitty driver when I KNEW that I could do

Comments

[k477uk]

Congratulations mellie! You will have to show me your new found (well at least 100% legal) skills!

[melanctha]

Hopefully I'll be able to do a bit of the driving to Toronto. Speaking of which, I scribbled a list of things to do here while we were on the train yesterday, and I'm working at getting coupons for various museums and fun stuff. Do you think you're going to want to shop much here, or will you be doing most of that in New York?

[k477uk]

yay! I'm sooo looking forward to it! People at work are now fed up with me talking about it! I think shopping wise probably there, as we only have a few days in New York. But I may do a bit of both :)

[_catchatorie_]

Congrats!

Although, its funny, because in rural North Carolina, no one thinks twice about driving, but everyone I've known from North of the Mason-Dixon is alot more aprehensive about taking driving tests and such. Back home, most kids start driving a four-wheeler, go-cart, golf cart or something by the time they're 12, so its just not a big deal. And when you go in for a driving test they just make sure you're not a dirty immigrant, make you drive around the parking lot, and then take your picture. I guess this is part of why drivers in the South kinda suck :-P

I wonder if I'm going to have to take a driving test to get my license in Illinois? In NC, if you have a valid license from another state they just give you an NC license.

[punkjr]

"dirty immigrant"

I wonder if they'd give Mellie a license down there, since she's from over the border too! *chuckle*

[melanctha]

No, no! I'm one of those filthy immigrants with the pale skin and the English as a native language. They don't count.

[melanctha]

For most people it's not a huge deal here. Driver's Ed is part of the high school curriculum, and if you do well enough on it in class they give you a slip of paper to bring down to the DMV and exchange for a license. That was part of my fear here - in British Columbia and in the UK there's a whole wealth of information concerning driving tests but here it's expected that adults know how to drive so the information isn't readily available. That was a little unnerving, since asking around produced answers ranging from "I didn't even have to leave the parking lot" to "I drove on the expressway a little, but it wasn't bad".

Most people I know who have obtained Illinois licenses from out-of-state have just had to do a written test. It's mostly common sense and road signs, with the odd "what is the fine imposed for passing a stopped school bus?" or "how long is your license suspended after a second DUI conviction?"-type question thrown in for good measure.

[punkjr]

Awesome job! Nicely done!! =D

My drivers test took place in Germany, where the driving requirements are absolutely insane. I had to do all sorts of weird stuff, drive on the autobahn, back into parking spots, parallel park, etc. My dad was in the back seat the whole time too, so every mistake I made not only came complete with the scribbling of the DMV guy, but with a grunt from my pop behind me as well.

*laugh*

Congrats on getting your license!

[melanctha]

Yeah, I am *so* glad that I was able to do it here.

That would also explain why you're such a driving ninja. I am/was an insanely nervous passenger but I made it all the way to SEA/TAC with you without having to grip the door handle once! :D

[verymiao]

I was freaking out a little too before my test, but Steve assured me that unlike in NZ, they actually *want* to give you your license here. It was a completely standard boring test, I didn't have to do anything weird at all, we just drove around the block a few times. My tester was very businesslike though, no doodling at all.

Whenever I start panicking about something in the future, I always remember what the Dalai Lama says about it. He points out that it's going to happen either way, and freaking out is just a waste of time and energy. I can't put it as well as him but reading The Art Of Happiness where he talks about it really helped me a lot.

[melanctha]

I find that playing out scary events in my head a little prevents them from being too bad when the time comes. Unfortunately, with something a little unknown like this I get carried away and start imagining everything that could possibly go wrong.

By the time I started my test I was being forced to drive blindfolded through molten lava while juggling venemous snakes in my imagination. :P

[progoddess]

Congrats! In MD, you drive on a closed track so there are no other cars to bother you. So it's not too hard. I failed the first time though because the guy told me the wrong way to turn and I went over a curb. I think the DMV is staffed by morons.

[melanctha]

I guess you were supposed to know that he meant his OTHER left or something :P

[lessordinary]

I'm in MD too - I was reading this thinking, "Wait - the test is out on real streets?!"
I took mine on a nice closed course in Annapolis.