July 11, 2013, a day that will never be forgotten in the history of my life. The day I passed the US driving test. Finally, my dream to get a US identification card was granted, courtesy of the DMV.
Although I'm an experienced driver, it was a big challenge to pass the driving test in the US. I was faced with tremendous adjustments on my driving skills and habits. In addition, I wasn't familiar with some of the road signs, they were some of the things I needed to learn from the handbook. Furthermore, Jeff, the examiner took me by surprise when I did my driving test. It was my second time around with him so I was expecting the same route but whoa, to my surprise he directed me to a different route which made me feel uncomfortable. Thank goodness, during the previous test, Jeff, who was a nice man was really helpful; he explained my mistakes clearly and told me what to avoid. I took note of them carefully and wondered if I could pass the test next time. This time however, the thought of passing was my great motivation to get my license. And finally, Jeff told me, "Jerry, I think you made it this time." Thanks to John and Louie.
Louie was my elder sister, she was supportive in my endeavors. She was so patient to take me on the road to practice my driving, the American way, not my usual way. I admit that having been a driver for more than 15 years made it more difficult for me to have a 360 degree turn-around on my driving habits. To be honest, I was offended when she was correcting my way of driving, it took me some times to accept that I was in a different country, with different driving skills. A total package of discipline was needed.
When I got home, everybody was dressed up! Ow, they will probably treat me for a dinner, I thought. John asked me for my choice of restaurant but Charlie knew the best. Applebees! It was a really touching family experience, the kids were very excited I passed the driving test and were so happy to go out and dine. We drove to Applebees for a dinner treat, I am now a California driver. As John said, "Welcome to the world of California drivers".
Maybe people may say, it's a small thing, millions and millions have it. No, in America, they have it, but how many millions in Asia have it? Here in Dubai, a US driver's license is an easy getaway from the expensive and time consuming driving school and the long process of getting it. Imagine spending a minimum of $2,000.00 for the tuition fees alone, then add the driving tests fees, etc, etc.. If you are not lucky, $5,000.00 wouldn't be impossible to burn just to get a UAE driver's license.
Sarah, "the little princess" made me write this story. "Uncle Jerry," she said, "you need to write a story about it." "As you wish", I replied. When I landed in Dubai, I thought of getting it done but I wasn't in my best mood to write, so I kept it in my "to do" list until now. Thanks to Sarah!
It's More Fun to be with the Parkinsons.
Although I'm an experienced driver, it was a big challenge to pass the driving test in the US. I was faced with tremendous adjustments on my driving skills and habits. In addition, I wasn't familiar with some of the road signs, they were some of the things I needed to learn from the handbook. Furthermore, Jeff, the examiner took me by surprise when I did my driving test. It was my second time around with him so I was expecting the same route but whoa, to my surprise he directed me to a different route which made me feel uncomfortable. Thank goodness, during the previous test, Jeff, who was a nice man was really helpful; he explained my mistakes clearly and told me what to avoid. I took note of them carefully and wondered if I could pass the test next time. This time however, the thought of passing was my great motivation to get my license. And finally, Jeff told me, "Jerry, I think you made it this time." Thanks to John and Louie.Louie was my elder sister, she was supportive in my endeavors. She was so patient to take me on the road to practice my driving, the American way, not my usual way. I admit that having been a driver for more than 15 years made it more difficult for me to have a 360 degree turn-around on my driving habits. To be honest, I was offended when she was correcting my way of driving, it took me some times to accept that I was in a different country, with different driving skills. A total package of discipline was needed.When I got home, everybody was dressed up! Ow, they will probably treat me for a dinner, I thought. John asked me for my choice of restaurant but Charlie knew the best. Applebees! It was a really touching family experience, the kids were very excited I passed the driving test and were so happy to go out and dine. We drove to Applebees for a dinner treat, I am now a California driver. As John said, "Welcome to the world of California drivers".
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| My niece after I passed the test (in Applebees) I Like Her Smile! |
Maybe people may say, it's a small thing, millions and millions have it. No, in America, they have it, but how many millions in Asia have it? Here in Dubai, a US driver's license is an easy getaway from the expensive and time consuming driving school and the long process of getting it. Imagine spending a minimum of $2,000.00 for the tuition fees alone, then add the driving tests fees, etc, etc.. If you are not lucky, $5,000.00 wouldn't be impossible to burn just to get a UAE driver's license.
Sarah, "the little princess" made me write this story. "Uncle Jerry," she said, "you need to write a story about it." "As you wish", I replied. When I landed in Dubai, I thought of getting it done but I wasn't in my best mood to write, so I kept it in my "to do" list until now. Thanks to Sarah!
It's More Fun to be with the Parkinsons.
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