I passed the written DMV test the first time I took it just by studying a little DMV handbook that my mother somehow had and gave to me. Then I searched for a driving school on the internet and had some sessions with Rose, a very knowledgeable senior instructor. However, I was extremely anxious on the day I took the road test. I did everything perfectly except for driving over the curb when I arrived at DMV. The front wheel climbed the curb. I was so nervous that I didn’t even recognize the issue. When the DMV examiner told me, I was too confused to fix it. He said sorry and marked me failed. I burst into tears right in front of him because it meant that I would bother my aunt for a longer time.
Now I think this issue was just “the final straw” for me after a long time being so full of stress and concentrated on getting things done perfectly since the day I decided to move to the U.S., i.e. so much complicated paperwork, preparing and packing luggage, a new environment, the language barrier, new job, kids school, medical registration, etc.
I had to call my uncle to pick me up. I hadn’t told anybody in my family when I left the house so my uncle didn’t know that I had taken the road test that day. I was really disappointed and feeling guilty. Even so, I texted my instructor immediately to schedule more driving lessons and patiently waited for the next road test.
Finally I made it. This time the DMV examiner said I did a great job and he couldn’t find any mistakes. I successfully got my driver’s license. Now I am able to drive to work every day, go shopping for groceries, and drive my children to the park, beach and libraries. Having a driving license not only makes many of my life tasks easier but also gives me freedom and independence. For the time being, I drive on local streets only because I am scared of highway traffic. Undoubtedly, that will be the next plan.
~
Xuan - Vietnam
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