Driving Dilemma

In late December I received my driver's permit and was surprised at how easy it was. I simply took an online course, passed the written test and took a driving lesson.

The online course presented a lot of information, slides and quizzes while the permit test was just common sense. One question on the test asked,"what should you do at a stop sign?" My driving lesson was helpful,but at the end of all these steps I still hardly felt prepared for the road!

I was surprised at how easily the DMV let drivers get a permit and drive. They certainly put a lot of trust in parents to finish the job of making sure their kid is ready for the road. Don’t get me wrong—I am very happy to be driving, but I'm also a little concerned with who else on the road could have used a bit more scrutiny before being given control of a car.   

Now I’m in the process of trying to get my full license.  This is proving to be much tougher! You have take three driving lessons before you can take the behind-the-wheel test, in addition to six months of having your driver’s permit.  

Getting an appointment seems to be the hardest part! The San Mateo DMV doesn’t have any openings and the Red Wood City DMV doesn’t have an appointment until late July, not to mention they don’t have appointments in the late afternoon nor on weekends. I now understand how difficult it is for those employed during weekdays to get appointments, because I am working as a camp counselor this summer and can’t leave during the day.

The good news is you can set up appointments online and don’t have to be put on hold for half an hour trying to call the DMV.  Because it is so booked up around here, it looks like I will have to take my test while I am on vacation in Tahoe.