It was October 17 of this year, a day I'd dreaded for two months. The day I drove to the Pasadena DMV to renew my driver's license. I had spent about two months preparing for the written test, but I first started getting nervous just a few pages into the the “California Driver's Handbook”. The more I read (or tried to read) the more my anxiety grew. I found the handbook confusing, and the more I read it, the more confused I got. But on October 17, the time had come to bite the bullet.

I arrived around 9:30 am. There was only moderate activity. I had made a reservation and done the paperwork in advance, and that made check-in easy. I passed the vision test, paid the fee, got my picture taken, gave them my thumbprint and moved on to the last step: THE TEST!

I took the test at sort of “cubicle” with a computer and no chair. I began with a glimmer of hope, but about 10 questions in, a nasty message appeared on the screen announcing that I had failed the test and bid me goodbye.

A few days later, on October 23, I returned to the DMV. Since I had completed everything but the test, I headed straight for the room where the testing took place; I asked to take the pencil-and-paper version. Pencil and paper in hand, I headed to my assigned “cubicle”. I felt cramped, and after 10 minutes or so, my feet hurt. Nevertheless, I found the test somewhat easier than my first try.

I took my time, but as I pondered the more troublesome questions, my brain got more and more tangled. Finally, I decided I had done my best. I turned my test in, and after a minute or two, I heard the dreaded words: “You failed”.

As I climbed into my car feeling defeated, I wondered if any more study would help. I decided it would not. So I turned back to try to take the test one more time. This time I asked if I could sit down to spare my aching feet. So I ended up in a station “reserved” for the handicapped.

Seated with more room to write, I felt more relaxed. I took my time and tried not to overthink. After 15 or 20 minutes, I decided I was as done as I'd every be, and I turned the test in. Much to my surprise, I passed! Barely.

So, what factors were in play during my failures and my eventual success? What would I do over again? Here are some of my thoughts.

Lessons Learned

I would definitely fill out the paperwork and make an appointment ahead of time. A carefully chosen time can avoid long lines. I found that 9:30 or10:00 am on Monday or Tuesday worked well.

I will try not to study too much or overthink. When I did, the Handbook just confused me more and more.

I will try harder to find a way to do the test on-line. I'm eligible to do so after I fail the in-person test three times. Or so I was told.

I will ask for the pencil-and-paper version of the test at the outset.

I will ask to sit for the test, even though I may have to wait longer for a handicapped cubicle to become available.

I will keep in mind that I can take the test two or three times in one visit, remembering that I will not see copies my failures to study for my next try.

I will be courteous to the DMV staff. Doing so makes me feel better.

After taking the test, whether I pass or fail, I will call a friend or two to share the news. I received my permanent driver's license in the mail on November 3, just 2 weeks after I passed the test. It's good for five years.

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