Most of you who do not live in the United States may not know the answer to this question. What are essential items you need to live in the United States? The answer is three items, 1) Social Security Number, 2) A US issued Credit Card, and 3) Driver’s License. In order to obtain the above 3 items, the minimum requirement is the non-immigrant VISA. In the ESTA program, nothing can be done under my name. Renting an apartment, utility agreements, nothing. It took me 1 year and 9 months to obtain the O-1 VISA which I have now – but this story, maybe some other time.
The other day, I went and took the Driver’s Exam which made me more nervous than a Judo match. This is what happened –; Please read as though you are me.
I have driving experience and carry with me an International Driver’s Permit so I thought that this would be a walk in the park. I thought wrong.
Although there are differences between States, in IL, for residents, the International Driver’s Permit is only valid for 3 months!!! For me, that meant if I didn’t obtain the Driver’s License by mid October, I would be able to drive…. When I noticed that it was already October, yikes!!
1) Studying for the Written Test
My life was Judo and only Judo. When I hear the words “test” or “studying” I just simply lose energy…but I did study hard. Of course the test is in English!! Here’s an example of the prep test I did at home.
The night before the test was like the night before my match, or worse…
2) Day of the test
The day of the match, not the test, I drove 20 minutes to the DMV
Smaller than I thought… no photography inside, so just the building.
3) Preliminary review
I made my appointment at 12 noon and was there on time. Submitted all the required documentation (Social Security Card, Home Rental Agreement, Utility Bills, etc, etc, etc) and then the photo for my DL. Different than Japan I was told to smile!! Not acquainted to this style, my face turned out to be “weird”
Then came the vision test. Alphabets were written and I just read them. The clerk says “Read the 5th row from the top”
I reply “ALNDHPSGZ”
Then “Which side of the lamp is blinking?”
I reply “Both”
The response was “Perfect!!” Is that it? That was easy…lol.
Then comes Height and Weight “5 feet 5 inches, x$%@ pounds”
She also asked about my hair and eye colors, paid my dues of $30 and now the test starts.
4) Examinations in academic subjects
The written test takes place in the office where about 16 PCs are lined up. I sit down at the designated PC and just take my time to get this done. No time limits, can bring in a dictionary, but no smartphones… You need to have 28 correct answers out of 35 – once you hit 28 the test is over. Simple, ain’t it?
Now the test begins.
I made a wrong answer on the 1st question – a bad start. But from questions 2 onwards, I have the correct answers and was getting into the “groove” and then another wrong answer. The match ended up to the final question. 27 correct, 7 wrong. Last question was the elimination question for both scenarios. Last question was a selection of 4. I had faith in “A” and clicked “Submit” – and there, was god. I passed 😊
This is not good for your health.
5) Practical skill test
Now comes the Driving Test
This is also different compare to Japan. You drive your own vehicle to the designated spot (Unlicensed Driver!!) Then checks of the lights and horns. The inspector then sat next to me and drove for about 15 minutes. And with no problems, I received the temporary Driver’s License. The actual license gets delivered to your home within 2 weeks. I did get my Driver’s License!!
This day I was stressed out from the morning, but once over the hump, I am now relaxed a bit.
I now have an official ID of the United States!!
Anyone who wants to make an American Dream come true, I don’t know how ot make money, but I can guide you to the right direction even if you don’t speak English. Side business from GKJN. (Of course I need to learn first, though…)
My first Illinois Driver’s License
