Day 2-4: My Driver's Test 
Tags: learning, driving, knowledge
Published: 2021-07-07 00:11:02

I have been preparing for my driver's test for the past few days. I have practiced more than 50 hours on various maneuvers such as 3-point turns and parking. However, as you would later find out, it would not be enough. 

On the exam day,  my mother woke me up 1 hour before the big test. She said that we would have to report to the test site early since there were already other vehicles lining up. I hurried to brush my teeth, get dressed, grab my breakfast. Within 5 minutes, my mother and I were heading out of the door. 

When we arrived at the test site, other people were waiting for their turn. Based on my view, approximately six cars were waiting at the location. My mother parked the car behind the last queued car. We switched seats since I would be taking the road test.

As time passed by, each vehicle left with the examiner. We slowly inched closer to the starting point. At some point, I was tired of starting my car and moving 3 feet closer for every car that leaves the test site. That was a big mistake on my part. I should have moved closer no matter what the circumstances. 

A lady was walking on the sidewalk and speaking on the phone simultaneously. On top of that, she glared at me. In my mind, I was like, "Why are you looking at me like that?" I was completely confused since I didn't know her. It looked like I did something which she would never forgive me. She slowly walked on the empty parking spot in front of me and walk back on the sidewalk. Then a car drove by and intended to park in that spot. In my mind, I had to inch closer to prevent this unforgivable action. Everybody is waiting patiently and these people have to cut the line. The following steps were the actions that I have taken: 
1. Turned on the car
2. I thought I had the car in drive and pushed on the gas pedal, but the car engine just revved. 
3. Placed the car in Drive and moved forward to prevent the female driver from parking.
4. The funny thing is these two ladies went out their way to coordinate, but she had to drive to the back of the line.🤣🤣🤣

Back to the story.....
When we were the first one on the line and the examiner approached the car, we gave the name[Justin] and time[8:30 AM]. I thought it was my turn to take the test; only in your dreams! The examiner told us to wait for the next batch of examiners. 

So we waited and waited.....

And waited...

A lady examiner approached our car and told us to move closer to the curb. Note that if the car hits the curb, I would fail. As a result, I mumbled to my mother, "Tell me when!" As I was moving closer to the curb, my mother was like "More, more." That gave the examiner a bad impression from the start.  She also asked us to wipe everything because of COVID. She stated her script and I stated without thinking, "Can I start?" That probably angered her even more! I feel like she intended to fail me from the start by instructing me to take the most difficult route[Note that no other driver took that route]. 

My route
1. All-way stop 
2. A left turn to the narrow street
3. Right turn at an intersection
4. Drive through the curvy road
5. Parking
6. Right turn 
7. Right turn
8. 3-point turn
9. 3 Right turns 
10. All-way stop
11. Pull up to the curb  
12. Done 

I received the envelope and scored a 70% on the road test. I passed! 🍾🥂 This day was an emotional roaster!
![image](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zrb63ne6qk2nldnktyqr.png)
 
What did I learn?
1. First Impression Counts!!
2. Speed up to not impede traffic. I drive at 10 mph when the speed limit is 25 mph. 
3. Check all mirrors before any maneuvers. Ex. Parallel Parking