Getting a Maryland drivers' licence ...

Just back from passing my Maryland drivers' testing. Went out to DMV yesterday arvo and Donna couldn't produce two docs that they were happy with as evidence of living in Maryland. Between mail going to the Embassy and accounts just in my name (which was a mistake in hindsight but easier at the time), only the lease was acceptable to them. So she has to wait until I have my licence and can sign a declaration in front of them to effect that she lives in Maryland.

As we were there, decided I might as well do the theory test as was told that the waiting time was as good as it ever gets. This involved waiting on cold uncomfortable steel chairs for 75 minutes, spending 20 minutes with a guy who copied all my documents etc; lining up for another 10 minutes for a free computer in the testing room; and then completing the 15 minute test in 4 minutes. No, it wasn't that onerous! Did get a question wrong by reading too much into it. Apparently blind people don't just look like everyone else - I should recognise them by their white canes or dogs!

Then told to join another line which was apparently the line to go and do the driving test. Not having a car with us made that the 'do not pass go' part of that attempt. We were hopefully that a Dept of State letter we have would give us an exemption from the physical test. Apparently Virginia does this but of course this wasn't the case in Maryland. Was then told that I had to do the driving test in the next 24 hours or else would have to make an appointment. The next available appointment being on July 18.

So rented a car last night and drove out to be first in line this morning. They don't test on the road like in Oz. Just get taken into a compound about the size of a housing block. Have to follow the lanes, stop signs, arrows etc. Major parts were the reverse park, the 'turnaround' (multi=point turn within a rectangular area to get the car pointing back towards the entrance) and then reverse a fair distance back up the road in a straight line. Only lost six points for 3 minor infringements out of the 16 I was allowed to lose so that was a pass too. Back inside for short lining up (for a change!), paid my $45 and now have a drivers' licence number and the licence will be in the mail shortly.

Next hurdle is arranging insurance and we can then buy a car. Talk about ridiculous ...


Malcolm