When I walked in I wasn't sure if I was in the right place, despite the large signs indicating that it was, actually, the DMV. You see, there were no lines, no bullet proof glass, no disgruntled citizens. The stories were true. The DMV in Oregon is an anomally. You can't even make an appointment. You take a number and then sit down in a seat and wait for a few minutes until they call you.
I took the chance to re-read the booklet while I waited. 2 people in front of me had just failed the driver's license test. I was getting nervous. Too many random facts to remember. I have had a California driver's License for 13 1/2 years. I have been resisting getting an Oregon one, but now I had to have one. When my number was called, I asked the woman behind the counter what the pass rate was for the test. She said it was just over 50%. Not reassuring. I was certain that I would have to go back again the next day and retake it.
I made my way over to the computer to take the test. A lot has changed in the 14 years since I last took a written driver's license test. I began to read. Each question had a picture with it. So far, so good. One question stumped me, I had the option of skipping it. I did. I quickly worked through the questions, some too easy, some random, most poorly written and the most common answer was "C".
Before I knew it a message flashed up on the screen.
"Congratulations! You have passed with 100%.
Please see an attendant at the counter to get your new license."
As the woman behind the counter took my picture and handed me my new I.D., hot off the press, she said, "Welcome, you're a true Oregonian now!"
Really? Is that all it takes?
14 comments:
go phoebe!
a california driver's license will prepare you for ANY state's test.
In Idaho you go to the sheriffs office to get your license. In Emmett it was in the basement next to the jail. Fun.
Good job on the 100% Phoebe!
I fondly remember getting 100% on my California test!
I love Dandelion wine. One of my favorites. I really need to get myself a copy of it.
oh no, ph! It's official. you're not a californian anymore. i was hoping to lure you back before you made the permanent change.
I took my Indiana test only two days before moving from Lafayette, IN to Indianapolis. When I first got there they wanted my CA license BEFORE I took the test.
I asked her what she would do with it if I failed the test. I had to drive an hour south in two days. I needed a license. She promised if I failed she would give it back.
I only missed two questions. And I hadn't even studied the book, so arrogant I was that it couldn't be that much different from CA.
Oh, my FHE group meets tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it went. My kids are going to get the lesson tonight - they are excited.
It is very empowering to feel like you now "belong." Next step: be an Oregonian taxpayer!
My Idaho experience was postworthy too - couldn't believe it. CA and UT were both stereotypical DMV experiences for me - yuck! BTW - we love the TMBG ABC's too - Peter pointed it out to me when he saw it on your sidebar.
I recently got a VA license after also being a CA license holder since I was sixteen. (I never even changed my name on my license until this most recent move.) I was 9 months pregnant when I got it and therefore hate my picture on the license. But they didn't make me take any test. Good thing, because I don't remember anything from the CA one.
Nice job on the 100%--I remember you also got a 100% the first time.
I remember getting a Utah license for the first time - it was in the basement of a courthouse in Farmington - very casual - I was incredulous even back then - California DMV's have always been formidable.
You're official! That must be strange to see a different license in your wallet after all these years. Do people drive differently in Oregon than CA? I assume slower...
I got a 63% on the driving portion of the test in CA at 16 years old. Passing was 60%. I need a bumper sticker that says BEWARE of Underperforming Driver.
I have had licenses in CA, UT, back to CA, then to UT again and then to TX. They were all pretty much the same except TX. We went to Betsy's small town of Taylor and it was very low key. The only problem was that I had just had numerous, pre-cancerous spots taken off my face in Utah, so I looked like an alien. I still have that license.
Oregonians do drive slower, but the town where we live is full of former Californians, so you don't notice too much of a difference!
Dad, unfortunately we are already well versed in the taxes of Oregon. There is a reason we don't have sales tax, it's because they take it all in income tax!
And for the record, I did get 100% on my California DL test many moons ago. I like to be consistant.
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