Living in U.S.A, the most basic part is driving, which includes a driver's license and a car. For example, if you want to go shopping to Walmart, you need go more than 1 mile. In this way, driving a car is very important.
I am an international student in MTU. It is necessary for most guys who want to go around to obtain his driver's license and buy an auto. So this time, I would like to talk about my experience of obtain driver's license.
There are two tests you need to take. One is the knowledge, road signs and vision tests; the other is the driving skills test.
To take the knowledge, road signs and vision tests, you need to read about the book "what every driver must know". In this book, you need to know the basic skills, laws and safety, signs, pavement marking and signals. For the knowledge test, there are 40 questions. You will pass the test if error is less or equal than 10.
To get a Temporary Instructor Permit (TIP), you need (1) pass the vision, road signs and written knowledge tests, (2) present appropriate materials; (3) Pay $25.
A TIP means you can drive a car, but you need a licensed adult or driver education instructor to accompany with you. After you have a TIP, you need to practice.
The next goal, is to pass the driving skills test, includes (1) Basic control skills, (2) On-the-road driving test. For me, it is a kind of tough story to pass the basic control. Because I use a SUV to practice rather than a small car. You can read the book "Driving Skills Test Study Guide".
There are three part in the basic control skills test, (a) Forward Stop Line. You need to Stop before the Stop line, and the distance should be in 2 ft. (b) Curved Path Backing (Sight-Side). Drive your car back in to an area with 12 ft in width, 20 ft in length. You can should close to the bottom line in 2 ft. (c) Curved Path Backing (Blind-Side) or parallel parking.
To pass the exam you need have less or equal 6 errors. I take the driving skills test twice. The first time, I failed at the basic control skills test, have 7 errors. 2 errors for stop too far away from the stop line, 3 errors for over 2 ft to the bottom line in the backing, and 3 errors for parallel parking (hit one cone twice and 1 reposition) . The second time, I was barely pass this part time, have 6 errors. 1 for reposition when backing, 5 for parallel parking (hit one cone, reposition, and hit three front cones). But at least I pass it, and it is unwise to drive a SUV to take the test for a beginner.
The on-the-road driving test is relatively easy, you can have 25 errors. But some deadly points you should know: you must stop before a stop line; you must stop before the red light; you can NOT do dangerous behavior when driving, like just hold one hand on the steering wheel. I passed this part with 17 errors. There are some points I need to remember.
- Before start driving, check your car, check your position. In the test, I forget to adjust my rear mirror after taking the basic control skills test.
- Be anticipate. Brake smoothly when stop, because you need to anticipate the situation in front of you, and make decision earlier.
- Change the lane, when you think it is safe.
- Do NOT move slightly at the interaction, which would confuse other drivers. They would hard to detect if you want to go ahead or stop before the cross.
Finally, I pass the test, and then what I need to do is take the certificate, I20,I94, passport, TIP to the SOS and get the Temporary Operator Permit (TOP). And my license will be mailed to my address in 10 days.