After failing the written portion of my 1st driving test on Thursday, I went back again today to give it another try.

Having already passed the visual portion, I went right into the written test. As luck would have it, I got the exact same test again. After I read the first 5 questions, I realized that Christmas had come early. They do have an assortment of tests, though, because my brother took the test again and he was given a different one than last time. There was one question in my test that I wasn’t sure if I had last time, but I think I must have, because I had the rest of the questions. So, I got a lucky draw there. But, still, I felt that should mean a perfect score, so I took my time and went through it and I did pick up a perfect score – 25 of 25.

So, I was able to take the road test today. The instructor had me turn the car on so that she could check the signals, brake lights, etc. After we did that, she got in and told me what we would be doing first. I think got out while she was talking (then I realized that that was perhaps a little rude… nice start), even though I didn’t mean to, in order to get my sunglasses out of my pocket. After asking her if they were OK and then getting them out… I forgot to put them on. lol. Anyway, I backed out and took the left as directed. I hit the curb. On my very first turn. Nice.

But, after that, it went pretty smoothly. The speed limit on the roads we drove on was 20. Move into the left turn lane, turn left again, go down a road, turn left again, do a 3 point turn, get in the center of the lane, backup, then accelerate to 15 MPH and stop right away when she tells me (as if a child has run in front of me), take a right at the stop sign, take a right back into the driver’s license office and park and that’s it. It all went pretty smoothly except for what I mentioned. No parallel parking or parking of any kind until the end. Whew! :) I nailed the parking in the driver’s license office, though. She was a laid back instructor and I asked her a question or two while I drove to clarify what I was supposed to do here or there.

During the test, she asked me if I had driven in this car very much and I said I hadn’t, basically a few hours. As she got out of the car, she asked me if I had ever had a permit before. I told her I hadn’t and explained that I hadn’t really been too interested in driving before. I run a small business out of my home, etc. So, she asked about my business and we talked about it on the walk back into the office. She didn’t tell me if I had passed or not until we got inside and I sat down. Once there, she told me that she felt I was on the gas a bit (I presume this means I don’t have a great feel for the gas pedal… which will come with time), but that she thinks I’ll do better as I practice more. So, I passed and she sent me over to get my picture taken. Awesome! :) It’s good for 8 years, as well.

Now, I just need to log more time behind the wheel to get a better feel for driving, because I still feel very inexperienced and a bit hyper behind the wheel. Hyper isn’t the right word, but… it’s like, I am deathly focused. I’ll relax as I get more experience. I’ve been added to my parents insurance (I had to be added when I took the first test) and that’s going to cost me $502.14 for 6 months (ouch), just to be added onto their plan. When I get my own car, I’ll get my own insurance. No idea what kind of car I’m going to get, though…

Thanks to Brandon, James and Brandon for the encouragement.