How To Increase The Likelihood Of Passing The Driving Test

I just recently passed both the written and practical driving exam here in Texas.  In fact, I just received a mail yesterday from the DPS (Department of Public Safety) containing my new driver license.  I was successful in both exams the first time I took them.  But I wouldn't have made it if not for the help of friends who taught and guided me along the way.  And of course, nothing would be possible if not for the blessing of our Lord.  So, part of my "paying it forward", let me share to you what I learned that increased the likelihood of me passing the tests:

The Written (Computer-based) Exam

There's really no special technique in passing this test but to study your state's (in my case, Texas) Driver's Handbook.  One can actually get it for free at the nearest DPS office in your city or download a PDF copy on this website:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/internetforms/FormDetail.aspx?Id=304&FormNumber=DL-7.pdf

In the exam proper, you'll find that all questions are from the handbook.  Just read and answer them carefully.  And if you did study, you won't fail.

The Practical or Actual Driving Test

If you passed the written exam, you'll be scheduled for the practical driving.  First, I'll assume that you already know how to drive a vehicle and you actually drove along with other cars in the highway.  Okay, now let's go to some points to remember before and during the test:

Get tips from those who own a driver's license.  You'll learn a lot from them especially the dos and don't(s) in driving.  A friend who helped me shared the mistakes he made (so I won't commit the same) and what are the things the examiner will give emphasis to.

Practice makes perfect.  You should know how to parallel park, as it's a vital part of the test.  There is a parallel parking in the DPS compound where the test is conducted.  One can practice there beyond office hours and during weekends.  Also, most likely the test will be conducted near the DPS office.  You may want to practice within the neighboring area that surround the office.

Be sure that you take care of everything you need to take the test.  I was rescheduled because I didn't notice that there was a defect on my car insurance and so as another applicant, during the car inspection, one of his rear lights was not functioning.  Anyway, the DPS will provide you a list of things to prepare and bring during your schedule test... just follow it.

Come on time.  Me, I was already in the DPS office an hour before my schedule.  But it's okay to arrive anytime, just don't be late in your appointment... or else, you just might be rescheduled (and it might take a while).

Try to relax and find your confidence.  Honestly, I was shaking when I took the test.  It was really uncomfortable that someone's watching (rating) me while driving.  I was telling myself, "I'll be doing this one way or another, and there's no way to escape this... might as well face it now".  I was drawing strength from my family, since it's for them and no one will be doing the driving for us but me.  Also, praying helped a lot.  I was talking to the Lord the whole duration of the test, and it calmed me and I was able to perform all the tasks smoothly.

Back to basics.  Things we always forget are those things we know for sure.  So let me remind you:

• Keep everything in order before stepping on the gas pedal.  Check your side and rear view mirrors, your seat distance from your wheel and everyone should be wearing a seat belt (you and your rater);

• Drive smoothly as possible.  Be gentle on the brakes and accelerator.  Watch out for the humps and the speed limits of streets.  The rater is looking on how well you can control your car.

• Bring your car in a COMPLETE HALT before a STOP sign (in the case of a red traffic light signal, stop before the crosswalk).  Remember, it's not the same as yield that you can keep on moving.

• Always use your signal light when turning left or right.  Also never forget to use it also when backing up during parallel parking and moving out from the parking area.

• Make it obvious in turning your head left and right especially when checking if it is already safe for you to cross a street or intersection.  Moreover, don't just depend on your rear view and side mirrors when backing up and making a parallel park.  When doing it, you must slightly twist your body and look at your back.  For sure, the examiner will be looking if your doing it.

I'm no expert in driving but these were the things I did and it worked for me... I passed the driving tests and got my license.  It may not be applicable to other state or countries, but this is how I got mine in Texas.  Well then, good luck and hope this can be of help.  Yahweh bless.

The Long Agonizing Wait Is Finally Over

Ever since my practical for my driving test was rescheduled, the days were somewhat uneasy for me.  I was actually asking myself why.  Did I need to learn more?  Would I have done something wrong if it pushed through?  No matter what the reason was... I knew it's for the best.  But it also meant that I had to endure 2 more weeks of anticipation and it was  such a torture.  I knew, I've been driving here for 3 months already, but the thought of someone (especially of different nationality) watching (rating) me while I drive... almost gave me a heart attack(lol).

When the day of the test finally arrived, I just couldn't understand what I felt.  I was glad that the wait was over yet the uncertainty kept me trembling inside out.  Good thing my family was with me that time, they became the source of my confidence.  I made it clear in my mind that I needed that license for my family's sake.  I just didn't know how many times I prayed to Him while waiting for the one who's  going to rate my driving.  And what I asked our Lord was to calm me so I could do what I had to do to pass the test.

And after months of hard work (yes, I practiced a lot just to prepare for it) and with the Lord providing me wonderful friends to help me, everything paid off. I cannot describe how sweet and fulfilling it was to hear the words: "You did well... you passed the test." from your examiner....in a foreign land.  I knew the test only took more or less 15 minutes, and it assessed if i knew the basics of driving... but it's also the very thing that made it hard.  One have less room for error and indeed. Everybody knows the basic of driving (one should) but many don't practice them at all, so when they take the exam, they miss to do it and fail.

I'm glad I have brothers (Ryan, Joey and Nong Titoy) and uncle (Kel Matt) who taught me how to drive... found friends (Larry, Kuya Ver, Buddy and Toto) here that shared with me some tips in driving that helped me in passing the exam... and a very supporting family, the source of my strength... truly I'm blessed.  With this new milestone, I will also use it to be of help to others (as part of me paying it forward).  Thank you Lord for everything.  Yahweh bless.

Building Confidence In Driving

I had my driving license for quite a while now (referring to my Philippine driver's license).  I had it since 2003, but most of those times I was using it to drive my motorcycle.  It was just these past few months that I had been practicing to drive on 4 wheels.  So that would explain how the butterflies in my stomach rumble when I'm driving here in Texas... not to mention, the unfamiliar destinations and driving rules, add up to the pressure.  I just keep on telling myself... it's a need... it's for my family.

After driving just around the vicinity of our apartment, the following day I was already driving my wife to the nearest bus stop (around 4 miles away from home)... with cold feet and hands (and it's not only the weather that's causing it).  And after a couple of days more, been to much further places with the help of new friends from wifey's work.  We convoyed going to central Houston first... and then I did it by myself using the service highway "Feather road" (which I didn't get it at first because they were pronouncing it as "fida road").  I felt much safer driving at the side of the freeway for now.  I still need to find my confidence in running there in the speed of light along with the other cars.

Been making short trips around the nearby area here in Pasadena and Houston as the need arises.  At least now, we're able to visit a church (just that we were on a Spanish time slot).  But the purpose of our visit was still served... we got to pray (and though unexpected, we were grateful enough that our car had been blessed by their priest).  Also, we were able to finally go to a wet market (which was miles away from us), just to buy fresh fish (nearby stores only offer frozen or canned ones).  And finally got to go to the Social Security Office for my SS number (which I'll be needing in a lot of transaction here as well as applying for a job).  Confidence to drive much further really made a big difference and gave us convenience to serve our needs.

and here's the fish... LOL!!!

And just recently, used the tollway at Belt 8 when we returned home from a sleepover visit in a friends house in Humble.  But I would have chosen another way if were not in convoy with our friends.  Everything went well and we got home safely (thank God...).  

Then again, we have something to look forward to... since our new friends were offering that they will accompany and tour us around the Houston zoo one of these days (definitely will write a post about it).  For now, I just am thanking the Lord for giving me the strength and confidence I needed in driving my family... for the safe trips we had and we will have.  I know that soon I'll have the courage to face the freeway by myself.  But I'll do that as soon as I'm sure... for my family's safety.  Yahweh bless.