8.21.2008

Utah Driver's License


One of the many things you have to do when you move to a new state is get 'their' driver's license. I took off to the DMV yesterday wearing my gym clothes from the neck down and from the neck up my hair and makeup were in order (after all there would be a pic). I had all my necessary documents., proof of social security #, old Pa driver's license, piece of mail verifying my address and that I live there......I even brought my passport just in case the aforementioned were not enough and had Cortny been here I would have taken her along to offer up as my firstborn. Now, I've told you they're real friendly here in St. George, but I believe Utah, in general, makes it difficult to become a resident. I think they like keeping it all their own (if you know what I mean). Not only do I have to provide the above info........I have to take a written exam. AUKM!!! Fortunately for my brain, books were allowed to use while taking the test. After I pay 25.00 for my license I am shown to a computer where the test will commence. I get comfortable and done my Stein Mart Leopard print reading glasses and I begin. There are 25 questions. I can't remember the last time I took a test. Not counting the personality tests that the 'hub' has had me do over the years (just in case he forgets what I'm really like he has it documented for reference), I believe it was as far back as 1983. Have I told you that the only 3 nightmares, and I do mean nightmares, that I have are 1)Tornadoes 2)Walking around high school naked and not thinking it's a big deal (I'm sure Freud would have some interesting interpretations for that one) and 3)being back in high school. So you can understand my fear and trepidation at the thought of taking a test, but come on, how hard can it be, I've been driving since I was 15 (that's not counting the time I took our yellow Pinto down Mountain Park Drive @ the age of 14 so my friend, Stormy, wouldn't have as far of a walk home). Sorry Dad! (another lil' toad from my past). So...back to the test. I begin....and just for good measure I consult the book for each answer. I want to score a 100% because the 'hub' got one wrong and well.......we are both very competitive. I'm on question 16 or so and it asks "If you have a government license you are allowed to operate any vehicle. True or False. What the World! So I begin perusing the book (love the word perusing)....and I'm coming up w/nothing. All along there are these two small children who can barely walk let alone run and they are wobbling up and down the isles, including the one behind me...screaming, laughing and just having a rip-snortin' good time. There is a huge sign hanging over the testing area that reads "Testing in progress please be quiet." Not that these lil' ones can read....but I'm thinking their parents can. Maybe not, because they continue to go unsupervised. Now I'm a great multi-tasker for sure, however, if you are asking me a question and there is a ruckus in the background I'm going to struggle to concentrate. So......the time runs out on the test and I'm instructed to go to the testing counter. So I do. I tell the woman I ran out of time and she says "That's because your allotted time elapsed." (gee..do ya think). I politely say "Yes, I know." "Well" she says, you can use your book you know?" "Uh....I was using my book." "Oh, well...would you like to take the written test instead?" Red-cheeked, embarrassed and wanting to explain why I struggled to get the job done I reply "Sure." So she hands me a book w/a answer sheet you check and sends me to another desk. Now you need to know that Utah DMV is not like every other state where it is packed out 3 lines deep and people are disgruntled because of a long wait. It is practically empty, except for a half dozen peeps who clearly hear (because there is an echo) that I have failed to finish my test online and being sent for another try the archaic way...using a pencil and paper. I am mortified. I crawl on my belly (not really, but that's what I want to do) to my new assigned desk and begin yet again! The children are still running around screaming and I am seriously contemplating finding their parents and telling them they are to blame for my initial failing. I control myself, focus and finish the test. I passed! She told me I did, and because I couldn't help myself I said "You know the problem the first time around was the screaming out of control children." She replied w/a smile "I understand, sometimes it's even worse, peeps think we are babysitters." Good.....I have been vindicated and understood (like it really matters what she thinks). So, I now have a temp. paper license for Utah and will wait until the real McCoy shows ups in a few weeks. Why they can't purchase a laminating machine and get it all done at once is beyond me. Until then, I wait and will make sure to tell the 'hub' that I didn't miss any (who cares if it took me two trys). I WIN!

5 comments:

LJ said...

The Utah DMV should require all chidren entering the building to have a velcro strip applied to their backs so they can be stuck to a matching velcro strip on the wall with a sign, "babysitter on duty"

katie said...

haha thats funny! I went to get my license today and didn't have to take a test...i'm glad you both passed!
I wouldn't have been able to not say anything to those IDIOT kids!!

hate kids.

Tam said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
cortny said...

wait. did they really do that sketch?

Tam said...

No sis, I found it online. you're funny