Blog archive
May 2024
Freezing for a Good Cause – Credit, That Is
05/02/2024
No Discussion Meeting on May 3rd
05/02/2024
An Apparently Normal Person Author Presentation and Book-signing
05/01/2024
Flintridge Center: Pasadena Village’s Neighbor That Changes Lives
05/01/2024
Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month 2024
05/01/2024
The 2024 Pasadena Village Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
05/01/2024
Woman of the Year: Katy Townsend
05/01/2024
April 2024
Rumor of Humor #2410
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2411
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2412
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2413
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2414
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2415
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2416
04/28/2024
Stimulated by "Caste"
04/22/2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
The DMV and Me
By Edward A. RinderlePosted: 12/07/2023
It was October 17 of this year, a day I'd dreaded for two months. The day I drove to the Pasadena DMV to renew my driver's license. I had spent about two months preparing for the written test, but I first started getting nervous just a few pages into the the “California Driver's Handbook”. The more I read (or tried to read) the more my anxiety grew. I found the handbook confusing, and the more I read it, the more confused I got. But on October 17, the time had come to bite the bullet.
I arrived around 9:30 am. There was only moderate activity. I had made a reservation and done the paperwork in advance, and that made check-in easy. I passed the vision test, paid the fee, got my picture taken, gave them my thumbprint and moved on to the last step: THE TEST!
I took the test at sort of “cubicle” with a computer and no chair. I began with a glimmer of hope, but about 10 questions in, a nasty message appeared on the screen announcing that I had failed the test and bid me goodbye.
A few days later, on October 23, I returned to the DMV. Since I had completed everything but the test, I headed straight for the room where the testing took place; I asked to take the pencil-and-paper version. Pencil and paper in hand, I headed to my assigned “cubicle”. I felt cramped, and after 10 minutes or so, my feet hurt. Nevertheless, I found the test somewhat easier than my first try.
I took my time, but as I pondered the more troublesome questions, my brain got more and more tangled. Finally, I decided I had done my best. I turned my test in, and after a minute or two, I heard the dreaded words: “You failed”.
As I climbed into my car feeling defeated, I wondered if any more study would help. I decided it would not. So I turned back to try to take the test one more time. This time I asked if I could sit down to spare my aching feet. So I ended up in a station “reserved” for the handicapped.
Seated with more room to write, I felt more relaxed. I took my time and tried not to overthink. After 15 or 20 minutes, I decided I was as done as I'd every be, and I turned the test in. Much to my surprise, I passed! Barely.
So, what factors were in play during my failures and my eventual success? What would I do over again? Here are some of my thoughts.
Lessons Learned
I would definitely fill out the paperwork and make an appointment ahead of time. A carefully chosen time can avoid long lines. I found that 9:30 or10:00 am on Monday or Tuesday worked well.
I will try not to study too much or overthink. When I did, the Handbook just confused me more and more.
I will try harder to find a way to do the test on-line. I'm eligible to do so after I fail the in-person test three times. Or so I was told.
I will ask for the pencil-and-paper version of the test at the outset.
I will ask to sit for the test, even though I may have to wait longer for a handicapped cubicle to become available.
I will keep in mind that I can take the test two or three times in one visit, remembering that I will not see copies my failures to study for my next try.
I will be courteous to the DMV staff. Doing so makes me feel better.
After taking the test, whether I pass or fail, I will call a friend or two to share the news. I received my permanent driver's license in the mail on November 3, just 2 weeks after I passed the test. It's good for five years.