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
RENEWING MY DRIVER’S LICENSE
By Susan KujawaPosted: 12/07/2023
I have never been a fan of visiting the DMV to renew my driver's license. But this year, I was hearing complaints from some of my friends about questions on the “Knowledge Test”, and my anxiety mounted. But it helped to realize that I didn't have to face the DMV until next year – or so I thought.
A few weeks later, I received in the mail a notice that I was due to renew my license THIS Year! I was shocked!
My main fear was not with the knowledge test, but with the vision test. I have several problems with my vision that makes passing the test a challenge. At first I tried to avoid thinking about the tests, but I soon realized that my visit was inevitable. So I went on line and made an appointment.
Lunch with a friend eased my concerns over the knowledge test. She told me that she had just renewed her license by signing up for “e-learning” on the DMV website. E-learning allowed her to take the written test on her computer at home. She could even use the Driver’s handbook during the test!
Encouraged by my friend, I returned to the DMV website. I struggled a bit trying to navigate the various options presented by the website. But I persisted, and eventually I got to the place where the computer gave me a list of options on how to take the knowledge test. I clicked on “e-learning” and the site immediately sent me to the e-learning link.
The e-learning site consisted of seven sections to read, each section followed by a 3 or 4 question quiz. I found the information presented, including bits of animation, to be clear, helpful, and relevant. After taking each quiz, the site flagged which questions I missed. I had the driver’s manual at my side to use whenever I needed it. I ended up with a perfect score of 100%!!!
Now I had only to face the DMV's eye chart!
On my appointment day I checked in and a clerk soon called me to a window. I knew right away that I couldn’t read the letters on that chart. The clerk suggested I try their machine, but the results were even worse.
So the clerk gave me a form to take to my ophthalmologist. I went the next day. She tested my vision rigorously, then wrote me a prescription and filled out the form. I immediately ordered new glasses, knowing that it would take several weeks before I received them.
On the very next day I went back to the DMV. I presented my doctor’s form and my prior day’s receipt to the clerk. The clerk read the form, then printed out an interim license. She told me the permanent license would arrive within 3 weeks. It came just a week later, and it's good for FIVE years!! So now I can drive again, even though it will be a few more weeks until I actually have my new glasses.
The requirement to pass a vision test in order to drive a car is vital. When we are on the roads, we have the right to expect that the drivers of all of the cars have adequate vision and knowledge of the rules of the road. I have thought quite a bit about my responsibility to make sure that I am competent to drive. The optometrist certified that my vision, with proper correction, meets the DMV requirements. And I think my vision is good enough to drive, especially in familiar areas. But I am also acutely aware that I am probably not going to be driving for many more years. I need to prepare myself for that eventuality by learning how to use public transportation, Dial-a-Ride, and driving services such as Uber. I am also comforted by knowing that I can count on Pasadena Village as part of my transportation support team.