I have migrated to the USA about one and a half years from India. As soon as I migrated to this country, my most important task was to obtain a driving license here so that I can move around independently. Most of the immigrants in my age group of around 60 years face this problem. As they do not have driving license, they have to always to depend on somebody to take them out. I started my efforts for the driving license before about a year or so and finally, I have succeeded in getting my driving licens. I will try to give some useful tips on obtaining a driving license in the Maryland State where I live.
The first step will be to get couple of first-class mails received in your name at your home address from any banks, government bodies like INS etc. These letters will help you as the proof of your residential address. You can then proceed to obtain learner’s permit for driving from any MVA office. You will have to appear for the small test of around 20 questions on the computer. You may collect a small booklet for preparing for this test. Such booklets are available from any MVA office free of cost. Please go through this booklet thoroughly prior to appearing in the test. When you go to MVA office for the learner’s permit, your vision test will also be taken in the beginning. This test is very simple and would not cause any problems if you have no problems with the eyesight. However, if you are wearing the spectacle, you will have to always wear them while driving. There after, you will be sent for the test. The test is taken on computers only and it is a must to take this test on computer for the first time. If you happen to fail first time, then you can apply for the written test. But there is no problem and the computer test is very simple, where you have to only tick mark on the correct answers. You have to give at least 17 correct answers out of total 20 questions to pass the test. Once you pass the test, your photograph will be taken and you will be issued a learning permit against the payment of US$50 valid for one year.
You have to start the driving practice with somebody who is having a driving license in his name. The practice is to be done in three phases. First phase is to drive in empty parking lots learning the most basic aspects of the driving. The second phase is to drive in medium traffic conditions in the suburban areas. The third phase is to drive on highways and free ways under normal conditions and also in extreme conditions like during night times, rains etc. All the practice hours are to be logged in a booklet supplied by the MVA authorities. These hours are also to be certified by the driver who is teaching you. The total 60 practice hours are to be performed before you can appear for the final driving test.
You also have to leave time interval of at least 6 months from the date of issue of the learner’s permit to appear for the test, and must obtain a driving license within one year of the issue of learner’s permit as otherwise you will have to obtain a new learner’s permit once again. You are thus left with only 6 months during which you have to clear your driving test. The driving test mainly comprises of the three main aspects, namely parallel parking, “K”turn or the three-point turn, and the controlled driving in reverse direction. Make sure to learn all these practices thoroughly. The parallel parking is the most difficult out of these three. You have to park your car in the gap, 10 feet more than the length of your car. This needs a good amount of control and practice. Master this technique and then, you are ready to appear for the driving test. You must take your test appointment in advance as there is a great rush and you might get the appointment 3 to 4 weeks after your request. Decide in advance which car you will be using to appear in the test.
Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the car systems like how to switch on the headlights, turn signals, wipers operation, the fuel tank opening, steering lock procedure, and the doors/windows closing etc. You may try to select a small car for the test, as it will be easy to maneuver such car while doing parallel parking. The car must be in a tiptop condition without any problems as otherwise your test will not be taken on that car. The driver must accompany you to the test spot. Make sure to carry your certified logbook of the driving practice. When the officer sits in the car, the accompanying driver has to get down. You will then sit in a driver’s seat and follow the instructions given. There are mainly three aspects that come in the way of most of the Indians to pass the test and they are driving on the right side of the road, high speed of the driving, and reading of all the signboards on the way in time to take correct exits. The practice is the only way to overcome all these factors. Remain cool and composed during the test and do not get angry or agitated. I myself had to appear the test for three times as I failed first two times. No charges are taken if you fail in the test but if you pass the test, you will be issued with a driving license against the payment of $20.
Driving is really an art and you must master that art prior to getting the license. Our goal should be to learn the art of driving rather than obtaining the license. If you concentrate on this, you will be successful on the first attempt only.
