Got California license
The experience at the San Jose DMV office today was satisfying. I thought I would have to come again tomorrow for new plates because the online appoinment rules mention only one item per person at a time, but the guy at the counter considered both items together (license and plate).
I had studied the CA motorcycle handbook yesterday night only partially, before hitting the sack. I had no idea I had to take a written test for general driving in addition to a motorcycle written test. When I saw the 36-question general paper plus the 25-question motorcycle paper my heartbeats went to a steady staccato. I almost knew I would fail on some question which requires remembering some figure. As sure as I was, I failed on both. 9 mistakes on general (3 allowed), 6 on motorcycle (4 allowed). My heart kept sinking at the thought of coming back 12 miles some other day, when the guy gave me another set of papers to try. This time I passed, and with the exact number of mistakes allowed. I was overjoyed.
The happiness from the new interim license and shiny new plate quickly diminished to see the $480 registration fee. At least less than a car, I thought, trying to remain cheerful for the day.
Had NYC-style hot dog from the only one stall on footpath before heading to office. A morning well spent.
UPDATE (21-Jan): Went to DMV again to take the written test for 4-wheeler driving permit. Due to the crowd they let me answer only 18 out of 36 questions and I passed with just one mistake. Wooo hooo. Now just the road test to clear and I can finally rent cars from any airport and drive my parents around when they land up.
January 31st, 2006 at 5:41 pm
Joy, glad you got the CA cycle license. I almost fell over with the registration fee! $480? I thought New York was the worst on taxes. I think mine are 15 or 20 a year.
Steve