My experience having a driver license

Me

      Where I came from, TOGO,West Africa, having a car is a luxury. People over there think that only rich people can have cars. Those who have cars think themselves  superior to the other. In fact most African drive without a drivers license. They do not have any experience. In contrast, in the USA having a car is a necessity. People over here need cars in order to get to work on time. Cars are not a rich thing in the USA and to have it, you need to have a drivers license.

    My first year in the USA was not so good. I had a chance to be hired by one of my uncles' store, but I lived in STRATFORD and my job was in BRIDGEPORT. So in order to get there, I had to take the bus, but at that time I did not know the bus schedule. It was really difficult for me to get to work on time. Sometimes when I missed the bus, my uncle's wife would come and pick me up. I was so scared to get lost or not be able to find my way home after work.

      One day I was in the car with my uncle when he started telling me that I needed a car but firstly I needed to get a drivers license. He explained to me the steps that I had to take to get my drivers license. He also said that it would be easier for me if I have a car. I got scared because I never drove before. I stayed silent for a moment and then suggested to have a motorcycle instead of a car. The reason why I chose a motorcycle was because I knew how to drive it back to my country. But my uncle said that it was dangerous to drive a motorcycle over here, that it was not safe. So I quickly forget that idea and started reading a driving license booklet. After that I went to the driving school for 8 hours which cost me $150. The driving school gave me a receipt to bring to the D.M.V.( department of motor vehicle) of Bridgeport to take a knowledge test. The knowledge test was $80, it was a test of 25 questions and in order to pass it you have to have 20 out of 25 correct. I did it and passed. After the knowledge test, they gave me an appointment in three months to come back and take the road test which I paid $40.

        At home when I was off, my uncle's wife would take me out and teach me how to drive. I remember the first time I sat on the drivers seat, I was so scared that my two legs started shaking. She told me to take a deep breath and when I was ready to let her know so we can go. In addition to pass the road test I went back to the driving school so that they could teach me to drive. I did three hours of driving with them and paid $125. The instructor taught me how to park the car and some other things.

      The first time I took the road test, I failed. I was so scared for no reason. I got nervous so I did not
park well, especially the reverse parking. Therefore, I took another appointment which I paid $40. The day of the appointment, I failed again. The instructor told me that I was so nervous that I needed to relax and focus on the road. He also said that I did not stop at the red light which I did not remember. Again I paid another $40 for a third appointment  and failed again the day of the test. I was heart broken and that day I was crying. I did not know that having a drivers license was that hard. I started losing hope but at the same time I was tired of taking the bus all the time. I wanted to have my own car. After that experience I gave up but now that am going to San Antonio, Texas to live with my husband and looking to start all over again. Even though I have already spend a lot  of money. I hope I will  get in San Antonio Texas.