Driving in the Sunshine State

So I just had my Driver’s License, and until now it is still overwhelming. And while the excitement has not settled down yet, I have decided to take the time to blog the process that I had gone through in order to help those people who will undergo the same path.

I am in the State of Florida so I am hoping that these tips would be useful for future Floridian drivers. I will try my best to simplify the process coming from a layman’s point of view.

The Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Florida issues four classes of licenses- A, B, C and E. The first three are for drivers of commercial vehicles. Class E is for drivers for non-commercial ones. As for me, being someone who has no plans of driving a truck or a bus, I applied for the latter type.

FLORIDA DRIVER’S HANDBOOK. Before even calling the Department for a scheduled appointment, make sure that you already have the Driver’s Handbook for you to study or review. In my case, my husband was strict. He wanted me to go over everything from cover to cover. Though obliged, I didn’t really adhere.  At the last minute I was already cramming.  As it worked for my advantage (because I am more effective under pressure), I suggest that you read the handbook diligently.  Though you are only given 20 questions about the Florida Law, and another 20 for the Traffic signs it is still relieving to know that you have with you the knowledge that you need for any circumstance that will come along the way.  As they say in Law “Ignorantia legis nun excusat.”  (Ignorance of the law excuses no one).

APPOINTMENT. Call the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Licensing Division for an appointment. The office opens at exactly 8A.M. When I got there for my 8A.M. appointment there were already three people outside the door falling in line. Two of them didn’t make an appointment. So when it was already 8, the officer first called those people with the appointments. As it turned out, I was entertained first.

PROPER IDENTIFICATIONS. Identifications can be primary or secondary. Make sure to present at least one primary ID. An example for this are:

Original or certified Birth Certificate

State ID

US Passport

Naturalization Certificate

Green Card

Employment Authorization

Secondary identification includes but not limited to the following:

Driver’s license

Florida Vehicle Registration Certificate

Voter’s Registration Card

In my case, they asked for my Social Security Card along with the Green Card and my Philippine Driver’s License.

VISION TEST.

PICTURE TAKEN. Don’t forget to smile. You will be holding on to this license in the next six years. You don’t want to be embarrassed every time you pull it out for identification.

COMPUTER TEST. All questions are found in the booklet. 20 questions about the Florida Traffic Rules, 20 about Road signs. You are only allowed 5 mistakes on each set. Master parking uphill for this may come out either in this test or in the actual Driving Test. What constitutes a DUI was asked in my test, as well as speed limits. Questions are tricky, so it only requires common sense. Take your time and analyze. Most of the questions with a choice that is “all of the above” usually have that as the answer.

DRIVING TEST. Relax and be confident. Make sure that the car you are using is the same car you’ve been practicing. Make sure that it is in good condition including the brake lights, turn signals and tires. Proper posture must be observed, and be ready to just listen to all instructions. Think that the Instructor is better than having your husband or father on the passenger seat. That was true for me! hehehe!

PAYMENT. When you pass all tests (which I am sure you will, especially after taking my notes seriously) you will be asked to pay 20 dollars. They will give you a temporary permit good for 30 days as you await for your card that will come in the mail.

CONGRATULATIONS! Possessing a license- as it is a privilege, is also an affirmation of ones independence.