This week I had a different topic in my mind. I had already started writing and while I was half way through, I received news I had been long waiting for. I passed my practical driving test. Yes, I am talking about driving again. It means a lot to me.
I started learning here in the United Kingdom with its narrow two-way roads and very strict driving rules and very strict testing scheme. It would be no exaggeration to say that taking a driving test in the UK is an uphill task and passing the exam is a huge achievement.
I cleared the test in my second attempt. In the first attempt, I committed mistakes and realized my follies on the spot but continued in the hope that I might succeed as I had performed well. So, I remained calm and confident. But then the inevitable happened. “Unfortunately Mrs. Kadi, you have failed your test over…”
Those few words really came as huge disappointment. I had invested a lot on driving lessons and had thought that I was ready for the D-Day but I did not.
Left with no choice I booked another test and was given six weeks. The time given for the next test added to my disappointment.
During those six weeks, my father decided to visit me in the UK. I thought of buying a car and to practice driving with my father. In the UK, if you are learning how to drive, you can drive with someone over 21 and who has a full license for over three years. My father is the most careful driver I have ever seen. He appeared to be the perfect man for this quest.
Acting on my plan, I bought a car with insurance and started practicing on a daily basis. After all the training that I had received, I thought I was more ready than ever.
Then came the big day. The night before the test, I could not sleep a wink. I kept thinking about the test and what will happen if I did not pass this time. No, I need to pass the test, I need the car, and I need the convenience of having a vehicle that can get me from one place to another at my own convenience. It was my need and an unaffordable luxury, as being a Saudi woman I had spent all of my earlier life being driven by someone else. On the test day, I was so nervous and stressed, I could barely breath and I felt that I have forgotten all what I have learned. Anyway, the test started and the examiner asked me to turn left at the end of the road, and I confidently signaled right and was heading right, he corrected me politely and I had to apologize that my sense of direction is just a mess and I always mix between right and left. This added to my already stressed out nerves and I felt my face hot and my heart was pounding but I carried on with the test. I went on as directed and I managed to do the required maneuver (which was turn in the road) accurately without hitting the curb (or someone) and I felt a bit relieved. And then at the independent driving part of the test, where the examiner gives you a diagram to follow not personal instructions, the test turned into a mess for me. My sense of direction is bad so I missed the road. He had to direct me again and of course during that I was so sure about my failure. I was about to stop the car and tell the examiner “please don’t play this game with me, I know I failed so please tell me now and lets go back to a place where I can hide and cry.”
I completed the test and returned back to the test center red faced and stressed, then the examiner asked me with a poker face: “Do you want us to wait for your instructor to give you the results?”
I faintly said yes knowing that the instructor’s presence won’t change the result. Finally, the instructor came and the examiner said: “OK Mrs. Kadi, I am pleased to tell you that you have passed your test.”
I couldn’t believe my ears, I shouted in excitement and felt as if I was over the moon. Finally, I did it. He then told me that the independent driving was not about testing your sense of direction; the test was all about safety and control. Although, I had committed several mistakes but they were minor and did not jeopardize safety. So yes I am now officially holding a driving license. Some people might think, “Huh, what an achievement, get a life!” But for me it’s an achievement and I am proud of it and I feel it’s important enough to dedicate an article to it.
@ HatoonKadi
