Today I did something that I’ve been putting off for a long time. Like, for thirteen years or so. When I moved to Canada, I had not had my Washington State driver’s license for very long. I used public transportation AND hated tests, so I didn’t get my license until I was nineteen and engaged. When I moved up here and needed a BC license, I went in with my full fledged WA license and found out that because I hadn’t had it long enough, I would have to be a “Novice” driver and have a lower license on the graduated licensing system here. I have had various reasons throughout the years for why I would not just take the test and get rid of it (namely, the fact that I hate tests…did I mention that?) but this year I just felt like it was long past time. My license was up for its five year renewal which seemed like the perfect time to deal with it. Over time, it had become something that I hardly ever told anyone because it was downright embarrassing. Most people here get their learner’s at sixteen, get their N as soon as they can and then get rid of their N within two years. Here I am, about to turn thirty-six with eight kids and an N!
I knew I couldn’t use my Hutterite White (our 15 passenger van) to take the test as it has some engine issues and needs a new windshield. Plus it just seemed like it would be a lot easier with a smaller vehicle. I took a 90 minute training course to familiarize myself with the vehicle and also with road rules that I either wasn’t aware of fully or I had just gotten out of the habit of doing after driving for sixteen years. I went in this morning, did a pre-test drive with the instructor to clear up a few issues I had the week before and then took my test. I was all kinds of nervous all week but in the end, had a very pleasant experience and did so well that he didn’t even have to test me on everything because I didn’t have any demerits knocking my score down. We finished in twenty minutes when there is around thirty-five in the test period. The hilarious thing is that I had a dream last night that this exact thing had happened – that I did so well I was done in twenty minutes.
I made a decision recently that there are some things I have put off over time or have avoided because they honestly scare me a bit. This was one of those challenges that I needed to deal with and get over. I think the next thing is going to be skating again…didn’t grow up skating on ice regularly and I haven’t done it EVER in Canada, believe it or not. But it was something I always loved to do before I moved here even though I was never very good at it. I’m not sure what will come after that but it feels good to check one thing off the list!
not-that-mama.ca 