I finally got my license. I went to the license center this morning to take my driving test, and I passed. I was actually quite surprised, I expected I might have to take it several times.
I was the last one to hand in my paperwork to the clerk, which meant that I was the first person to drive. I got into the car trying to remember all of the tips and tricks I had been able to find on the internet, but still very worried that I would mess it all up. Another person who was to take the test after me sat in the back seat. The tester said to begin, so I started the engine and set off.
The test turned out not to be too difficult. The only problem I had was the strong urge to use my left hand to operate the turn signal (it is on the right side in Japan). I made it through the crank section and the S section without touching the curbs or having to back up. I know that I messed up in a couple of places, such as one time that I failed to look over my left shoulder when making a left turn, and once I signalled late for a right turn.
When I finally got back to the starting lane, I was told by the tester to go inside the waiting room and wait. At that moment I knew I had passed, had I failed, I would have been given and explanation of what I had done wrong, and been sent back to the window to make an appointment for another test.
The man sitting behind me also passed his test, and we celebrated our passing by having a long conversation. He was a young Japanese man who had just returned from America, and we had a lot to talk about.
We had to wait for 9 other drivers to test before we could leave. Out of 11 of us, only 3 passed the test. After getting our licenses, I had lunch with my new friend, and we promised to get together on an upcoming weekend.
The process of paperwork, waiting, driving, waiting, paperwork, waiting, photograph, waiting, and then license issue took a little more than three hours. We were finished by noon exaclty. As we left, we many of those who had failed the test waiting in front of the appointment window to make another appointment. One of them was crying, as she had made a serious mistake. The testor had made her stop the car, get out, and get into the back seat, then he drove the car back in himself. I hope she has better luck next time.
But anyhow, I finally have my Japanese drivers license
