Hey Texas, What Car Did You Use To Take Your Driving Test?

Taking your driving test is a huge step in life. At least it feels like it at the time. Do you remember the car you took your test in? Would you change it if you got a second chance?

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I Took My Driving Test In Purple Rain

I took my first driving test in my mother's Chrysler Concorde. We called it "Purple Rain," because it was this weird shade of not really purple, but close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades.

I never thought I looked too cool riding around in that plum colored boat.

How I Was Lucky Enough To Get To Do It Twice, 20 Years Apart

Did you know that the state of Texas doesn't appreciate you letting your license expire? Especially, if you're from out of state? That's a true pandemic, 2020 story.

Long-short is that I forgot to look often at my license to see if was near expiration.

When you do that, you have to take both the written and driving test again. It seemed extreme to me, but rules are rules.

Taking A Written Driving Test 20 Years Later

I didn't even know I would have to take a written test. I guess they assumed I did know. They set me down at a computer and let me have a shot at it.

I passed. Barely.

Most of the questions were about fines. Very little about actual driving, which I thought was odd.

I got my learner's permit at the age of 36. Good times.

You Will Have To Watch Those Videos Agagin

Remember those videos we had to watch in driver's ed? The "red pavement" style films designed to scare us into going the speed limit and not drinking and driving?

You will have to watch a series of videos before you take your driving test, and they've changed since we were kids.

These videos hardly ever, maybe once or twice, mentioned driving under the influence. The main focus of all three videos I had to sit through was "don't text and drive."

I guess it has become a much bigger problem than most of us realize...

A Driving Test As An Adult Couldn't Be Bad, Right?

Wrong. It was nerve wracking. I kept my hands at 10 and 2. I squeaked by on parallel parking. Where they got me was checking side roads. Watch out for those side roads when you go to take a test. Keep your head on a swivel.

Upgrade For My Second Driving Test.

My first driving test was pretty normal. Drive your mom's purple-ish boat around the block a few times, five miles under the speed limit.

My second test, was in my wife's Dodge Charger. Much cooler the second time around.

What To Do About Getting Your License If Yours Has Expired

Know that it's going to take a couple of weeks at least for you to get at least a paper copy of your new one. You can use this link to go over all of the details on what paper work to take with you.

For the love of all that is holy, make an appointment. Take it from me, you want to make that appointment as early as possible in the day. You'll be in and out pretty quick.