When I learned how to drive, the procedure was a lot different than it is today. Back then you only had to do one road test and it was THE TEST as far as getting your license was concerned. On my first attempt, I failed.
It was one of the most epic sad days a 17 year old boy could endure. I actually remember crying in the car when the examiner told me the result. He failed me because I drove too often in the left lane. I had known it to only be a courtesy to remain in the right lane but not a law until that moment! I retook the test 2 weeks later, had a female examiner and passed. The MTO office is a sea of high or low emotion. There is no in between.
For Jes’ driving test she would be prepared. I knew she could drive and was impressed generally so far in how she has progressed as a new driver. I did not know how much difficulty she had with parking until the week of the exam. We tried all sorts of methods and finally she got into a groove the very morning of the exam. I taught her from the first day how to properly reverse a car and suggested to her that she back into as many spaces as possible during the test. For some reason she has more trouble pulling in than backing in and you can never specify a spot. She just takes whatever one she lands in.
She backed into the space behind the MTO building for practice and we went inside to wait. (You have to take a number even though you have an appointment made months in advance.) We eventually were called and I stood outside anxious for my little girl as I watched the family car head out of the parking lot.
It is odd to stand there, while your car drives away. Stolen for a road test! After 15 minutes or so she appeared and rolled to a stop as I saw the examiner point out a spot. He insisted she back in. I watched as the car clicked into reverse, the accelerator pressed gently and the big wheels turning. From my vantage point I could see she almost had it but needed to correct quickly. My heart paused for a moment as she slowly and expertly rolled the steering and the car was parked! Not perfectly centered but hey. I didn’t want to pressure her so I looked away. Her examiner was debriefing as I stole a peek to see Jes giving me a thumb’s up! The beaming smile told me now, SHE PASSED!
After another take a number wait, we were free. as her reward she drove home by way of the Queensway. A 100 KM/H highway that she was not allowed on till that day!
Great job Jes, I love you and am very proud.
[...] teach my daughter to drive to the highest possible standard. She did learn quickly and she did pass all of her tests. She handles a car with precision and doesn’t get lost as long as the GPS [...]