I decided to start preparing for the North Carolina state driver's license exam right away. All you need to pass the test is to read the small “Driver’s handbook”. You can get it for free online (http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/driver_services/drivingpublic/applying.html) or at the location where you will take the test (it contains all the traffic rules). Then you must go to the Driver License Office and ask to take the test. The procedure is completely free and consists of two parts: the first is a written test on traffic rules, and the second is the driving test. The written test consists of 25 questions with 4 answer options each. You can try taking a practice test online at: http://www.dmv.org/nc-north-carolina/practice-tests/. But that is paid. In my opinion, it is best to just read the “Driver's handbook”. The questions on the written test are something like this:
- If your right wheels are off the pavement, __________ A. gradually turn back on the pavement. B. brake lightly. C. hold the wheel firmly and steer sharply to the left. D. all of the above
As you can see, there is nothing complicated here. I managed to pass this test on the first try. I made 5 mistakes, which was exactly the allowed limit, and the woman who proctored the test told me I passed and could move on to the driving portion. Hooray.
You take the driving test in your own car. In principle, there is nothing difficult about it. Since the town of Manteo, where I took the test, was quite small and didn't have much traffic, it was easy for me. I just had to drive where the female instructor pointed and do everything she said (make U-turns, brake). Since our Mazda had a manual transmission, I got an extra bonus, as it is very rare for an American to drive a manual. Thus, I passed the driving test, they took my photo, I paid 4 dollars, and I received my American driver's license.
At first, they gave me a paper one, and they promised to send the plastic one in two weeks. In total, on August 5th, we started driving our car completely legally and without fearing the cops. That was our first victory))).
In America, a car is not a luxury, but a means of transportation. For example, in a place like the Outer Banks, the distances between everything are very large, so you need at least a bicycle or a scooter. And even then, it would be difficult. In 2009, I used to ride 20 miles a day on a bike to get from home to one job and then to another. Then I got tired of it and bought a scooter for 500 bucks. Sold it for 600. You need a car. Everyone can afford it. Buying a car doesn't require special knowledge or a lot of money. If 3-4 people chip in, it's pennies, but the benefit of having a car is huge. Gas costs pennies; for 20 dollars, we drove wherever we wanted for a week. People, buy cars!
