Getting used to the so-called Texas style, I felt somewhat uncomfortable shortly after I relocated here. The first thing is the driver’s license test, which is so much more complicated than the one in Texas. I remember the rules in Texas (5 years ago) was that I could make 7 errors out of 30 to pass the exam. In addition, the exam was computerized. You can just sit down and take your time. However, in California, where I thought would be more morden, I have to stand up in an isolated booth and mark my answers with a pen. In addition, the criteria to pass is so tough that I can make no more than 6 errors in an original test or no more than 3 errors when renewal test out of 36 questions. The questions are very hard too. There maybe two very similar choices both looking correct, or none of the choice seems right. There are many tricky questions too.

Last Tuesday, I had my driver’s license renewed, which I had imagined as simply submitting my newest immigration status. I didn’t expect to take any exam because I just took the last one last summer. When I was asked to take the exam, my mind went a bit blank since I can still remember vividly what a hard time I had last summer. I remember I barely made it with 6 errors. This time, 3!! no way can I pass it. I was going hopeless for the next 30 minutes, reading carefully each single word in the question. I suddenly remember my students calling my stat exam questions tricky. While, this is even much trickier…How did they get their driver’s license? I suddenly felt that I wasn’t that guilty for my students failing my exam. They just didn’t study hard enough. Anyone who passed the driver’s license test should have the ability to handle my tricky questions! Suddenly I felt funny and not that nervous. I finally barely passed renewal exam with 3 errors made. Oh La La…(this is my Frech student Rachida’s expression for happiness. :) )