On Saturday I finally received my social security card, which is essential to get things done in the U.S. For example, to open a Bank account or to apply for a driver’s license. Today I drove downtown to the DMV office in Huntsville to trade my Swiss drivers license into an Alabama state driver’s license, sounds easy, right? However, when It was my turn at the counter, they told me unfortunately they cannot trade my Swiss divers license into an Alabama state license. This means all my license are not valid after a year in the U.S. Therefore, I have to take for each category a written and when necessary the practice test.
I decided to start with the car drivers license which it the one I need the most. I started with the written test, I had to answer 30 questions in about 20 minutes. The test was not very difficult, even I did not study the driver’s manual before, because I thought I can trade I my Swiss driver’s license. I passed the written test without any mistakes and could right go to the practice test. After 10 minutes of waiting in the car, the expert came out and told me to disinfect the seat and buttons on the passenger seat while she is supervising me. After a short introduction and a safety check of the vehicle, we started the driving exam. For understanding, you bring your own car for the test, there is no need to have driving school car with pedals for the instructor. The drive took us 10minutes, it was basically driving around the block, a full stop and a 3-point turn, that was it. I passed and I got my car driver’s license.
I was wondering if I can get my motorcycle license as well at the same time, the person behind the counter told me I have to take a computer test, similar to the car computer test. I told him I would like to take the test. This test was a bit harder than the car test. However, 20minutes later I passed the test and received my motorcycle license. The good thing is, there is no practice driving test necessary, which works in my favor. To summarize, I spend two hours at the DMV paid around 50 bucks and got two driver’s licenses, I call that a bargain 😊
Well done !