Third Time's Charm?

I had another driving test today. It was scheduled for the afternoon at 1:00 pm, not at 8:30 like I had originally thought. I discovered this last night, which was great, since I got to stay up a little later and study. And since the last two tests that I failed were morning tests, I figured a change of appointment would maybe play a part in my luck.

Apparently, it did. I passed today's test with what seemed to be a perfect run. The instructor made some encouraging comments about two turns in, and I chatted with him for a little bit, before getting back to the business of passing.

Today, I made sure to spin my head and my shoulders when looking in my blind-spots. I even called out each mirror and location to which I looked, letting the instructor know that I was checking everything all the time.

One of the tougher spots on the course, the kirikae - or the "crank" - a Tetris-shaped piece path through which we have to maneuver without hitting the curbs or any of the poles set up around it, went really well today. Last time I backed up just to make sure I didn't touch anything. But today, I had plenty of room and breezed through it. The S-curve went well, too, though in all three times I took it, I was certain my front bumper was going to rub the curb - but it never did.

I pulled into the final parking spot, where the instructor told me to get out. After checking to see that no (imaginary) traffic was coming up behind me, I opened the door, checked below the door for dangerous items, stepped out, and walked to the other side of the car (where the instructor was sitting), when he gave me the good word: "Pass."

Four of us passed today, today being the third visit for two of us, fifth visit for the other two. We spent the next hour or so doing paperwork and just reveling in being done with the hardest part of the process. I go back Monday for a 30 minute lecture, on driving safety I presume, after which I will be handed my Japanese driver's license. Good timing, considering applying for a replacement Illinois license from Japan is proving to be a real pain in the ass.

All in all, I spent Y12,000 on driving school, Y12,000 on test paperwork, Y10,000 on tolls to get to Naha, Y10,000 on gas for the five trips needed to get it all done (two for paperwork and three for driving test attempts), and 5 days of holiday for time off school. Approximately $440 for the whole deal (though tack on about another $40 for Monday's gas and tolls). I'm glad to be almost done spending (wasting?) the time and the money.