Jamie's Corner: The New Driving Test

 In the movies, I am not the elegant lady that walks down the stairs and charms her guests with grace and beauty. I am the one that trips on her gown, spills wine on her new dress and tries to carry on a conversation with spinach stuck in between her teeth. Years ago, it used to affect my sense of self and make my depression worse. But I no longer see it that way. A writer once told me anything that does not go smoothly in life makes for a good story. I agree. And I have lots of stories.

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My story this week: The New Driving Test

I heard that parallel parking is no longer on the driving test. I guess the DMV did not feel that it was relevant in today's society. I think maybe it's time to make other changes to the driving test. Here are my suggestions of additions to make today's driving test more relevant.

Using the Entertainment System: Today's vehicles are a variable entertainment system on wheels. The radio, CD players, Blue Tooth devices. Drivers today have a variety of controls to operate, including the entertainment system. How and when to do this is important. This needs to be on both the written and physical examination!

Drive-Throughs: Today's driver needs to be equipped and ready to handle drive-throughs at the local fast-food joints and some cafes. The driver-to-be needs to understand how to deal with the crowded parking lot, how to line up, and how to navigate the sharp turns in the drive-through. Not testing this makes them dangerous to the rest of us in line. The new driver needs to learn how to order at the drive-through as well. Remember, it's a drive-through. There is no reason a 15 minute discussion is needed.

Driving while Drinking (water or coffee that is): Let's face it, today's driver, with all the time spent in the vehicle, will eventually be driving with a bottle of water or a cup of coffee in the car. It would be irresponsible if this task is not added to the driving test. It is a part of driving in 2023.

Driving today is different. The driver's license test needs to reflect our current society. Today's new driver needs to be ready for the challenges of 2023!