I am A okay

For the past months this is the reason why I was busy. Yes, friends I finally got an A (Apprentisage) ! In France, this is a letter sign which is given to a person who successfully passed a driver's licence. For three consecutive years a person needs to place this sign at the back of his car for people to know that he/she is a new driver ! (Or I should say to warn people!?) hehehe ....

Since I am into conduite accompagnée , (driving with company or student driver ). Of course, two weeks before taking the exam I did 4 hours of driving with my driving school L'ECF Ecole de Conduite Française. I cannot do more than 4 hours because no one would take care of my daughter. If only my baby sitter is available during weekdays I could have driven almost everyday but unfortunately this is not the case. He needs to go to school and we could ask him only on weekends. For a year or more I drove with my husband to get ready for that D-day. I tried to take the exam Last January 3, 2005 but I failed, maybe because I am not ready yet and not too prudent so I don't deserve to have a licence.

The day has come! Second try, it started Tuesday, February 13. I took 1 & 1/2 hour (10:30 to 12NN) of driving with my monitor to warm me up before my exam in the afternoon at 2:30. Instead of preparing lunch for us we have eaten out in the resturant to keep me calm and relax for the exam. We went to a restaurant not very far from where the exam will be held. Time is running fast....the clock ticks....and it's time to apply what I have learned. To do the best I could to get this licence...by hook or by crook.

We went directly to the lieu of exam 30 minutes advance. When I saw the school car from afar, I went out from the car and left my husband and daughter who wished me good luck. Saw a very young girl who just took the exam. Now it's my turn so I was the only student taking the exam with a monitor from my school as representative and an inspector beside me. The inspector is the one who decides and determines if I follow and respect the signs and priorities. He has my file with him to take notes if I am capable and deserving to have a licence. To tell you the truth, I was not at all nervous or stressed out because I am determined to get it no matter what it costs me. It's probably because I had warming up therefore I am still hot and in good rhythm. I drove and followed the inspector's instructions if I will turn right, turn left, go straight, make important control before taking a decision and to stop if necessary. He asked me to park the car, he asked me 3 questions regarding the internal functionalities of the car. In short, I drove, maneuver the car and answered 3 of his questions (2 out of 3) that exam lasted for about 35 minutes.

Exam is over ! I didn't know if I did it or not. Inspector told me Merci Madame vous pouvez partir (Thank you Ma'am, you may leave). They told me to wait for the result after 2 days. Two days have passed and I still haven't received a letter from them which is supposed to be mailed. And Makis telling me to call the school just to find out and to released me from torturing myself of thinking. Kala who is sending me YM to boost my moral, thank you very much for the support guys it means a lot to me. My other friends who are always there and who believe in me Ate Zeny, Sarah, Gelaih, Jhona thank you too and most specially to my husband for all the support. My kids who give me the courage and determination everyday. Special thanks to Analyse for the encouraging words you sent. Thank you Lord for not letting me down ! Most especially to my family back home who offered an endless prayers. Hours of lesson is over, the ceaseless yelling of hubby's finally on it's end line, stressing out is finished. Welcome to the new adventure.

the proof

Note : New drivers avail 6 points in their licence for 3 years. Within the span of 3 years I need to be very careful and avoid infractions otherwise I will loose points according to the degree of violation. Generally experienced drivers have 12 points. After 3 years of keeping my 6 points without infraction I will accumulate another 6 points in my drivers licence.

This A is for you and for my independence !

P.S.

For those who are struggling to pass their licence goodluck and I wish you all the best.