Florida Driver's License

Well, Rosie has been on my case for a long time about this and finally she got fed up and just made an appointment for me. I had no choice but to get studying and go.

A lot of websites tell you the requirements for whatever kind of license you want. NOT ONE of them told me what I really needed. I wanted a "First Time Florida Driver's License" as I never had a Florida or even US license before. A website claimed I had to have a DATA (Drug and Alcohol Traffic Awareness) test. This was required for everybody who needs a first time license. The course took 4 hours!! and cost $29 plus another $10 to get the certificate by e-mail. At the DMV I was NEVER ask to prove this. Total rip off!
Another website stated I'd need hearing and vision tests at the DMV ... nope, nothing.

So what was really required?
I was asked to present my Social Security Number, my proof of residency (i.e. green card), my old pink paper German driving license and I had to write down my Florida address on a piece of paper. I was asked to step back in front of a blue screen (a sheet hanging from the ceiling) to take a picture and send over to a computer terminal for a "written exam". The exam consisted of 40 questions: 20 on Road Rules (not the MTV series!) and 20 on Road Signs. To my shame I have to admit that I got 2 questions wrong, but who knows the maximum length of a tow bar between 2 cars is 15 feet, if you haven't studied? and for the other one "All of the above" is always correct! Nobody told me that and I was surprised to hear that for a first time DUI conviction you can get up to 9 (nine) months in prison. That's scary! Don't drink and drive!!!!

After this I came back to the desk and was hoping to get my license there and then as I have seen other people get theirs. No, sorry, I got a printout. this can be used as a temporary license until I receive my proper ID card in the post. So now I have to wait 10 to 14 days.

How easy is that?