Learning to Drive in USA by Fanli Zeng

As a member of Sinopec executive training group, I have been studying at Marshall University for more than three months. During this period, I learned a lot from our teachers---Dr. Teresa Daniel, Dr. Gary Metcalf, Dr. Drew Ciccarello, Ms. Nikki Thacker and Ms. Jane Taylor. At the same time I learned a lot through some other experiences such as applying for a bank account, conducting surveys by interviewing local Americans, communicating with local Chinese people and getting a driver's license. Here I want to introduce my experience of learning to drive in the USA.

Most of our group members complain about the inconvenient public transportation. In fact, no matter where you are in the USA, you will feel inconvenienced without a car. So the USA is also named as "a country on wheels." Fortunately, I have the opportunity to learn to drive and apply for a driver's license during the period of the four month training program.

In order to get the driver's license, you must take a series of tests that measure your qualifications to drive against established standards. Generally speaking, the tests include a paper test (knowledge of traffic laws examination) and a road test (testing your ability to safely and skillfully operate a motor vehicle in traffic).

I had never driven a car before I came to the USA and I know little about traffic laws and rules of the road. So, first I had to study the driver licensing handbook of West Virginia at first. When I read this handbook I found a lot of questions. I have to ask for help from drivers. Reading driver licensing handbook is not only an approach to studying the basic knowledge about motor vehicle and road rules but also a good way to study English. I took the knowledge of traffic laws examination and passed on November 6, so I got the regular instruction permit. According to the regulation, I can drive a car with the instruction permit but only when an adult age 21 or over with a valid driver's license rides along in the front passenger seat. 

After I got my instruction permit, I had to practice driving to get the regular driver's license. But I had no car to practice, and I had no instructor to teach me driving. Fortunately, I am very glad to know a Chinese person named Zhang Xiaoxiong who is very friendly and willing to help me. Though he was very busy in his job he taught me driving at night. After two times' practicing I took the road test. I failed because I am not very familiar with the equipment in the car and I drove too slow to be thought of inexperienced. Then Mr. Zhang taught me driving patiently several times and I passed the road test finally.

It was a good experience for me to learn to drive in the USA. I will never forget it. During the period, I learned a lot of knowledge about motor vehicles and rules of the road and how to drive in the USA. At the same time, I improved my English to some extent. I will never forget Mr. Zhang Xiaoxiong, a friendly Chinese man.