I have a confession to make. I’ve been in Oregon for over a year and I haven’t gotten my Oregon driver’s license yet. Not because I think I might move back to California (everyone knows how much me and my family love it here), but because I’m afraid of not passing the written test. 
I haven’t had to take a written driver’s test since I first got my license when I was sixteen. That was a lot of years ago, and while I know I’m a good driver, I also know that I drive “instinctively”, if that makes sense. I do pay attention to road signs and I drive cautiously, but I know there are some road and driving rules that I’m not aware of. I haven’t had a ticket in years (knock on wood, which I just did 
), and my California license was always automatically renewed before it expired. Other than that first test at age sixteen, I haven’t had to deal with thinking about the rules of driving. And, from what I’m learning, there are different rules about driving here in Oregon than there were in California.
So, I’m staring at a book with 107 pages of driving rules and regulations. 
I know I NEED to get this test taken so I can finally get my Oregon’s driver’s license. I’ll be studying the manual and taking the test SOON. No more procrastinating!
How many of you have had to take a driver’s test after the first one you ever took? Did you pass or fail? Any tips on how to make this less stressful for me? 
Janelle Denison finds it hard to believe that it’s been nearly 25 years since she first started writing romance novels. At first, it was a way to pass idle time while her husband worked swing shift, but before long it became an obsession to get published. Luckily, she kept at it (it took her over 5 years to get that first book published!) and is now a Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, and USA Today Bestselling author! Now, after selling over 45 plus novels, she finds that her Plotmonkey pals help to keep her stories fresh and unique, and she can’t imagine writing a story without their input. Janelle lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, along with two teenage daughters that keep life interesting.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
Subscribe to Posts 
Comment
I haven’t had to take the written test again since I first sat it. However here in NZ, we have a graduated license system – Learners (the written), Restricted (a practical) and Full (another practical). I’m still on my Restricted so still have to sit another practical. Otherwise so long as I make sure I can prove that I can see properly I can automatically renew my license every 10 years. The machines here always fail me because there is a significant difference between the sight in each eye.
Restricted allows you to drive on your own – the only passengers allowed are your dependents and SO. I also prevents you from driving between 10pm and 5am.
I don’t blame you for procrastinating on the test – half the reason I haven’t sat the full is that I don’t want to have to take it multiple times.
Comment
If that were the case here in the states, I’d procrastinate more than I already have, LOL!
Comment
I guess when I moved to NC I must have had to take the written test again, but it’s been so long ago now that I’ve forgotten. Our licenses don’t automatically renew, we have to go in and take the sign test and the vision test every 5-8 years, depending on your age. When hubby had to renew his in May he studied that sign test for days, afraid he wouldn’t know them. Like you said, when driving we just work on instinct and have enough sense to see a sign for a railroad crossing and then see the tracks ahead and put them together. But when the signs are all clumped together there on the screen, with nothing to connect them to, it makes it a different ballgame. (BTW – yesterday was his 6 month mark with no seizures so he’s now cleared to drive all the time, anywhere, anytime – YAY!!!!)
Good luck with the studying. I know you can do it!!!
Comment
Alannah, great news that your husband is able to drive anytime now.
Also such good news that he has had no seizures in 6 months. I’m sure you are both so happy about that.
Comment
Yeah Jodie, does anyone call you that anymore…your hubby is doing so well…I am so happy for you…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment
I’m so glad to hear about Charles!!! That’s cause to celebrate, big-time!
Comment
I haven’t had to take any driver’s test since my first one at 16. In TN you get to renew every 5 years. So far, no test have been involved, but I’m not sure if that goes one forever. If I had to take a test to drive, I would need to study for a few days. Like you, I just drive “instinctively” since I’ve been driving for so many years.
Comment
Well, I’ve started to study the pamphlet, and some of the stuff is so confusing! Oy!
Comment
Since the first test, which took me three attempts to pass, btw, I’ve been retested only once. That was when we moved from Ohio to Florida. Only a driving test, in the tiny town where we lived. I passed, and the examiner also detected a problem with the brake booster thingy! Sort of a twofer! LOL
Comment
I had to take a written test when I moved to Colorado back in 1987. I got the driver’s manual, studied it and the only thing I missed was a question about car seats for kids. The clerk just looked at me, told me the answer and I passed.
Trust those instincts, Janelle. You’re a smart lady. Put your doubts away. Have Don and the girls quiz you on it. You’ll pass with flying colors.
Cher
Comment
Okay, here’s where I admit that I took an on-line Oregon practice driver’s test and I missed three of the questions out of ten!
Comment
NY has practice tests online, which I took when my daughter was taking her permit test. When we went in for the test, we actually found an incorrect answer (or actually, more ambiguous) on the test and I think she got extra points for that one!
We only have to go in for an eye test if we don’t have a current statement from the eye dr. about vision, otherwise you can renew online. If you go past the renew date however, you do have to go back in.Ack!
The worst problem is the picture. We had one guy at work that went in for a new one since his picture was so old it looked nothing like him. They took a new picture and still put the old one on the license. Another guy came in who had just moved here and gotten his license.They put the wrong first name on it!
Check to see if they have practice tests online and pay attention to those things that are different from CA. You’ll be fine!
Comment
Yes, I took the practic tests, which showed me I have to study a lot more before going to take the real test. I really had to think about some of the questions, because of the way they’re worded it was very confusing!
Comment
I had to take a test when my husband and I moved to Las Vegas, which I put off doing for 2 years because I was afraid I would fail. I waited to the last minute before my Ohio licence expired. Then two years later when my husband and I moved back to Ohio I had to take a written test again. That one I didn’t put off for as long and passed but not by a lot. I hope to never have to go through that again. It is way too stressful because you really don’t know what each state will choose to test you on.
Comment
Well, I’ve been lucky. Back in the olden days (I’m 57) when I was sixteen since I had passed drivers education in Kansas all I had to do was take the eye test to get my first license. Since then, due to my ex-husband I’ve held licenses in Kansas & Missouri multiple times and licenses in New Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma. Each time I changed I was lucky and just had to surrender old license and take written test and eye exam. Now in Missouri we have 6 year licenses and you take a sign test and eye test to renew. So in other words, I’ve never had to drive to get a license. Hope I never do. I’m sure you will do fine. I stressed when I did the New Mexico one. The only question I missed had to do with trailer length on a semi. Since I didn’t read the CDL portion of the book I was clueless and took a guess. Was wrong but passed anyway.
Linda Henderson
Comment
Janelle, Here in CA, had to take my lst test in years (because of age). Like others said I took some online practice tests (there’s also some listed at AAA.org). I have to tell you, I studied for 2 weeks straight, as the book had increased 10-fold since I last took one. At least for the CA test I have always found the Qs tricky, not difficult, but, tricky. With the CA there are lots of Qs about the amount of alcohol in the system before being arrested. Since I don’t drink, I didn’t know any of these–so, look for those. After 2 weeks straight I took the test & it was 100%, but, really sweated bullets before it.
Patricia
Comment
LOL — I’m so glad I’m not the only one who has stressed over taking a driver’s test later in life!
Comment
Wow. I’ve never lived anywhere where you had to retake the taste. When I moved from Oklahoma to Colorado, I simply had to relinquish my OK license to get the new CO one. Same when I moved from Colorado to Texas, and then back to OK. All the other states, Lawyer Guy was in the military so we remained licensed in our home state of residency.
When I took the test the first time, lo those many-many years ago, I read the book in the morning, went in and took the test that afternoon. Passed it with a perfect score as it was multiple guess. Not sure how I’d do now.
Good luck with it!
Comment
Janelle…good luck….I know in this state, if your car license doesn’t match your driver’s (ie. a different state) you can get a ticket for it. Be sure to do it soon.
I would just focus on doing it. Commit two weeks, read the book, have Don and your kids quiz you and do it. I know every school year (see, I am now focused on school), I just commit to a month and a half of everyone getting adjusted (especially oldest, depending on if he’s moving schools and then it’s three months). Committing to it is half of the battle.
Comment
You’re right, Katie. Oh, Don and Danielle have to take the test, too! They don’t have their driver’s license for Oregon yet, either. And now that I know I can be fined/ticketed for not having one, I’m getting it done SOON!
Comment
I had to do the same thing when I moved to CA from NJ a couple of years ago. Was terrified of the written test, but it turns out most driving rules are pretty much the same between the two states, so I just had to learn what was different. Got a perfect score! You can do it!
Comment
Janelle I moved from Oregon to Washington when I was 19 I was so afraid of taking my test I didn’t take it untill I was 21 it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be and I passed it which was relief. The other reason I put it off was that in Oregon the tags for the car was a flat rate I can’t remember like 40.00 and Washington at the time depended onwhat you car was worth so it cost me like 300.00 to get tags every year for my car until the 30.00 car tag passed years later. When we moved to Florida to switch my license all I ghad to do was take an eye test I know understand why there are so many horrible drivers in Florida. I think that you will do fine I remeber moving from Colorado to Oregon my mom took her test and missed the question about backing out of the driveway the answer was to get out of your car and make sure noting is behind you. I’m sure there is alcohol level questions and school bus info good luck.
Comment
I’m in the same boat as you. I haven’t had to take the written test since 16 in CA either. It’s been almost 30 years (holy cow!!!
) And I just renewed, and didn’t even have to go into the DMV. All online. I’m terrified of what will happen next time I have to actually go in.
All I can say is good luck! And you know that you’ll pass. Think positive!
Comment
I think I waited and kept putting it off for the same reason you have. I was afraid of not passing, even though I was a safe driver. Even the way they do things now and the things they teach in drivers ed is different now than it was Waaaay back when I took the class and the test.
Comment
I had to take the written twice when I was sixteen, but I passed it the first go round when we moved to Ohio a few years ago! It’s not as hard as you think, I promise, although I sympathize–it took me about a year to get up the guts to take the test, too!
Comment
Janelle, you will do fine. I bet there aren’t that many differences. I honestly don’t remember the last time I took a written test since I got my CA. license after moving from OR. but I know I have! Try not to get so stressed, you know you can do it. Most of it is just common sense and things you already know. All that said I don’t do well on tests but I have always passed any test for my drivers license. Just do it soon & then it will be done.
Comment
I took my written test at 15 (many moons ago)and the driving part of the test at 16. I really botched the driving test but the state trooper took pity on me because I didn’t know what a turn- about was. I turned into a neighborhood and drove around the block when in reality he wanted me to do what we call a three point turnaround.
The biggest thing to pass in GA is the parallel parking part of the driving test you do that and you have it made. I know this to be true because my youngest just did the test in May.
Now in GA you can get your license renewed by mail if you are a safe driver and under the age of 55. After age 55 you have to go in and do the eye test.
.
I will have the picture of me at 39 until I am 54 years old
Good luck with test. I am sure you will do fine.
just look at all the bad drivers on the road. They passed somehow.
Comment
Janelle,
When I took my driving test at age 16 in Ohio, my mother and I “shopped” for the easiest test around, a small town that didn’t require parallel parking to pass. After I moved to CA, I crammed for the written test and realized there were several rules I never had to learn in flat-land Ohio, like mandatory slow-moving vehicle pull-outs on mountain roads. Then I had to take the written test again three years later when I moved to WA, but I learned the tricky permissible left turn on red going from a one-way street to another one-way street. That move is what separates Seattle drivers from tourists.
Good luck on your Oregon test! Remember there’s always a school bus question.
If you have time, I would enjoy your comments on my dialog writing blog this week. I love your plot monkeys workshop and hope to see you in October at the Emerald City Writer’s Conference.
Comment
My cousin and I just took our grandma to the DMV a few weeks ago to take a written test. Sadly, she failed….twice. (Which secretly everyone is thankful for because she really shouldn’t be driving)
My advice would be to really pay attention to the questions and answers, cause sometimes they like to throw something in to trick you. Also, study the road signs: for instance some places have carpools as 2+ while other areas specify 3+ people. If the DMV is really busy you might want to take earplugs to help keep you focused and not susceptible to all the distractions around you. A lot of places make you stand while taking the test, but if you’d feel more comfortable sitting than they have a designated area all you have to do is ask. I believe there is also an audio version of the test if you prefer to have the questions read to you.
Good Luck!!!! Study hard!
<3 J
Comment
Yikes Janelle–I’d probably have had a hard time passing, too, if Maryland had required me to re-take the test when I moved here. Can’t even imagine!
I am taking my 18 yo to the DMV Wednesday for the driving portion. She has been so laid back, not really interested in getting her license even though she’s had her permit for 2 years! They require parallel parking here (ack!) so she hasn’t been in any all-fired hurry. But now that she’s leaving for college, I figure we’d better just get it out of the way.
Hope she passes!
Comment
I’m having that problem with Kellie, too. She’s 17 and has NO desire to drive at all. But I told her she’ll be starting driver’s ed soon, because I don’t plan on being her chauffeur once she graduates from high school. After that, she’s on her own, LOL!
Comment
Hey Janelle, I wish you the best of luck with the written test…
I have been fortunate to not have to take the test when I moved from Rhode Island to Connecticut. I am hoping that I never have to do it again either. Like your CA license, mine just renewed automatically.
Nowadays, they give the test on computer, and the last time I took it, it wasn’t that bad. I am confident you will do well. Just remember the rules of test taking…trust your instincts…you should be pretty good at that since you drive instinctively anyway. Your first answer is usually correct. If it is multiple choice, eliminate the ones you know are definitely wrong, then now it is 50/50…kinda like millionaire right? I am gonna go read the rest of the responses…good luck!!! It is so great to have you back.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment
Hey, Paula — Don told me you started a chat with me on Facebook, but it was him, not me, LOL. I need to do something with my FB page — it’s so blah! I just haven’t had the time.
Comment
Yep, he let me know it wasn’t you. I can’t wait to see what it looks like when he is done playing with it…lol…Well, it is good that Don and Danielle have to take it too…it’s a family affair…you guys should have fun quizzing each other…hey, 7 out of 10 is not so bad…just remember, it is called practice test for a reason. You will be fine…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment
Comment
I failed the first time too. I was WAY TOO STRESSED OUT about driving, I had a fear that I built up in my head. I had to get professional driving lessons to get over my fear.
Comment
Just read the manual and you’ll do fine. It’s like a multiple choice quiz on the computer.
The part I failed when getting my first license in Oregon was the driving test. Of course it might have been because my mother had just taken the Chevette in to have it fixed and we picked it up that morning from the dealership.
I went to turn left into downtown Roseburg and the turn signal came out of the steering column in my hand. The old lady who was giving the test asked if I could put it back in. I tried and windshield fluid came squirting up. And the wipers controls were…oh, yeah…in my hand. I ended up looking like a spastic for the remainder of the drive as I tried to downshift, stick my hand out the window to signal turns and steer at the same time. I failed on account of equipment malfunction.
So don’t sweat the written test. You can do it.
Comment
Oh my goodness Theresa. I may have giggled so loudly my neighbors could here (it’s almost midnight). I also may be crying a tiny bit because I HAD to read your comment twice.
Comment
Janelle, what happened? Did you take it? I am so nervous/excited for you. I too moved up from California. First to WA, and then slid down the coast here to OR (Portland). And I too need to take the test but have been so afraid. It’s been 2-3 years since I have been out of CA. I did just take the sample test and got 9/10 right. Not too bad, I suppose. I read that handbook, like you. I giggled a little when it talked about farm animals and what to do if they’re in the road. Oh, and remember the silly two way street to one way street on a red light
thing they have here. You CAN do it, as long as traffic permits. Unlike CA and WA. I am so very nervous, but you know.. most people here have said it’ll be okay. So I guess we should believe them.