I Got a Learner’s Licence !

My driving license had to be renewed. I did not feel enthused as I considered the hassles involved in the process.

“Go to the RTO office and talk to the inspector there” said my husband, not in a mood to cooperate. So I went to the RTO office. The inspector looked at my existing license and said. “The simple way is to get an NOC from Delhi ( I had a license from Delhi) and then we can renew this one”.

He is asking me to do an impossible task. I blurted out “ You know it is impossible to get an NOC from Delhi. You know how govt. dept works “ As soon as I said this, I bit my tongue. The inspector was not amused . “In that case you apply for a learner’s license, appear for a test and get a new license”. I couldn’t believe my ears. Here have I been driving for the last 30 years in the crowded streets of Delhi and a test now ? Surely there must be some other method ? The inspector shrugged his shoulders . Rules are rules. He cannot do anything about it. He gave me some forms to be filled up and submit along with a medical certificate ( that I am fit to drive a car ) and the required fees.

Frustrated I walked towards the corridor. A man stood there smiling at me. I thought he must be an ‘agent’. May be he could help. After listening to me he said “ What to do,madam.” ,and lowering his tone,he whispered “ This inspector doesn’t take money”.What a time to meet an honest officer !

The next day I submitted the form duly filled, medical certificates and the fees. I was asked to appear for the test on Saturday at 9 am. (This is Thursday, so I have time to brush up my lessons! )

Saturday morning and I was as nervous as a 10^th standard student going for her board exams. “ This is just a formality. There will not be any test for you”, my husband assured me optimistically ( read uncharacteristically )

I reached the office at sharp 9 am.The inspector took me to a room next to his cabin. A number of computer terminals stared at me. So this is serious business, I told myself. “Which language, madam, Malayalm or English ? “ some one asked me. “ Malayalam“, I said. (I still donot know why I said that) He switched on the computer , clicked on some keys and my name and address appeared on the screen. “Sit down ,please. Your test will start now.” He said and left the room.

The first question appeared on the screen . There were 3 options for an answer and I selected one of them. ‘ Click on the green button now’ said the comp. I couldn’t find any green button. On the screen I could see that time was ticking away. I looked around for some help. One woman ( probably a sweeper or peon ) was watching me with an amused look . I asked her “ Where is the green button ? “ She pointed towards the ‘enter’ key. I struck it and lo and behold, there flashed on the screen “ You have got one mark” !

“ Good job !” I patted myself and continued with more confidence. At the end of the 10^th question the comp. announced “ You have successfully completed the test “. I felt jubilant and went to the inspector’s cabin. At last there was a flicker of smile on his face. 5 minutes more….he handed over the LEARNER’S LICENSE to me. As I walked out of his office I felt as if I have won a bumper lottery .

Ps. The inspector called out “ Madam,you have to come for the actual driving test after a month “. Who cares?