REAL ID–Yippee!
I’ve been a complete nut the last couple of months, studying for my DL renewal and the REAL ID, which is required of each of us who drive, by Oct. 1, 2020. Unless you prefer to use your passport when you travel in the US and/or abroad.
I took the 24 DMV practice tests over and over and over. I also read the DMV manual twice through and really paid extra attention as I read each item. It’s made me a more attentive driver for sure.
Photo by Cristian Musolino on Unsplash
I’m not sure how many years of driving are left to me but more than ever I consider it a privilege to get around on my own when I want to by having a car I can afford and that never lets me down. Of course it helps to have a son-in-law close by who is a car mechanic of the highest order! 😊
I made an appointment for early March and then marched right into the DMV office on time and ready with all the required documents. Everyone was courteous, kind, and professional. Within twenty minutes I had passed the test, posed for a photo, read the eye chart without a hitch (since I recently had cataract surgery), showed the correct documents and handed over my check.
I walked out with a sigh of relief and treated myself to a decaf latte breve at Starbucks. I deserved it. And of course I sent a prayer of gratitude to the one who always guides me.
But then came the ‘shelter in place’ order–so my car is resting in the garage.
I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go; Genesis 26:24
I guess I really do not know how to comment on this one! Smile! When I moved to Orlando in 2012 I was still driving at 84 years of age but WE( daughter, son-in-law and me) all had cars and did not have any space for three! I did not know my way around in this big city anyay and decided it was time I gave up my car – so I did. I did not regret it-really- as I had enjoyed driving myself anywhere I wanted to go including the 1000 miles from my home in Florida to Kentucky for visits until I was 82 and my family felt it was time I started “flying”! Do I miss it? no, not really as I enjoy letting someone else do the risk taking in all of this heavy traffic. I just enjoy “the ride”!
Keep on drivin, Karen, as long as it brings you pleasure!
Love to you. Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I’m sure the day will come when I give up driving, but not quite yet!! 😊
I got my DMV license renewed a year ago just before they started the REALID unfortunately. However, since a friend and I were planning on a Cruise to Alaska out of Vancouver BC this summer I had to renew my passport. Now I have a renewed passport and the cruise is cancelled! So I guess I can just use it anytime we are allowed to travel again. 🙂 I probably won’t need to renew it since I will be 100 years old when it expires. 🙂
Like you Karen, I am thankful that I am still able to drive where ever I wish under normal circumstances. Right now I only drive to places where I can walk and keep my distance from other people. Sunshine and looking at God’s great creation reminds me that He is still in control and we can trust Him to bring us through this unusual time. God bless you Karen.
Thank you for your caring words and wisdom, Etta Mae. It is is lovely still to be able to drive to where we wish to go as long as we keep our social distance from others. I remember you telling me your family had bought you your cute car that I saw when we met for a walk. Keep at it. I’ll do the same, knowing God will direct us when it’s time to surrender the driver’s seat. But of course, when it comes right down to it, the Lord is in the driver’s seat that matters!! 😊
Amen to that Karen . I just trust Him day by day , as that is really all we have…today. I am so glad he “holds the future”.
I haven’t got the RealID you are speaking about. I did have a renewed license in October of 2019. I’ve got to see what I need to do. I am also thankful I can drive now and would like to as long as I am safe for others as well.
Thanks for chiming in, Virla. The REAL ID is required by October 2020 or you can use a passport in its place for travel. Getting the REAL ID is fairly simple. Just check your local DMV for details. They are online too.
You are so cute, Karen. I love how God works on us and then giggles. Just got my REAL ID notice with my DMV license renewal yesterday for my July birthday. Of course, Dick went through this in January, so I know what to do. We found that both of our passports had expired, he only had his birth certificate with the little footprints on it, which they would not accept (they said it was just a commemorative piece, not a legal document!) so we had to get a legal record of his birth on LA County official letterhead online. He went to the post office and renewed his passport and finally received his passport and DMV license in the mail just before the shelter in place order too!!! Have not been in our cars since. Now we are doing jigsaw puzzles fully armed with REAL IDs!!!!
Thanks for the chuckle, Heidi. Same with me. I’m playing WordFeud on my phone with one of my granddaughters while my car and my REAL ID are on sabbatical.