Recently, I took my annual driver’s test required in Illinois by my birthday to renew my license. Another female, who looked to be in my age group, was also in the secretary of state’s office doing the same thing. She had recently received a traffic ticket, which just showed up on her record requiring her to also complete the written test in addition to the eye exam and driving.
While the woman waited, I overheard her confide to the young man who accompanied her, “I’m nervous–I haven’t had a chance to study.”
As I remember the questionnaire from when I was sixteen and seeking my first permit, there were answers that required a number of feet. I had judiciously reviewed the booklet, “Rules of the Road.”
It’s still referred to as the written test but instead of handing the lady a pencil and paper, an employee led her to a machine and gave her instruction on how to use it. I don’t know if the senior citizen was familiar with modern technology or if this added to her jitters. Three attempts to pass the state exam are allowed.
I’m glad I only had to pass the eye exam and drive my car with a friendly person in the seat beside me giving directions.
Like it or not, older people are forced to keep up with the times. I’ve learned to pump my own gasoline, get my cash from an ATM and use a computer the same way I drive a car–turn it on and turn it off. If we’re lucky, we have someone close to us who can help when there’s a problem.
Some Amish families live about twenty miles north of us in Wisconsin. I often see a man driving a horse and buggy when I travel the road to Madison to visit friends. On a nice, summer day, I sometimes think they have the right idea ignoring modern civilization. A blustery, winter afternoon, kills that thought–I’m enjoying my car with its heater and realize I wouldn’t be making the trip without it.
Do you have problems coping with technology?