I Passed My Driving Test

I had my 4th driving test (behind-the-wheel) last May 3 at downtown's DMV. I decided to take the test here in Bakersfield instead of taking it in Arvin which is 25 minutes away from Bakersfield. I failed twice there and would not want to feel disappointed again. I feel sad because we spent more than an hour to get there and take the test but only failed. So I told hubby that this time around, I would take the test at the city's DMV. I was not scared anymore to fail or scared of the people's hearsays that it is difficult to take the test here. But I proved them wrong. It was easy for me to pass the test. I felt confident and relaxed since my mind was occupied with all the cars around me. It was busier though compared in Arvin but it made me feel more relaxed. I didn't have to check my speed always because I had other cars to remind me. I now realized that I feel comfortable driving with more cars than driving alone the street when having the test. I had only 7 minor mistakes and I felt happy to be on the road so smoothly. Thank God I passed the test at last!

Behind-the-Wheel Test

I failed my three driving tests (in Arvin, Bakersfield and Arvin again) for I made critical mistakes. So I reapplied last thursday. I got no choice but took the test right away since I was at the DMV already. I passed it before without studying, so I believed that I will pass it again. I have been driving always around town and also the freeways (99, 178, 58). It is a practical test so for those who want to take it and know how to drive already, don't worry much. You'll pass it.

For the driving test, I think luck is needed for me. I always met challenges down the road that made me nervous and failed. Don't feel/show any nervousness cos it will really affect u. The instructor told me to get over my nervousness and needed to take the manual test again. I've been driving well with hubby, but it is really different when I am driving with somebody whom I don't know especially if he's checking on me... Well, If u fail, just don't worry.Try and try and you'll learn a lot of things along the way...If you fail, don't ever quit.

Don't commit the same 3 mistakes I committed:

1. not looking over the shoulder when pulling away from the curb
2. driving too slow ( i didn't see the speed limit sign and i was nervous, i remember the video on youtube that if there is no sign, just drive slow>>>I was overfed with information and was too cautious which I knew too well that I should not be)
3. too nervous that I wanted to finish the test right away and didn't let the pedestrian pass. I was at the 4-way stop signs. I was too unlucky cos that pedestrian was a lady pushing a stroller. She didn't make any eye contact with me but still she tried to cross. It was too late for me to let her pass cos I went ahead already. It was my fault :(

3 tests that I failed that was why I reapplied again. I am hoping to pass the 4th time I need my confidence back lol If i fail, then I will gladly take the test again. I hope you guys would learn from my mistakes... I knew about all these but still, during the test, I completely disregarded it... Hubby couldn't believe I failed again!

Driving Test-First Try

At last, I did my driving test yesterday. It took me long to schedule my testing date. I just scheduled it last week and I got lucky to have a closer behind-the-wheel test date. I was not that sure to take the test since I didn't have much time to practice. I only drive mostly in the evening and not every day. Only when I was in the office and when I was with my husband. Still, I encouraged myself to go ahead and take the test. Just like what I suspected, too much confidence will cause me a few mistakes. Unfortunately, I failed my first test. I still have 2 more tries. I took the test in Arvin, CA. I liked it there, fewer cars and not too busy. At that time, there were a lot of students coming out from the school so it was a challenge for me. I thought I did good. I had only a few mistakes but it was critical. She made a comment about not making a signal, checking the mirror and looking over the shoulder when pulling from the curb. I totally lost that I didn't do it. I was a bit nervous, maybe that was why. I was confident at first but nervousness struck me. I thought maybe that was OK since I was parking on the curb and ready to turn right any moment. But still, it is an SOP to let the people behind and in front of you to know where you are heading and for safety purposes. My bad... Better luck next time then and at least I know where I did wrong and what to do next.

Written Test for CA Driver's License

Hubby took a stolen shot of me... he was happy that at last I took the test...

I was not feeling well but still I need to take my written test at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle). I have colds and cough since friday and until now but I was feeling better today compared yesterday. I took my medicine on time so I can go to work and take the test today. I have read the Driving Handbook already last October 21, 2008 (the day after my application for the California DL) so I didn't read it again instead, I reviewed the hardcopies of the sample tests before I went to bed. The test that I had today was different from the ones I have studied (as always expected) and I didn't remember reading it from the manual/handbook ( I completely forgotten about it LOL). Luckily, I passed the test with 6 mistakes (too lucky!!! more than 6 mistakes means RETAKE) and I was given a permit to drive (of course with the company of a licensed driver ***My Hubby***). This permit will expire on October this year so I need to schedule a manual test before that date or else, I need to retake the test again. Hopefully, I'll pass the manual test and get a DL ASAP. I badly need it for work. So, wish me luck guys ;)

Philippine and California Driver's License

I have my Philippine Driver's License when I came here in US. The California Driver's Manual states that a foreign driver's license can be used here in CA as long as it is still valid. The bearer is called a visitor driver. Since I am no longer a visitor, I need to get a CA DL. It is an advantage if you have a license already from your country because you don't have to pay $$$ for the driving lessons. I paid $27 (not sure cos I forgot) for the DL application and just take the written and manuat test anytime. Right now, I am preparing for my written exam. It has been postponed always because I don't have time or just being lazy to set a time for it. But I am planning to get my CA DL this month since I badly need to drive myself to the school, office and home. Hubby doesn't have much time to drive and pick me up. Also, my Phi DL is expiring this March. If ever I get a driver's license this month, it will expire right away this August because my Green Card will expire too. I can renew it right away without having my DL suspended if I apply for a removal of conditions for my green card ahead of time (90 days before the expiration date). In that way, I can have my NOA (Notice of Action) from USCIS that I can submit to DMV in order for me to go on with the DL renewal. This is based on my friend's experience.

More info at DMV.CA.GOV

State ID and Driver's License

It is easy to get a State ID and a Driver's License but it takes time for the latter. If you have the requirements, then the processing is quicker. For the state ID, your I-94 should be at least 30 days valid (here in California state because each state's policy is different as what I have heard). If it is not valid anymore, you can still apply for a non-driving state ID. You need a Social Security number instead of the I-94 or departure card in order to obtain one. Present it along with your passport.

As for the driver's license, a Green Card is required, SS number and a passport. Since I had my Philippine Driver's license, I had applied right away for a CA Driver's license. I just presented my State ID as a requirement for the application along with the DMV form. After the application, a written test is scheduled then a manual test, meaning, a hands-on driving with the instructor/examiner. I suggest if you get a license if you are still in Phillipines so it would be cheaper and easier to get a license here. If you don't have yet a DL when you apply here, you will be asked to enrol in a driving school which is expensive here (around $300) compared to Philippine fees. Once you are done with the lessons, the same procedure is made to apply a DL. You can visit your local DMV office for the requirements and more information. You can also check the web online.

Applying for a Social Security Number

This has been always a raised question and a topic in the forum. Wether to apply SSN before marriage or after marriage upon arrival as K1 entrants. And my answer is always the same. This is my experience.

Both have benefits, applying in married name (after marriage within the 90-day period) or applying after two weeks upon arrival in States in maiden name (the name that reflects on the I-94 or the departure card).

It's quicker if you apply right away in your maiden name because they can verify right away their records with ur record. So you will have your card and number for about a week or a couple. But you need to go back again for the name change later (Imagine the waiting time and the long line... but it's ok.)

On the other hand, If you apply in your married name, you will go to the SSA (Social Security Administration) office once BUT it will take 3 weeks or more to get your card (it depends). Why?

Because your name is different now from their records, thus they need to verify the name from the DHS office if the person in the SSA record is the same with the person, now married, in a different name. They will chek if your new surname is the same with the surname of the petitioner...if he's the person who sponsored you to get here. It will take 3 weeks or more (a month or so) for the verification. Your lucky if the verification is quicker then you will have your card after 2 weeks, just like what I've said it depends.

After the verification, you need to wait another week for the SSA to prepare your card... So don't worry if it takes longer compared to other applicants. Each of us has a different case...

Just bring your passport with the I-94 (be sure it is not expired yet or else you need to wait for your Permanant Resident Card or Green Card to get your SS#) and fill up the form at the SSA. For married applicants, bring your passport, married license (the one from the Hall of records and not the marriage certificate), form. Visit the SSA website and check for other new requirements if there are and the application procedures.

QUOTE
How do I get a number and card?
To apply for a Social Security number and card:

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
Show us original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency proving:
U.S. citizenship or immigration status [including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permission to work in the United States];
Age; and
Identity.
Then, take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.

Citizenship or immigration status: We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents include your:

Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);
I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or
Work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B).
International students must present further documentation. For more information, see International Students And Social Security Numbers (Publication No. 05-10181).

Age: You must present your birth certificate if you have it or can easily obtain it. If not, we can consider other documents, such as your passport to prove age.

Identity: We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. Social Security will ask to see a U.S. driver’s license, state-issued nondriver identification card or U.S. passport as proof of identity. If you do not have the specific documents we ask for, we will ask to see other documents including:

Employee ID card;
School ID card;
Marriage document;
Health insurance card (not a Medicare card);
U.S. military ID card;
Adoption decree; or
Life insurance policy.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. Or, we may use your U.S. birth certificate as proof of age and citizenship. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

We will mail your number and card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents with the issuing offices.

The process for your children to apply is pretty much the same as it is for you to apply, although you probably need to go with them and may have to also sign some things.

Below is my timeline:

March 30, 2007, I submitted the following documents for SScard (SS office, Bak, CA):

-Passport/visa with I-94
-marriage license
-ssc application form

They told me to wait for 3 weeks cos they will send copies of the documents to the Dept of Homeland Security for a name check.

April 24, 2007, I received a notice that I will have my SSC within two weeks, if not, I'll just give them a call.

It takes a month and few days for you to have your SSC if you apply in your married name. It will take 2 weeks only to wait for the SSC after application if you'll apply in your maiden name...then another papers and weeks for the name change...

Related Links:

TIN
Non-Immigrant Visa for a Spouse (K3)
SSA Handout

How To Apply For a Teaching Job in USA?

If you are wondering what to do inorder for you to get a job, you need to know this. This is only good for foreign people who are in USA and have a transcript of records taken from their homeland.

The first thing you need to do is have your foreign transcript evaluated for employment in United States. Like in my case, I came from the Philippines which have different educational system so I need my records to be evaluated inorder to be accepted here. The Phil educational system has 6 years in elementary , 4 years in secondary school while the US has 6 years in elementary and 6 years in high school. There are a difference of two years before a student can proceed to college. Also the grades used are different. We have numbers while they have letters. But some colleges in Philippines use letters too like the Xavier University. That is why evaluation of our TOR is important. But wait, you can't go right away to any agency that does evaluation. There are a lot in here. If you are applying as a teacher, you need to go to your school district to inquire first what are the requirements and what to do inorder to get a teaching job or any work that the district offers (clerk, management information specialist, child development center aid etc). They will then instruct you to have your records evaluated by their acceptable/certified agencies that do the evaluation. It depends to the district where they would recommend the applicants to have the evaluation. They have the list of agency where to go. Then do your part. My high school transcript and diploma was accepted by the district here in our county. I had it translated first befor I submitted it. In the equivalency evaluation result that I had, it was stated there that the university I was in was accepted or credited by their system. The school where you studied is important along with the courses too.

The results also vary for a different situation. I have a friend who took the certification of educational equivalency for her Phil HS diploma because it was needed for a job she was planning to apply but she was asked to take additional units to obtain the equivalency. She joined the adult school to take classes and received her US HS diploma successfully. So it depends on the school. (If you are looking forward to enroll in college, you can have your High School credits evaluated at World Educational Services.)

By the way, I just passed the requirements as a Teacher Aid and started to work. The principal has recommended me to teach in vocational schools or middle schools because my qualifications fit well to be a teacher. I just need to take the licensing exam first. So to those who plan to apply for a job, prepare your transcript of records to be evaluated now. When you have your, SSN, Green Card/ resident permanent card or your EAD (Employment Authorization Documents), you are good to go. Below is an iformation regarding EAD.

[quote name='MrkGrismer' date='Nov 25 2008, 04:15 PM' post='182279']
The law says that a K-1 entrant is authorized to work as part of the K-1 visa. However the K-1 entrant is also required to obtain documentation from USCIS. USCIS considers that documentation to be the Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). However, a K-1 entrant that is working without the EAD is not in violation of the law (the K-1 is, by law, allowed to work). However the employer could be fined for not having the proper documentation on file. Although such a thing seems unlikely to happen as it is not generally worth it for immigration to make an issue of it. "

Goodluck to all applicants!

California Civil Wedding

I came to US through K1 Visa or better known as Fiancee/Fiance Visa. My petitioner of course was my husband who was used to be my fiance. As a beneficiary, I did my part to be able to obtain the visa. I have been through a lot of preparations and research a lot of things. My computer was my companion at that time, since my husband and I didn't hire a lawyer. Visa Journey and TWOF had helped us with our journey.

When I arrived here, I had 90 days to stay and needed to get married before the days intended expired. As what we have planned as sweethearts, we then got married a month later after my arrival on February. "We had our civil wedding at the city's court house last year. It was quick and easy. We just went there and inquired about the requirements. They just asked me my passport and a government ID (I showed them my Philippine SSS card and they accepted it). After filling up the license form, we were scheduled then for the wedding. We had it that day right away. After the ceremony, they gave us a marriage certificate signed by the person who gave us the ceremony and with our witness. A week after, we got our marriage license copy. The marriage license is different from the marriage certificate. The former should be applied for a copy at the Hall of Records while the latter is given right away after the wedding. Then our simple reception followed at an Italian restaurant."