Going to the DMV can be one of the most irritating and time-consuming experiences a person can go through in their lifetime. Whether you’re a first time driver, or there to renew your driver’s license, the DMV is the last place anyone would like to be.

Walking through the glass doors to take my learner’s test for the first time was definitely nerve-racking. Being an inexperienced teenager, I most certainly had a whirlwind of emotions coursing through my head.

“What if I don’t pass?”

“What if I can’t remember the road signs?” (You can’t miss even 1 out of 10)

“What if I don’t get to drive home today?”

Stereotypically, however, what I expected from the DMV wasn’t at all what I had imagined.

From what I’ve been told by my fellow peers, the DMV is packed to the brim with strange people, rude service, and an abundance of different aromas.

My experience, on the other hand, was quite different.

Although the customer service wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, it wasn’t terrible. Being greeted at the front desk and having to wait for an intercom to call my number was a very strange experience.

After being called, I awkwardly walk over to the booth for the lady behind the desk to take my information.

Once all of my information was received, I took my picture.

This is the most important part of the DMV process; and I blinked.

And now I’m mortified to see how dumb I’m going to look after I receive the hard copy of my learner’s permit.

I thought taking my picture was bad, but I had another thing coming.

Sitting down to take the actual driving test was absolutely dreadful. Even though I literally tore my manual in half studying, I was still nervous.

I passed and I felt as if a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I was eager to finally be able to drive, with my mom in the car, of course.

I took a joy ride around the parking lot a few time just to make sure I was ready.

Thankfully, the DMV did not meet my low expectations, but happily allowed a first-time driver to drive away with his learner’s permit.