L.A. DRVNGBook NowWitnessing the effort and determination each person brings to getting their license is one of the privileges of this work.
Eliza had already studied the Thousand Oaks test route in depth — she'd found a YouTube video and memorized it. She still called me for a professional simulation before the real thing, which I respected.
Due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn't accompany her on the first attempt. She didn't pass. Approaching a right turn at a signalized intersection, she didn't notice that the traffic coming from her left had a protected signal for a left turn — meaning those vehicles had the right of way in front of her. She pulled forward just slightly, but it was enough for the examiner to call it a dangerous maneuver.
It's an easy mistake to miss. At certain intersections, traffic flows in eight directions, not four — four extra when left turns are protected by a green arrow. When in doubt: wait, observe, and move only when it's fully clear.
Eliza didn't waste time. She booked the next test immediately, and this time our schedules aligned. We went early, drove the route several different ways, and when the moment came — she passed.
Congratulations, Eliza. The perseverance was well earned.
