73 years young. First try. Licensed.

Thumbs up all around.

When Marisa first contacted me, she told me she had failed the written test three times. She had to start the process from scratch — but she persisted. This time, I provided her with study materials in Portuguese. She passed.

Now it was time to book the driving test. Being a Malibu resident, she was considering going all the way to Ventura or Santa Barbara — but I suggested Santa Monica DMV, she agreed, and I took care of the booking.

To do that, I needed a photo of her permit. She sent it — and that's when I noticed her age, 73. But I don't mind.

On a Thursday morning I picked her up, meeting face to face for the first time. Marisa didn't waste any time — she sat in the driver's seat right away and took off like it was nothing out of the ordinary.

On the way to Santa Monica I gave her a few pointers, but she was already doing well. We simulated the test route, checked in, waited for an examiner, I stepped out — and off she went.

Less than 20 minutes later, my phone buzzed: "I am back! I passed!"

By then she was already at the window inside, getting her interim license.

I won't pretend I wasn't impressed. Congratulations, Marisa. Well done.