Fifteen years ago, I got my first driver’s license. I wasn’t sure I’d get it because the cop yelled at me during the test. I did something wrong, I can’t remember what, and she was rather harsh in her correction. Which made me panic and cry, so I was sure that I had failed. Especially since I had taken a crash course in driving – I rushed through the class material in two weeks, just so I could finish before school opened.
After the test, we all sat under the shed and waited to hear our names. I heard mine pretty early on, but when I went to the issuing door, the man there told me to get back in line. I didn’t hear my name again until 6.30 p.m. after everyone else had gone. And then the cop that was issuing permits made some thinly veiled banter before asking for … a favour. And I don’t mean the kind with dead presidents on it.
I was pretty panicky, because it was getting dark and he was really, really big. I was keeping a straight, defiant face – because monsters smell fear – while subtly looking for doors and windows, assessing escape routes. Just then, the ‘mean’ cop lady from my test walked in, grabbed my permit off the creep’s desk and handed it to me. Then she held onto my arm and aggressively shepherded me outside.
She didn’t mention her boss or what he was trying to do. But her voice was much softer when she told me what a good driver I was, and advised me to get more practice because I’m too easily rattled. I thank God for that woman. In so many ways.
Whenever I tell that story, I turn it into a joke. I say I got my driver’s license by breaking down in tears. I skip the part about the big scary cop with the power to issue permits. The one who made me cry in the dark without ever touching me.
I didn’t get behind the wheel again till 12 years later. I was having a driving lesson with my brother, my daughter, and my stepmum. There was a ‘little accident.’ Luckily, I wasn’t driving at the time, but it kept me off the road for another few years. Mostly because after the dent, I was no longer allowed near that particular car.
A few weeks ago, it was announced that my office was moving to a less matatu-friendly neighbourhood. It was also suggested that I might consider getting a car. And learning how to drive. I’d been eye-ing my mother’s vintage beetle for a while. Since I was a kid, actually. I tried learning to drive it when I was twelve. It didn’t end well. But now, with less than a month and not a lot of cash, it’s time to revive JE.
Step 1 was getting permission to reclaim it, which was a lot easier than expected. Step 2 was finding the money for minimal repairs. It took some arm-twisting and belt- squeezing, but the funds availed themselves. Step 3 is to do some actual work on the car. Which might have to wait because the man who has the car keys … and the wheels … and the engine … is currently on vacation. In Rwanda.
In the meantime, I’ve been taking driving lessons at night. We have a van that’s in less-than-stellar condition. Some days, it can carry thousands of litres of water. Which us quite helpful, because I live in Lang’ata. On a bad day, it makes disturbing noises and freezes in the middle of the highway.
Also, it has a little problem with insurance. Which is why we only drive it 10 feet from the house. The upside of learning on a car like that is that once I’m done, I can literally drive anything. The downside is … you know … freezing on the highway.
I’ve been driving the van for a few weeks now. My first lesson was the most exciting, because I realised I can actually drive! I know the car well enough now that I can tell her standard kettle noises from the sounds we need to worry about. I still cruise her at 20 km/h, and I once spent 30 minutes trying not to smash into the pump at the petrol station … to buy fuel worth 200 bob. It was 11 p.m. The man was not amused.
Over the last 15 years, I’ve renewed my driver’s license every three years, to make sure it was active when I needed it. And as I took my lessons, I kept meaning to check and make sure it was still valid. Turns out it expires in October. Uh-oh.
Of course my first port of call was Google. Which told me that manual renewals were no longer accepted. No more lining up at NBK or visiting Huduma Centres, at least not according to Google. There was a rumour in the office I could try the local Post Office. It’s half an hour away from the office, and generally pretty busy over lunch.
I already have an e-citizen account, so I figured I’d try that. I logged in, requested a renewal, and was promptly informed that the government does not have my records, so there’s no way to renew it online. Okaaaaaaay. More Googling. Nope, it has to be done online. No manual options. Crap.
A workmate had previously renewed his DL online, so I asked him for advice. He told me to try the NTSA Facebook page, so I did. The first thing I found was a thread that said lots of people had my problem. Their advice? Inbox Page Admin. Haya.
After five minutes, there was no response, so I checked the thread again. There was a guy’s name at the end that said, ‘Inbox us and we will fix it.’ So I inboxed him. While I was waiting for his reply, NTSA responded and asked for my details. I gave them my ID but I couldn’t remember my DL reference number.
More Googling. Apparently, there’s a 6 bob mobile service that can give me DL details. (Dial 22430 to register) so I signed up for that and 12 bob later, I got the same reply – no records. Drat.
The guy from earlier now replied, asking for my ID. I gave it to him, along with a copy-paste of what I had sent NTSA. It did cross my mind that it was weird to give my details to some stranger in FB – especially since he had a very FB-sounding name. BUT … his profile said ‘Web Developer’ and had his government-issued name in brackets, so I Googled him and felt a little better.
At this point, I remembered that a lot of my documents are scanned and emailed during job interviews, so I checked my inbox to see if my DL might be there. Eureka! I sent the scanned copy to both FB accounts (NTSA and Mr. Web Developer) and waited. Maybe an hour later, I got the A-OK on Facebook, so I logged back into e-citizen and renewed in my DL in minutes. All I have to do is print it, snip it, and stick it in my little red driving book. Soooooooo preeeeeeeetty.
I do have a few concerns though. two, actually. One, do cops know about this online DL thing? Coz I just know I’ll meet one who’ll want a bribe. I bet he’ll claim my new DL is fake. Because it’s colourful and bright instead of faded and yellow. Two … why do I keep arming Big Brother’s online case file? I mean, I know it’s inevitable with digitization and stuff, but between iTax and Huduma Centres, we’ll soon be living the Minority Report, and netizen or not, that makes me very, very uncomfortable …
♫ It’s been a while ♫ Staind ♫
I do trust all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for beginners. May you please lengthen them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
I believe this site contains some real fantastic info for everyone. “The expert at anything was once a beginner.” by Hayes.
An additional issue is really that video gaming became one of the all-time biggest forms of recreation for people of all ages. Kids have fun with video games, and also adults do, too. The particular XBox 360 has become the favorite video games systems for folks who love to have hundreds of activities available to them, and also who like to experiment with live with other people all over the world. Thanks for sharing your thinking.
You made some first rate factors there. I regarded on the web for the difficulty and found most people will go together with with your website.
I like what you guys are up also. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 🙂
Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one¡¦s blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
I precisely wished to thank you so much yet again. I’m not certain what I would have created without the aspects shared by you relating to this concern. It has been a very frightful issue in my view, however , finding out the specialized form you handled the issue made me to weep over fulfillment. I’m just thankful for the guidance and as well , sincerely hope you are aware of a powerful job you were providing training people today via your webblog. I am certain you have never got to know any of us.
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “Bill Dickey is learning me his experience.” by Lawrence Peter Berra.
Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My website goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!
Thanks for the strategies presented. One thing I should also believe is that often credit cards providing a 0% monthly interest often lure consumers together with zero interest rate, instant approval and easy internet balance transfers, nevertheless beware of the top factor that is going to void your 0% easy street annual percentage rate and as well as throw anybody out into the terrible house rapid.
I just could not depart your web site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist other users like its aided me. Good job.
I like this site so much, saved to favorites. “To hold a pen is to be at war.” by Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire.
Social Media Marketing Wien
My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Appreciate it
I relish, lead to I found exactly what I was taking a look for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks , I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is excellent blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.
hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked up something new from proper here. I did alternatively experience some technical points the use of this site, since I experienced to reload the website lots of instances prior to I could get it to load correctly. I were puzzling over if your web host is OK? No longer that I’m complaining, however sluggish loading circumstances instances will sometimes affect your placement in google and could injury your quality rating if advertising and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my email and could glance out for much more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this once more soon..
Definitely, what a fantastic site and informative posts, I definitely will bookmark your website.All the Best!
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I to find It truly helpful & it helped me out much. I am hoping to provide one thing back and aid others like you aided me.
Normally I don’t read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice post.
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..extra wait .. …
Appreciating the persistence you put into your blog and detailed information you provide. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task.
Howdy would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thank you, I appreciate it!
you’re really a good webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve performed a fantastic activity on this topic!
This is more helpful information than I can find anywhere else. Can you share your sourceexperience with the rest of us?
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.
I really wanted to post a small message to thank you for these unique tips and tricks you are giving out on this site. My extended internet lookup has now been recognized with high-quality strategies to exchange with my pals. I ‘d declare that we readers actually are extremely fortunate to live in a magnificent network with very many marvellous individuals with insightful advice. I feel extremely blessed to have encountered your web site and look forward to so many more thrilling moments reading here. Thank you again for everything.
I¡¦ll immediately snatch your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me recognise in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
http://www.asylumproductions.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestpornsites.guide
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your web site in internet explorer, may test this… IE still is the market chief and a large section of people will omit your fantastic writing due to this problem.
Keep working ,great job!
Normally I do not read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, very great post.
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Thank you
Thank you, I’ve just been looking for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I’ve came upon so far. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all people you really understand what you are speaking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also consult with my site =). We can have a hyperlink exchange arrangement among us!
Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all vital infos. I would like to see extra posts like this .
Great – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
What i don’t realize is in reality how you’re not really much more smartly-appreciated than you might be now. You’re very intelligent. You recognize therefore significantly in the case of this subject, produced me for my part believe it from a lot of various angles. Its like men and women are not involved unless it is one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. Always take care of it up!
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
You made some nice points there. I did a search on the subject and found most persons will consent with your site.
I have seen many useful factors on your website about personal computers. However, I have got the impression that notebook computers are still not nearly powerful more than enough to be a sensible choice if you generally do jobs that require plenty of power, like video editing and enhancing. But for world wide web surfing, microsoft word processing, and most other frequent computer work they are just great, provided you can’t mind the small screen size. Many thanks sharing your opinions.
My wife and i have been excited when Edward could finish off his research from the ideas he made when using the site. It’s not at all simplistic to just continually be releasing tactics that a number of people may have been trying to sell. And now we do understand we have the writer to give thanks to for that. Those explanations you’ve made, the straightforward website navigation, the relationships you will give support to instill – it is mostly wonderful, and it is assisting our son in addition to us know that the subject is thrilling, which is certainly incredibly indispensable. Many thanks for the whole thing!