Blog 14: Transportation in Aggieland and Driving License Adventures

Gogoal Falia

Transport in College Station is a challenge. 

Aggie Bus service is the lifeline of Aggieland traversing across the campus and the town, helping solve the travel woes of my fellow Aggies. Nevertheless, with the fall term in full swing, it can be difficult to rely solely on it. Consequently, buying (or leasing) a car seems like the logical choice. It not only enables reliable, desirous means of attending classes, but also helps make those fun weekend trips across this great state to visit the bright lights of Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and the green, natural trails of Huntsville and the Wine Country. Yet, therein lies the trouble. It’s a sellers’ market. With the compounding chip shortage, logistics nightmare, and overall, no good very bad post-COVID living, cars are expensive. And if you were to buy one at a reasonable price, as an international student, you cannot drive without a US state-issued license. Thus, begins the tale of Mr. Pee Vee.

International students are eligible for a yearly license once they have their permit and pass the test. Forthwith, there is a requirement to renew the license every year as long as you have legal status in the nation. Getting the permit is not an issue. Once you have the right documents and pass the online test, you are ready to start your driving practice. The documents are processed at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Bryan. Unlike what I have heard about DMVs across other parts of the US, DPS seemed quite efficient and easy to access, and might I even say, helpful. Once you receive the permit, you have a year to pass the driving test. You can do it for a fraction of the price if you have a friend’s car, or your car, and get an appointment at the DPS, or do it the more price-immune way like I did-take a lesson and the test at an authorized third party testing center.

My instructor, Mr. Pee Vee is an elderly man, with decades of experience. He has trained thousands of aggies and locals in the practice of safe driving. He mentioned how often he runs into his former students, and that they even bring their teenagers to learn from him. He was extremely thorough, knew the roads on the back of his hand, and gave me the wisdom I wish I had when I first got my license (non-US) almost a decade ago. Perhaps it was my previous experience driving a stick, or just my attentive nature, I found driving around CS/Bryan a significantly less tedious task than driving around continental Europe. At the end of my practice run, Mr. Pee Vee gave me a tour of the testing area and ensured I practiced properly. He is a hard taskmaster, but I understood why. Every year, thousands of Americans lose their lives on the road for the most trivial of mistakes. Being attentive and mindful of oneself and other drivers is essential for safe driving.

Finally, it was D-Day. I reached the center beforehand. Things were smooth, 95/100 and I passed. For a new driver, it can be intimidating, but as someone who’s driven before, I would reassure you, dear reader, that as long as you are careful of the road and mindful of yourself and others, you will never be in trouble. Thus, with my documents from the testing agency, I went to the DPS and filed my paperwork. I received my license in a couple of weeks. Apart from the reduced validity, it is important to know that if you do decide to get your first car and license in the US, the insurance will be much higher than your local peers. I suppose that’s the price you pay for convenience.

I am yet to buy a car, not just because of the expenses involved, but also a sense of guilt I feel when I think of
emissions released by millions of vehicles on the road. It also fills me with the nostalgia of my years spent in Europe, and how travel usually meant trains, buses, and bikes. Alas! A lot needs to be done, and I have faith in our aggies to help solve this nation’s travel woes.
Good luck, Aggie drivers. Happy driving.