Rather unexpectedly, I got my Tennessee driver’s license today!  I went down to the Licensing Office this morning thinking that I could take the written test and get my permit, and then I’d have to schedule the road test for a later date.  But when I explained to them that I was coming from Australia, and needed to get my license quickly in order to be able to buy and register a car to go on an epic road trip, the whole office got into the spirit of the thing, and they squeezed in a road test for me in the afternoon.  They literally had me drive just around the block with the examiner and then passed me because, as he said, I’m not one of the 16 year olds they usually test!  I think the check out of the rental car took longer than the actual drive.  As I walked out with my temporary license, several of the officers there waved goodbye to me, and yelled out, “Good luck Kat!”  So, I now have my full license and can DO STUFF.  It seems like everything here requires a license for identification. 

The money I transferred to the US came through as well, so if I can get insurance tomorrow, my brother is going to help me pick up the new car and return the rental on Thursday.  All in all, that’s not too bad, having a driver’s license and new car within one week of flying in!

I’ve made progress on other fronts as well.  I’ve got my new hiking boots, a few outdoor clothes that I’ll be needing, a Garmin GPS for the car, my new cell/mobile phone, been approved for a local credit card, and I’ve identified and ordered the dual battery system that I want in the vehicle.  With no particular schedule to adhere to, I’ve also been able to get in a run every day, and I’m already feeling fitter and more muscular again.

Since the family will be visiting NY for the weekend, I intend to use the time to start the fit out of the vehicle.  I’ll post the details of the car and the fit out separately, but I’m very much looking forward to putting all my plans into action!  Once I get the basic set up in place, I plan to do a shake down trip to the Smokey Mountains to work out the bugs, and then I’ll be ready to hit the open road!

So all things considered, although there have been a few minor bumps, it’s all going very smoothly, and I’m right on schedule.  Why does that make me nervous….?