Don't assume that just because I asked the question that I know the answer. I am still in the process of figuring it out. Today, like most every day here, was a predictably unpredictable day. I will give you a little snippet of how the morning looked.
Today as I rode into town for language school by daladala (update: today we reached a maximum count of 25 passengers. A new personal record!), I received a text message from my teacher saying that he would not be available for class today, so I shouldn't bother with coming into town. I thought, "I could get off here, and catch a ride back home." Since I was in the back bench sit in the corner opposite the door, to try to get out would require that the ten people between me and the door get out as well. I decided to continue into town and do some of the many errands that I had.
First, I went to look at a used vehicle that we may be buying. I met the seller, a shop-owner, just as his "duka" was opening for business. I had called him yesterday to let him know that I was interested in seeing the vehicle, and he had told me that if I wanted to, I could stop by the shop. As I was talking with him this morning, though, he acted surprised to see me and told me that the vehicle was at his house, not at the store. He said he could make arrangements for me to see it, if I wouldn't mind waiting.
"Can you wait?" is always a loaded question here.
Because I had brought along my Swahili grammar book and vocabulary flashcards, I told him that I would not mind waiting. After over an hour, I was escorted to a small van by a man (who I assume is one of the shop-owner's relatives), and he, the driver and I were off to see the vehicle. I got a chance to look at it, and to drive it, and it seems like a real possibility. I will be going back next week with a mechanic to look it over again before we may make an offer.
The second thing on the list was to get a driver's license. Contrary to the American impulse to want to know what each of the requirements are before you begin a task, here you are usually given instructions at the time that you need them, and often no sooner. I wouldn't have thought this before I came, but the whole process starts at the Tanzanian Revenue Authority. After paying a fee for the driver's examination, I was directed to go to the police station to take the examination. I made the walk in the rain (I am very thankful for yesterday's umbrella purchase), and was directed from the front desk to an office further back. After looking over my paperwork, the men there instructed me to get two photocopies of my U.S. driver's license and four passport photos and return to fill out the applications. As I was leaving the police station, I unexpectedly saw Rob driving by. I hopped in, and ended up heading back home with him. I now plan to get the copies and the pictures when I go into town next week. Then, I plan to return to the police station to fill out the application and complete the examination (I am not sure what this will entail). After, that I believe that I have to return the Revenue Authority to pay for the license itself and, at that time I think that license will be issued. At least that is what I think will happen. I haven't gotten far enough in the process to get those instructions yet.
So the question still stands, "What must I do to get a Tanzanian Driver's License?" Time will tell.
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