The long hiatus is over! A new job spotlight is here! And this job has to be one of the more dangerous ones out there. A few weeks ago my friends and I were reminiscing about our teenage years and talking about getting our driver's licenses for the first time. This turned into a discussion of the driving exam itself, as we compared notes about that daunting final test. One friend mentioned that he failed the driving test the first time around, because he almost got in an accident. The driver of the car he almost hit actually got out and yelled at him, while the examiner sat next to him, fuming. I personally remember deciding to "play it safe" with the world's longest red-light-right-hand-turn, which resulted in sitting through two unbearable minutes of impatient honking while a man with a scruffy beard sat next to me, scratching irritated, angry notes onto a clipboard. I barely passed, and as a result I harbored ill will towards the examiner, the early stirrings of what would eventually become undeniable full-blown perfectionism. These conversations piqued my curiosity and I decided to investigate the job, having never considered it from scruffy-beard's point of view before.
Turns out this job is not for the faint of heart. It requires work with computers, effective communication skills, and "the ability to do simple mathematical problems." It also requires a clean background and apparently a good driving record is recommended.
Salary: The University of Phoenix proved to be an invaluable resource regarding information about becoming a driver's license examiner. They used the State of Florida numbers, stating that in 2009, FL driver's examiners earned between $23,645.40 and $24,914.16 annually. This salary is not without its perks though - examiners qualify for state health plans, free state college tuition, and perhaps most importantly, a life insurance program.
Advantages: benefits, a paying job. Never having to wait at the line at the DMV. Plus, it's a total power trip.
Disadvantages: This feels like stating the obvious, but jumping into a car with some kid that has never really driven before, or an individual that has lost their driver's license as a result of previous driving infractions (think Lindsay Lohan) is just dangerous. Side effects may include: loss of patience, sanity, faculties, life or limb. Is this really worth the paid vacation time?
An apology: to the man who once tested me for a driver's license and just barely passed me: thanks. Though, I really feel that had I tested in Massachusetts instead, my score would have been at least an 89, instead of that stupid 78 you gave me.
