Advice please

[Gemmie 142]

Okay I need your professional heads for a minute.

As I posted earlier, I had my second interview last week for a great company and it sounded really promising, I left feeling happy and confident that I was going to get the job. I told them that other than my driving test that I'm taking this week, I can start ASAP. They told me that they were away this week so they'll call me the week after, so I can also get some practice in with my driving (the job requires driving every day). Well today I went to book my driving test (which I had been told you can book a few days out), and the earliest appointment they had is three weeks away!

So I booked my test for November 2nd. Do you think I should call/email the HR department or the supervisors and let them know that I won't be able to take my test until then? Or do you think I should wait and see if they offer me the job, and then tell them the truth?

I don't want them to think I completely lied about having a test booked (I was just ignorant to how long it took), but I also don't want to jeapordise my position. Any advice is appreciated.

Edited October 13, 2010 by Gemmie

[Nik+Heather 121]

Do you have to do it at that office? Could you go to the next office over and see if they have any appts available sooner than that? Ooh, also, in AZ, private driving schools will also conduct the test for you. Of course, this costs.....$ but if there is a job offer on the table and you need it fast....

Sometimes there is a bit of a lag between the offer and when you actually start work - paperwork to do with HR, getting things approved, setting up your computer, etc. For me, it was about 2-3 weeks from knowing I got the job to actually showing up for work. And then there was training.

Edited October 13, 2010 by Nik+Heather

[Gemmie 142]

I checked all offices within 50 miles and they all came up at least a month away - only three appointments were left for the 2nd. My FIL said it's because the instructors are driving all over the state so it's all spread out now.

I'm hoping you're right, and that they won't mind me needing a couple of weeks to get my license whilst they process things on their end. They did say there would be a week training as well.

ETA: Thanks for the tip, I'll see if I can find a private school to let me take the test.

Edited October 13, 2010 by Gemmie

[Nik+Heather 121]

Hmm. Well, if the job offer is extended to you, then I guess you'll have to tell them when the test is scheduled. If they say it's a no-go, then you might try pleading your case with the DMV guys - ask them if you could get in on a cancellation, or if you were to sit there all day if they could squeeze you in...? I mean, there are a buncha 16 year olds who just want to be able to drive themselves to the mall, so hopefully you could make the case that you need to get in there on the cancellation more than the typical DL testee.

[Krikit 1,164]

Great advice from Nik+Heather. I wouldn't bother letting them know at this time, either, Gemmie.

[Leenie 15]

I agree strongly with Nik+Heather, but I also had a question. I checked the drivers' services/DMV-type website for MA, and it seems like they book appointments online? Do you know if they have a phone number, like an 800 number, or at least the number to your local office? If so, I would try calling them to find out if there is anything earlier. In desperation, I would probably even go so far as to call every day to find out if anyone has cancelled. Sounds weird, but just throwing it out there!

I wish the system was like in IL - first come, first served as far as a test goes. Well, best of luck to you! I really hope it works out, whatever happens

[Gemmie 142]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

The job called me today and made me an offer!!

I told them about the test being in 3 weeks and they said it was fine, and to let me know when I had my license. So all of that worrying over nothing. I'm still going to keep calling the RMV to see if there are any cancellations but the immediate panic is gone.

[Krikit 1,164]

I am so happy for you!!!

[marlea 84]

Congrats on the job!!!

[Leenie 15]

The job called me today and made me an offer!!

Congratulations!!!

[Nik+Heather 121]

YAY! (jumping up and down!)