Motorcycle Diaries: My License Journey by Kah Chye Ng
Point to Ponder: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" from Proverbs 16:18.
Story Line: My Motorcycle License Journey by Kah Chye Ng ( aka KC, Henry)
Introduction: Many students in Malaysia are allowed to start taking license exams at the age of 16, including me. After registering with a driving school, I had to attend a five-hour course, and I was also given a handbook containing more than 500 questions about road rules and driving practices in Malaysia. I managed to pass the computer test smoothly, scoring 45 out of 50, which met the requirement to obtain the Learner’s Driving License (LDL).
What followed: A few weeks after acquiring my license, it’s time to take it on the field. During the practical training sessions, I paid close attention to the instructions given by my tutor, and I was able to clear the obstacles given with ease.
However, over time, I became overly conceited as I began ignoring advice and doing things my own way. I still remembered the day before the road test, which I need to pass to acquire ProbationaryDriving License (PDL). I was slacking off and didn’t do additional practice. I even told my mom not to worry, confidently promising her I would pass without any problem.
Learning through failure: By the morning, I arrived at the driving school for my test, only to fail at the very first obstacle. I was devastated and kept questioning myself whether I was even capable. When I told my mom about the failure, she came to pick me up. Just when I was about to give up, she encouraged me instead. She reminded me that no matter how good you are at something, you should never be overconfident.
From that day onwards, I kept practicing and kept a humble attitude. A week later, I retook the assessment but this time,with full focus and discipline. In the end, I successfully finished the test and then acquired my driving license.
Reflection:
Looking back, failing my first road test was one of the best lessons I’ve ever had. It taught me the value of truly listening to others, staying disciplined but more importantly, being humble all the time. Gaining the driving license wasn’t just about passing a test, it was about growing as a person. That experience, with all its ups and downs, shaped me into a more responsible and mature individual, both on and off the road.
About the Author:
Ng Kah Chye, born 11 April 2005 in Penang, Malaysia. Currently in the second year of Bachelor of Education in UNITAR International University. Pursuing a career as an impactful educator with a passion for learning and helping others.
Anand and KC met for the first time in Kuala Lumpur on February 28, 2025 during Anand’s visit there with KC’s uncle KM Lee. In their casual chat, Anand mentioned that his great disappointment is not listening to his father’s advice to learn two new English words everyday. He feels that greater vocabulary would have helped him to express things clearly and easily. Since March 1st (the day after), everyday, KC has been sending two new words and their use in sentences to Anand. This has greatly enriched Anand. 😊