Gringos Ajijic & Lakeside Facebook Page Fight Against Corruption

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THE VERDICT IS IN: Earlier today a group member decided to publish a post bragging about how they obtained a Jalisco driver’s license illegally

First let me say, I (as admin, as a community leader, as someone with a moral compass, integrity and respect for the laws by which we all agree to in living in this country) take offense to the attempt to dupe both me, as well as the group members. Do not ever try to slide this by me again.

Secondly, if you are going to break the law – DON’T BRAG ABOUT IT ON FACEBOOK. You [lady] have already been reported, and someone will probably lose their job today.

Third, the post has been deleted. And let me just add, it is so easy, comically easy, to get a legal driver’s license in this state. I have assisted 100’s (?) of Gringos in getting their license, and they ALL received one…LEGITIMATELY. I am NOT suggesting that coyotes and illegally gotten gains are not prolific in this country, in this world…BUT THIS GROUP IS NOT INTENDED TO TEACH OR ASSIST WITH LESS THAN SCRUPULOUS DEEDS.

And finally…There is no need for misinformation and speculation regarding earning a Jalisco driver’s license. Correct info is well documented, repeatedly, in this group.* There is a driver’s license modulo in Chapala. It is not mandated that you go to Guadalajara. Though you could if you wanted.

* You do need and appointment. https://citas.jalisco.gob.mx/tra…/client/newAppointment

* If you have a valid foreign license, it is not necessary to take the driving portion of the test.

* There is NOOOOOOO need to bribe, pay mordidas or otherwise falsify drivers license. Unless you seriously cannot drive or pass a 10 question written test. If you can’t drive legally – DON’T DRIVE PEOPLE!

* There are many recommendations within the group for people to assist you in the process if you wish. People like Ricardo RossasJessica BandaAnna Guziewicz and Luzma Grande (and more, I’m sure). They all can help you study for the test, and assure you have all the exact paperwork in order beforehand.

And trust me – if the people listed above are present for an official intentionally trying to make you parallel park in the wrong manner, or any other illegal maneuver to solicit a bribe – they absolutely know how to report and do something about it.

Right to Reply Update 05/25/2021

I FEEL LIKE I OWE AN APOLOGY.

To all who have had to, or will have to, take a driving test at the Chapala driver’s modulo (most especially one group member in particular. You know who you are.)

Only a couple of weeks ago, I proclaimed in this group, in regard to obtaining a legitimate license… “it is so easy, comically easy, to get a legal driver’s license in this state.” Well, I saw first-hand today that that may not be the case for everyone.

If the system is rigged before you even arrive, it is certainly not “easy” to pass. Having only experienced the Guadalajara testing center [many, many times], today was my first experience with our “new” Chapala modulo. I made the assumption, the false assumption, that Chapala operates above-board as is practiced in Guadalajara.

From what I witnessed today, setting people up for failure, may not necessarily allow people to easily pass the driving test legitimately. Things like obligating the driver to enter “front first” [rather than backing in] to the parallel parking space. Or instructing the driver that they are permitted but “TWO fluid and rapid movements at most” to get in said space. Or to set the cones only ONE foot longer than the length of the vehicle. Or placing the cones ten+ feet out from the curb [width/depth of space]. Or mandating the tires must be flush with the curb with only “a few centimeters” of forgiveness.

After “movement” number one for my parallel parking test, my Driver’s Test Facilitator saw that I would need more than two movements he was allotting me. At that point, we had a good ten-minute talk about this task. Though he passed me, if it weren’t for my excellent communication skills, I think I would have had to go back. He openly confessed that almost every foreigner that comes in for the driving portion of the test, pays to pass. He said they pay $3,500 pesos. I delicately admonished him for this practice [after all, I did want my license in hand].

While I don’t condone the “pay to pass” option, and I certainly don’t want people sanctioning it online… I get it!! Meaning, I have a better understanding of what is happening, and why paying is even entertained as an option.

I can make some calls to pursue this situation, but I have no grand illusions that I might be able to make a dent in the well-established system.

Suffice to say…I don’t pretend know the answer to this conundrum many must be faced with. I would highly recommend getting your Jalisco license [in Chapala] BEFORE your foreign license expires, gets lost or stolen. Thus preventing you from even having to partake in this little driving test game. If not, I would highly recommend taking a fluent Spanish-speaker with you, if needed.

So, I am sorry. Sorry to anyone I owe an apology to. I formally withhold any judgments.

May be a cartoon of text that says 'HOW TO PARALLEL PARK: 1. PARK SOMEWHERE ELSE.'

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