Vehicle Rapture

Most teenagers cannot wait to get their license, and I was no different. I remember over ten years ago when I was around 15 years old and just learning to drive. My mother's boyfriend is the one who gave me the most instruction. He taught me to drive both offensively and to be defensive as well. I know that sounds cliche, but it's a great way to be when you are on the road. You need to have confidence in what you're doing and common sense, but you also need to be completely aware of your surroundings and other drivers on the road.

After driving in the car a few times with him I began to get better and better behind the wheel, but was still a little nervous. Before I knew it, it was time for Driver's Education class. I was nervous to do the driving practice test because I always hear horror stories associated with it, and it's always depicted as something very scary for a teenager in movies, but it was something I had to overcome.

We learned many rules of the road as well as tips and tricks such as how to control skids and slides, how to hot wire a car, and things of that nature. After passing the written exams, it was time to go out on the road with my own driving instructor. It was a bit embarrassing being in a car with a big orange sign up top that read "Student Driver," but it was a necessary step I had to take in order to get my license. My driving instructor had me drive mostly around some quiet neighborhoods for our first session and made me practice parking and doing three-point turnabouts quite a few times. Next, we drove on the highway a bit and the teacher warned me to always be on the defensive, as you never know what others might be doing while driving. After hours of practice driving on real roads and parking, the instructor took me to an actual driving practice test that I would have to pass to get my license and told me exactly how it would be during the real test. He wanted me to get used to the course so I wouldn't feel as nervous. Most people have the most trouble parallel parking, but I didn't find it too difficult and thought they gave plenty of room. Also, you have three minutes to park, and, as long as you didn't hit the curb hard, you could pull in and out as many times as needed to position the vehicle correctly to be parked.

After successfully completing the driving practice test and all the written exams and law tests, and taking the actual driving test itself, I received my license. I was very nervous and anxious, but also confident. It certainly was a very happy day for me! Luckily, I received great instruction both in the classroom and behind the wheel.

I have always wondered if I would make a good driving instructor. I would try to give the best instruction I could and teach my students it's okay to be nervous, but they must also be confident and aware, and both offensive and defensive while on the road.