When you learned to drive, were you really ready?
Deep down we all do things for a reason. Even as kids we did what we wanted, but when asked by our parents why we did what we did, we often replied “I don’t know”. Perhaps we were embarrassed with our personal reason for our actions, or perhaps we knew the person asking the question would be upset with us. Whatever our reason for doing things, we did what we did. We didn’t always need a good reason. We just needed a reason. So this brings up the question; why did you learn to drive?
Unlike many teenagers, when I turned 16 I wasn’t chomping at the bit to learn to drive and get my licence. I waited until I was ready. What helped me become ready was a friend wanted to learn to drive and he registered us both for driving lessons just before I turned 17. The more I thought about it leading up to that point, the more I decided I wanted to learn to drive. I was tired of taking the bus, walking, riding my bike or getting rides from people. Bottom line – it was my decision to learn to drive.
I’ve heard for many years from the students I taught to drive they were only learning to drive because they were 16. That’s not a reason, that’s an age. I’ve taught many people who were ready to drive. They had the proper attitude and practiced what was taught to them. They wanted to learn. Some of the best students weren’t 16. They were 18 or older. When I asked them why they waited past 16 before learning to drive, some said they didn’t feel ready. Some said they didn’t need to drive until then and others said their parents said they weren’t ready at 16. Good for the parents to get involved.
Many of these people had a solid reason for learning to drive. They wanted independence and some freedom. They wanted convenience. Some wanted the driver’s licence so they could get a job easier or commute easier for school. It was a time saver by many. Instead of spending 90 minutes taking public transit in some cases, it would be a 30 minute drive. Even after all that, there are times that public transit makes more sense. But that’s another story.
Learning to drive for me meant a time of growing up. If I got a ticket, I paid it. If I got into a collision, I paid it. I even paid for my share of the insurance when I was working a steady part time job. It helped me mature and grow as a person. I’m doing the same with my son. It’s time he grows up a bit more. He was responsible enough to go for his licence, but the question still remains, is he mature enough to keep it?
Learning to drive means more than obtaining freedom or independence. It’s being ready to accept the responsibility of the vehicle, your own life and the lives of your passengers. It also means driving in such a manner as respecting other road users. If you’re ready to accept these, you’re ready to learn to drive.
Thank you for this post. I first learnt how to drive when I was 17. My mum just told me that I should learn how to drive and started sending me to driving lessons. I passed my test the first try, but I didn’t start driving until I was about 23 or so when my first real job required it. Looking back I don’t think I was ready to learn at 17, or to drive at 23. I got by, but don’t think I was a particularly good driver at all or understood what it really takes. I drove for a couple years only until I was about 25 or so. Now at 43 years old for the first time in 18 years or so I am taking lessons again, as I wish to start driving again. I am very nervous and lack confidence, but my instructor is very encouraging and says I am doing well. I know that I approach driving now with more maturity obviously. But I am probably too cautious, because I understand all the risks associated with driving. Sometimes I am fearful that I left it too long and that I am too old to start driving again.
You can do it! Stay positive and keep space avoid your vehicle. Anticipate the actions of the other drivers and respond early.