Getting a Driver's License

By Gabbi, High School Senior, California

"Please!" I begged my sister as we and her boyfriend cruised around in her car discussing letting me drive for a little bit. A stern "no" was her reply back. She went on about how I can't learn how to drive without a license, let alone without a permit.

As I sulked in the backseat of her car, I contemplated for a while and finally came to a well thought-out compromise. "Can't I drive around in an empty parking lot?" To my surprise she didn't respond with a "no," instead, her boyfriend thought it was a good idea, so she finally gave in.

I almost immediately jumped out of my seat when my sister made a U-turn into an empty, abandoned parking lot. As she stopped the car, she went on and on about listening closely to what her boyfriend had to say as he was about to coach me on how to drive for the first time.

As I strapped on my seat belt, her boyfriend went over the basics about the steering wheel and the gas pedals. I admit, when he was explaining everything to me, my mind zoned out. I was too excited for what was coming. I started going into a little 10-second daydream about how it would feel to take complete control of a car. "Okay Gabbi, you ready?" All of a sudden my daydream was interrupted by my sister's boyfriend's voice. Don't get me wrong, I did pay attention to what he had to say. I tried extremely hard to control my excitement, but for 10 seconds of that time, I wasn't able to focus. I remembered him telling me to keep my foot on the break pedal at all times, even if I'm putting my car into "park" or "drive" mode. I guess all it took were those 10 seconds, for me to screw up already. "Gabbi! Don't ever do that again!"

I didn't even start driving yet, and they were already screaming at me. What happened was that my "daydreaming self" hadn't even put the car in "drive" yet, but I already stepped down onto the gas pedal, which made a roaring sound in the engine. Thanks to that sound startling me, I finally woke myself up. I drove around the lot for a good 15 minutes. I've gotta say, it was a very fun 15 minutes of my life.

In California, you can take your driving test to get your license when you turn 17 and a half. I turned 17 and a half in February, 2008. I was so excited for it! I'm currently preparing to take my test and trying to learn all I can about the process of getting your license and learning to drive. Check back on STUDIO 2B in a few months—I'll be sure to keep you posted on what it's like to actually have my real license. I can't wait!

Tips to consider as you begin to drive:

1. Stay focused. There are so many things to consider from who has the right of way to how to position your seat and keep checking your mirrors. Try to keep the distractions to a minimum. Music, lots of people in the car and cell phones are all ways people of all ages can lose focus in a car.
2. Be honest about your comfort level. If you feel you need more time in a parking lot before heading on the street or a really busy road, speak up. It takes time to become an accomplished driver.
3. Being able to drive is awesome! But it's also a huge responsibility. Think about the people in your car and if you would ever want anything to happen to them. Make smart choices and you should be on your way to successful driving!