Learning to drive?
Proceed with caution

DO you remember those sunny days after school waiting what seemed like forever for the bus? When I was in intermediate school we waited anywhere from five minutes to two hours after school for the bus. I would watch the cars go zooming by, and I wished I could drive around instead of sitting in the burning sun. Finally, the bus would appear in the distance and I rejoiced in anticipation that I would soon be out of the heat.

When I entered the bus I looked around and saw people of all races and ages. I distanced myself from all the strangers, but I could still smell the horrid body fumes. Looking out the window, I watched people driving with ease and I envied them. The bus jerked back and forth as I sat tight and waited for my stop.

When I entered high school, I watched peers drive to school, which was a change. I hoped my bus life would come to an end too. Life would be so much easier with a car, I imagined. I could run on my own schedule instead of always waiting for someone. I was motivated, but learned soon that not everything comes easily.

Driving is a big responsibility. I took a driver's education class and even with all the practice, my driving was still plenty bad. My mother told me that it takes experience to drive, and not to rush into anything until I was ready. But, the thought of driving was exciting.

WHEN I went to get my license, I was tense and nervous. I watched people with smiles and frowns come from their road tests. Finally, my name was called and a stern lady approached. I started driving under pressure and I felt myself jerking the wheel. I repeated the instructions, because I was so nervous.

When we went back to the station the woman said, "I am sorry, but you made too many mistakes."

I was astonished! I mean, I'd heard of people failing, but I never thought that I would. I went home feeling rejected. I practiced over and over any time I had the chance. I thought I would never get my license.

On my third road test I passed! I felt wonderful!! I could now drive a car with no one telling me where to go.

I'm glad it took me awhile to get my license. A driver holds everyone's life in his or her hands. If you are thinking of going to get your license, you should have a lot of experience behind the wheel of a car.

And remember that not everything comes easily in life. Things you really want, you have to work for. Instead of getting frustrated, like me, take your time.

I'm glad I finally realize all the responsibilities in driving. You just don't get behind a wheel and press go. It is a lot more complex than that. Driving is a very big responsibility and should not be taken lightly.

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Lauren New will be a senior at
Kaiser High School in the fall.

Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
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