Unfortunately, I am learning to drive at twenty-years old. Circumstances both in-and-out of my control led me to have to wait past high school, and even though it definitely is not the worst thing in the world, it makes learning the skill a little more difficult at times. Being away at college provides less time for practice, which does not help. However, if there is anyone who could help me describe what it’s like to learn to drive in college, it is Rapunzel.
Here’s what it feels like to learn to drive in college:
1. Dreaming of what life would have been like if you would have learned when you lived home at 17 years old:Of course this would have been easier. But, to be completely honest, not everyone learns to drive in high school. Some people never learn, so the when does not matter so much as the what.
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2. When you first pull out onto the road with all the other drivers:The road is scary at first for all new drivers! There is so much to think about, it can be overwhelming. But once you get past this point, you can stop hiding behind your hair (not literally, of course).
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3. But then you remember you have to be a defensive and assertive driver:Even though being new to the road can make a driver (like myself) feel shy, being defensive is one of the most important keys to good driving.
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4. Being cut off on the highway and remembering your horn like:Sometimes you want to, sometimes you got to.
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5. Finally feeling like you’re getting the hang of things:It feels really good to get used to the road! A lot of experienced drivers will forget this feeling, but it’s like learning any new skill and finally feeling comfortable and confident in your abilities.
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6. Knowing that you have to keep up with all the rules and multitasking while out for the first time like:Eventually, it becomes a second nature to keep your eyes on your speed, on the road, checking the mirrors, and staying aware of other drivers/your surroundings. It’s not impossible, but it can be daunting at first.
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7. Feeling stupid for your normal new driver mistakes and apprehension:Sometimes, you make a mistake or constantly feel like you’re going to. It’s normal for new drivers (trust me).
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8. The feelin you get when someone calls you a “new driver” (even though they’re right):
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9. Taking all the advice you can like:
Any new driver needs all the help that they can get, no matter what the age!
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10. Feeling nervous to take the road test like:Anyone would! But especially after watching your friends drive for a few years, you feel some more pressure than they probably did the first time around.
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All in all, learning to drive at any age is both daunting and exciting. It may be a little harder to do in college, but it is not impossible.
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