My first time behind the wheel was nerve wracking. I wasn't afraid of the road or other cars but my father scared the life out of me. He would randomly yell out for me to stop or watch it for no reason. He would inform me that a few miles up the road there would a farm and instruct me to watch out for loose cows.

Hitting a cow is not a real danger in driving. I have never seen a cow move very fast and they are big enough to spot from a distance. Needless to say, my father felt it wise to warn me of these road demons.

I managed to get my license despite my parallel parking disaster. My father stood at the end of the block as I tried for the third time to get my car tucked neatly into the designated spot. For some reason, my car hadn't moved more than a few inches each try. The instructor scribbled something on his sheet and got out of the car. I had passed! My father was as shocked as I.

For the first few years, I followed the city buses to get to where I was going. My friends asked me why I didn't just get a bus pass. I got pretty good at driving but not so good at finding things, unless they were on a bus route. My parallel parking consisted of driving around the block until I found an open spot in the lot.

Learning to drive standard was difficult for me. I just didn't get the whole simultaneous' thing. I remember praying for streetlights to remain green for me. I stalled my car on every street corner in my hometown and left tire marks at every incline I attempted.

Finally, I went to an empty parking lot and practiced until I got it right. It took a few days, but I did it. I practiced going up hills in the country so I wouldn't kill the people behind me. It's a tricky thing, but not so bad once you get the hang of it. I still get a little nervous from time to time, but the more you do it the better you are at it.

Learning to drive and getting your first car makes the world seem a little bigger. Freedom comes to mind. Now, driving is just something I have to do to get things done.

My father still won't let me borrow the car.

Learn more about this author, S.E. Whitbeck.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: Learning to drive?
We want to hear your view. Write now!