A to Z Challenge – Driving

D is for Driving

I was a normal teenager… ok, there is no “normal” for a teenager, true.  But I was thrilled to take Drivers Ed to get my driver’s license; I even took the course through summer school so when October rolled around I would be ready.  It didn’t go quite as I planned.

All throughout Drivers Ed I drove a small economy car.  And I didn’t do any “practice” driving at home.  By the time I had completed the course I was pretty comfortable with that little car.  Then it was a 2 1/2 month wait until I could take my drivers test.  In Iowa at the time it was a lottery system as to which people would have to take a driving test and which wouldn’t.  I was a lucky one picked (because they picked October birthdays).  When it came time to practice I panicked – mom and dad had a station wagon.  It was like a boat, HUGE, going on forever behind me.  I couldn’t drive that beast.  So, somehow I talked my sister into taking her car – an Oldsmobile of some kind.

I passed my written test and got ready for the driving test… I failed it.  I forgot to signal on a road that took a sharp right (the only way to go, but still a “turn”) and my turns were too wide.  So I practiced a little bit with my sister’s car before she protested too much.  I did take the test again and passed.

But, then what?  It was back home to that land mass of a car that I couldn’t drive.  Then the tables turn.  Dad wanted to get a car that was not a family vehicle.  He got a Pontiac Firebird.  Suddenly I thought more about driving and finally wore him down and started driving… this was when I was a senior in high school; two years after I could have gotten my license.  I loved that car!

I was a late bloomer behind the wheel but I finally got comfortable driving.  Now in my battle with anxiety I have issues in heavy traffic and will not take the interstate at 70 mph, instead taking the highways at the slower 55 mph.  And I still won’t drive a big car!

 

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