Before a license, It's better to learn what is needed first after getting a permit.

When I was a sophomore in high school, I was ecstatic that I finally received my driver's permit on January 25, 2025. I couldn't wait to get behind the wheel of a car and be able to pick up my friends/family, stop at different places to shop, or just get anywhere in my own time. However, who knew that there is so much responsibility of learning how to drive actually on the road. I may have a driver’s permit, but there is a lot more that I need to learn. For instance, how to drive through an intersection, signals on the highway, how to maintain the speed limit, how to yield, when to go or stay, and most of all parking, especially parallel. In the beginning, I was stuck, I only passed the first step of a beginner-level driver, but to learn all that? Eventually, I spoke with my parents about driving more and practicing behind the wheel with one of them in it. They agreed and I spent most weekends, especially Sundays, practicing driving mostly in my dad’s car because it was much shorter and manageable. 

During my driving sessions with dad, he instructed me with techniques such as where to go when the car is in motion, approaching a complete stop in front of the stop sign, and putting driver signals on when it’s time to change lanes. Each time while were out driving we would always stay within the subdivision, passing through houses, and around addresses. The more I practiced, the better I became. But most of the time my parents aren’t usually free to drive most of the time because of work, and I needed all the hours to collect my license and so focused on rushing through the process of earning it without knowing the risk of driving too. 

As a senior in high school in 2026, I’m still figuring out how to improve my driving skills and being aware of the dangers of driving. For instance, drunk drivers, speeders, etc. Soon, my mom signed me up for 4 driving sessions with A-1 Driving School. My driving instructor’s name was Mrs. Hudson, and she would usually come near my driveway and slip into the front seat of the A1 student driving car and leave there. We usually practice for 2 hours, and I’ve learned a lot from her. Throughout the first session, I was a little nervous about driving with her because she was a total stranger. Then, I realized that she was actually a cool person to learn from, and she said to remain patient and the more practice I do, the better I get at it. And so, I did. As much as I really wanted a license, I had to learn things the right way, and it takes time to get it right. I eventually became more comfortable driving with her, and I knew that she was only trying to help instruct me. I did not have gotten it right away, and there were some bumps on the road during the session. However, she was there to correct any of the mistakes I made and to just be more aware of them in the future. 

The type of techniques that I learned from her was exiting the subdivision, when to use my turn signals, how to yield all around in a circle, and mostly parking. The parking was the most challenging, but I had to really focus and understand the steps if I’m taking the actual driving test. But the only thing that frightened me was the highway on my last session. Surprisingly, I have managed to turn my signal on and switch lanes and look through the car mirrors if necessary. Luckily for me I didn’t die, and I was able to make it back on my own from a certain place. II felt not only proud, but confident and knowing that my skills were finally paying off, and I couldn’t thank my driver instructor enough for it. 

Now, I started practicing more consistently whenever I got the chance. I even transported my dad to and back from a local grocery store without any problems. He did speak a few times, but I was a sign that I’m slowly understanding. Overall, I know it has taken me a while to get the hang of driving even as a senior in high school, but it’s okay to be more patient when earning a license and practice whenever needed. Always trust the process.