Driving has reshaped our society from how we use to get around, to the kind of car convenient for our budgets, and what must we do as a drivers to maintain our cars lasting capabilities. With everything said in done it would sound like driving itself is just the easy part, when in fact it’s only the beginning. When you prioritize the actual importance of driving it comes down to safety, maturity, and community. In my 8+ years of driving experience I can thankfully say without bragging that I have been a safe driver then in my teenage years to now currently in my 20’s. Needless to say I’ve had a few bumps and minor scratches but that is all due to my mindset of knowing driving will have its challenges yet while trying to avoid its harsh catastrophes.
I started driving at the age of 15 once I passed my Drug/Alcohol, in-person course at the Florida DMV office, followed by an online Driving School, where a quiz was required to be taken at the Polk County Tax Collectors Office, before obtaining my permit ID. The idea of having a permit gave me insight to almost having my actual license as well as the freedom it gave me to want to drive (because I could only operate a vehicle as long as there was someone who was already licensed with me) even though there would be a major responsibility to remember everything I had learned, applying that same knowledge while learning to drive, and to stay focused when it would be my time to get behind the wheel.

Out of all my friends in my friend group, I was the first to get my permit then 2 years after, I was the first to have my license. Some of my friends struggled with the Driver Education/ Drug and Alcohol Courses rather than driving a car. Driving a car seemed to be the easy part for most of them, simply as they compared the experience to playing one of those arcade car games, except in those games you can pause, when driving in real time you can not. I tried my best to support each friend during their journey into adulthood by reminding them of how they need to conduct themselves when driving, explaining how important it is to pay attention when taking all Driving courses, never allowing themselves to get distracted out on the road, and constantly quizzing their knowledge on the Rules of the Road by the State of Florida.

It may seemed as if I’m coming off harshly to my friends, they would call it annoying the way I would talk to them about the dangers of texting and driving, which is a huge offense here in the State of Florida. A driver could be fined as well as prosecuted, depending on the circumstances of the situation. I was only trying to redirect their attention to the road knowing that a car can turn into a weapon is less than a split second. I would often ask my friends as well as myself; ‘Is my life worth losing over a text I could have replied to later?, Do I fully understand the consequences of my actions if I were to continue to deliberately put myself and or others in harms way?, Is it worth losing my freedom over a decision that happened within a second that could cause a significant amount of damage?

My first few lessons driving were harsh due to my mother constantly retelling her story of how she was in 2 car accidents within 3 months of each other. I personally couldn’t imagine the first accident, where she had a broken collar bone, followed by her having a concussion in the second. Each accident as bad as they both sounded were caused by other drivers, she had already obtained her license at 16, although during those accidents she wasn’t the one driving. These specific stores guided me to study as much as I needed to during all my courses, reminded me of how important it is to stay safe on the road but gave insight on how dangerous the road itself can be, and also understanding that some accidents aren’t ever your fault. They just happen, even when you least expect it.

From that point on I made it my personal duty to always be alert for myself while driving, checking the maintenance on my own car routinely as needed, and that sometimes you have to be cautious with others on the road, as hard as it sounds,it is better to be precisely prepared when trying to master the stages of driving rather than too go blindly into a bad predicament that could have been avoided.
When living in the state of Florida it it stated that any minor who has their Permit ID will be eligible to get their Florida State License within the next year or 2. By the age of 17 I was able to earn my license once I completed another online course on the Florida DMV Website, then setting an appointment for the Bartow Tax Accountant Office to take my Drivers Test with an instructor. During the time of me actually driving there were nerves, anxiousness, and overall wanting to pass knowing I had enough “drive time” when I had my permit. Even with enough drive time to prepare myself for the actual driving portion I still felt unprepared.

To be specific I felt a lack of confidence because I thought knowing everything beforehand was going to help me succeed when in fact I needed something else. It wasn’t until my Grandma sat me down and told me the story of how her and my mother got in their first accident. She was able to talk to me, saying that its ok to be nervous but its better to be confident and secure on my abilities to get through this monumental monument at that time in my life. My father gave me one last driving test two days before my set appointment. He helped me figure out how to correctly parallel park, which is something that is a common struggle for drivers. Thus reassuring me I was smart, capable, and I had the knowledge necessary to pass.

In closing most people see driving as a necessity rather than a privilege. Safety when and while driving should always be top priority for both yourself and those around you. The maturity you must have for yourself to understand the importance of Road Rules, specific Driving Courses both in-person as well as online, being able to take care of a vehicle in your possession, and having a sense of community with people who care for you and want you to succeed on this journey. It may all seem overwhelming at first just trying to understand the basics of driving but with the appropriate tools that are there to help, you as the new driver must take it upon yourself to gain as much information that is provided.

Again it’s better to be prepared to succeed or not be prepared except to fail. To all young drivers I advise you to study Driving as if its a subject in school, practice driving a vehicle with someone you know and trusts you, and don’t ever be afraid to ask questions and or get additional help when needed. There are things within your control, then there are things that aren’t. As long as you know that you have the knowledge on the subject matter, you’ve put time into practicing skills, and that the time to take the next step will be yours and yours alone (meaning when you are ready to earn your license you would know what steps to take, where to go for the driving test, ect). Anything is possible when you are safe, mature, and have a community to support you. Before you drive be mindful of yourself, others, and most importantly the rules of the road. Just remember driving a car doesn’t make you a good driver, having a confident, secure, and ready mindset is key to being a Safe Driver.