Practice Makes Perfect

On July 19, 2021 I recently passed my drivers test for licensure on the first try with 4 mistakes total. Getting to this point took not only a lot of time and effort, but a great amount of dedication. As soon as I turned 15 and a half, I immediately began taking driver’s education. I will admit, it was overwhelming to learn all the different lanes and signs, however, in the long run it was an integral part of learning how to drive. Taking driver’s education allowed me a solid foundation and explanation on the rules of the road. It helped me feel more comfortable on the road, knowing that I knew what all these different shapes, lines, and colors meant. Although learning, taking, and passing driver’s education is one thing, being behind the wheel and applying that knowledge is another.

When I first sat behind the wheel, I was confident in myself and the fact that I knew all the rules like the back of my hand. To ensure safety to not only myself, but the other drivers and pedestrians, I started off in parking lots, early in the morning. Being in a parking lot took off the pressure of being wary of other drivers and people in the streets, allowing me to not only focus better, but also keep other drivers safe. Here in the parking lot, I practiced the fundamentals: turning, parking, backing up, coming to a complete stop, u-turns, and even 3 point turns. I stayed in the parking lot for at least 2 weeks, practicing everyday in the morning. By the time I had graduated from there and moved onto the streets, I was able to apply what I learned into a different environment. I truly think this helped prevent me from getting into many lethal accidents when I first started. From there, I began to practice on the streets. Just like the parking lot, I began in streets that were easier to drive on: wider and empty. Along with that I also practiced early in the morning before rush hour started. At this point I learned much more about what to be wary of when turning left and right, and how to time traffic lights, and gauging my speed. My mother was very patient with me when teaching me how to drive, and we practiced these concepts over and over again, until they were second nature. As I became more acclimated with the road, she began to teach me small tricks that would make me a defensive driver, such as looking at the other traffic light to see if it will be our turn to go soon, always scanning the mirrors to be ready for any situation among many more. Much dedication was spent in the process of learning more about the road and learning every possible move from the oncoming drivers helped prevent many accidents and deaths.

Although I am a reliable and safe driver, unfortunately I have sat in the back seat of other cars that left me feeling uncomfortable and unsafe. Despite these people being my close family and friends, it does not equate to being a safe driver. As my mom always says, “just because people receive their license, it does not mean that they are a good driver.” To become a safe and defensive driver that can not only protect yourself, but other people, you need to start off with the correct habits and proper knowledge of how to maneuver on the road. Practice with someone who is willing to sit through your mistakes and you know is a good driver. Although everybody reacts differently when teaching someone to drive, learning and practicing to drive with the correct type of person can greatly benefit you as a driver. Driving is a learning process, and tears and arguments are all part of it. Driving with someone who is a bad driver, but you get along with is not a very good choice. You will not learn anything and will only ever be comfortable driving decently and repeating the same mistakes. Taking the easy way out by learning deceiving tricks and shortcuts to proper ways will not help you build habits to become a defensive driver.

Getting to this point was not easy, and required a lot of time and dedication on my part and my mother who was teaching me. At many times during those two years of learning, I was not able to drive because of school work and outside activities. Sometimes, I would go weeks without sitting behind the wheel, even months. There was simply no time. However, I am glad I persevered through it all, and kept going. I had my ups and downs throughout it all, however do not give up on yourself and continue to learn from your mistakes, applying the correct techniques the next time. Practice really does make perfect. But, you need to make sure you also practice the things you are bad at, not just the things you feel comfortable with. Do not lose sight of your goal: earning your license as a defensive driver who not only can protect yourself, but other people.