I'm 29 years old and I've never had a drivers license. Driving has always REALLY intimidated me, honestly I was terrified of it. As a result of that I always found a way around learning to drive and eventually got used to the idea that I was never going to be a driver. When I started thinking about my future self and the things that I wanted to do it became really obvious to me that it was time to conquer this fear. I didn't want to be in a situation where I have to ask someone for a ride every time I need something and where I live right now there's no such thing as public transit. And dang it, I want to go on road trips! Another goal for this year is to go on my first solo road trip but more on that later..
I learned to drive a little when I was 16 but quickly realized I wasn't ready so when I started practicing this time I was basically starting from the beginning. The most challenging part was definitely pushing myself through the times when I got really frustrated. I practiced everyday, every chance I got. When I didn't feel like it, I made myself. When I got nervous, I pushed through it. Everyday it got just a little easier. Each time on the road I took in the full experience and used every opportunity to learn and get better. After a few months I felt ready to take the test!
In TN you have to make an appointment to take the road test. I already had a permit so I didn't need to take the written test. When I called my local DMV to make an apt they didn't have any available for 4 months! I was crushed! But I was determined, so I called the next town over and they were booked up for months too buuut, lucky for me, they had just ONE apt for the following Monday. I put my name on the list and then preceded to spend the next few days practicing and panicking.
When the day came my mom and I drove the hour to Knoxville so I could take the test. I was so nervous. I knew I was ready but that didn't help my anxiety. Unfortunately no matter what I know in my head my anxiety often gets the better of me. It makes me insecure and shakes my confidence. But I'm in no position to let that voice control my life so I did what I could to shut it out and stay calm and focused. When it came time to drive, I just did it... Annnnnd I totally nailed it! I only got one point off for being kinda close to the line when I parked which seemed a little ridiculous but honestly I couldn't have cared less! I was stoked.
When I got home and had a min to take it all in, I cried tears of total joy. I feel like it seems kinda silly, like everyone learns to drive, what's the big deal? But this was something I really thought I couldn't do and I totally did it! I'm really happy that I waited, I wasn't ready when I was younger. I am ready now. It feels super rad to be able to cross this one off my list. I am really proud of myself!
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| Crazy happy face post drivers test! |
Well done! I learnt very late myself back in India and I drove on my own only for 4 months before I moved to the US. I was very scared and anxious and I kept making excuses. Now I have to take the test all over again and learn with completely different rules (unlike the crazy driving place I came from). I am nervous for sure but like you said - roadtrips!
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