The Evolution of My Driving Experience: Lessons and Learning Over the Years

Driven by a strong dedication to becoming a skilled driver, I have accumulated extensive experience in vehicular navigation. My journey began in earnest upon my 17th birthday in January 1961, when I enrolled in professional driving lessons and received invaluable practice from my father in the wide open spaces of our ranch. I passed my test in February of the same year, marking a significant milestone in my driving career.

Learning as a Continuous Process

It is crucial to recognize that the acquisition of a driving license is only the beginning of a lifelong learning process. My dedication continued even after gaining the license, as I recognized the importance of constantly refining my skills. Through carefully accumulated experience on the road, I honed my abilities and became a more competent driver.

Overcoming Challenges and Developing Habits

Like any skill, driving comes with its own set of challenges. Throughout my career, I developed some 'bad habits' that I had to be particularly aware of during my testing period. However, these insights proved invaluable. I strongly recommend leveraging every opportunity to gain behind-the-wheel time to help you relax and feel more confident during your driving test.

Driving Permits and Licenses

A notable aspect of the driving process is the distinct difference between a 'license' and a 'permit.' To obtain a driving license, one must complete compulsory driving lessons at an approved driving school, both for theory and practice. Your instructor will regularly assess your development and inform you when you are ready for the tests, guiding the process from start to finish.

My Personal Journey

My own personal driving experience spans a wide range of licensing types, and I have driven extensively over the years. For instance, I took Drivers Education (DE) at the age of 15.5 in high school. We practiced driving in our class, but I was a particularly nervous driver. Unfortunately, my parents did not have the time to practice driving with me, and I held onto my learner's permit for six years before receiving my license.

During my DE class, I managed to pass the written test with flying colors but found it challenging to drive in practice. After meeting my ex-husband, he provided me with the opportunity to drive his 1967 Chevy Nova around an empty parking lot. Subsequently, we got married, and he purchased a car for me to practice with. This was valuable experience as I drove back and forth between my parents' home and church while he was often absent on training maneuvers.

Advanced Teaches and Personal Success

With the newly acquired license, I sat for my driving test shortly before starting my job at a country high school. Over the years, my driving skills evolved dramatically. For example, five years after the test, I purchased a Mustang Cobra with a manual transmission, a vehicle that I owned for over thirty years. This was just one of many vehicles I have driven, including a school bus, a large van, a moving truck, various pickup trucks, compact cars, full-size Cadillacs, and my current SUV. The list of places I have driven is extensive, stretching from East to West in Tennessee and from the Northern to the Southern border.

Professional Skills and Mileage

For twenty-five years, my employer required me to drive an average of 1400 to 2400 miles per month. This evidently honed my driving abilities and reinforced the value of comprehensive experience. Although I now only drive when necessary or for fun, my SUV continues to bring joy, leading family members to encourage me to explore long-distance adventures.

My personal experiences highlight the importance of continuous learning and practice in becoming a proficient driver. This journey is not merely about obtaining a license but about mastering the craft of driving.