A Beginners guide to Learners Permits

Today’s the day! I’m gonna get my learners permit and learn to drive. I’m so excited. Mom’s already got me a car to practice with. And I mean, how hard can a theory test be? It’s Zack we’ve gotta worry about. Tests really aren’t his thing. Come to think of it, they aren’t my thing either. But hey, at least I study. He always finds a way to get hold of the question set before the exams and writes the answers down on the sleeves of his shirt and in the caps of his pens (P.S. do not attempt to copy these tactics you could land up in serious trouble)

“What's the correct way to parallel park,” the examiner promptly asked me, while driving the car getting ready to park. I answered the question, a little bit scared. This was nothing like what I thought it would be. I thought I would write the answers on a piece of paper and give that to the examiner. Not be in a car with her and have her follow my instructions, and still write the theory paper. This was so scary. My answer was correct, but this woman clearly did not know how to do it. Finally, she gave up and moved on to the next question. “When is it acceptable to park next to a red curb.” “Red curbs are only for emergency vehicles, and unless in case of an emergency, it is not allowed to park next to a red curb.” Alright, this isn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

After three hours of that torture, me and mom drove off, with my brand new learner's permit! Yay now I can learn to drive. That woman was such a terrorist. I hope and pray she doesn’t take my exam when I apply for my license next year. That would be one heck of a way to celebrate my 16th birthday. In the hospital.

On the way home, I sat in the front seat, and carefully watched my mom drive. That would be me next year. I couldn’t wait. As soon as we got home, I ran up to the Martin’s house to show Zack my permit. “You passed the written text, for which you need to study from a textbook. Doesn’t sound any different from what you do at school.” “Oh come on, you're just jealous I passed while you failed. Soon I’ll have my license and you’ll need to ask me to drive you everywhere,” I said, laughing my head off at him. “Yeah right, let's see what happens when you get into the car.”

The next morning, mom brought got my car out of the garage, and we drove to the empty parking lot to practice. “Okay, now that have you adjusted all your mirrors,” Mom started. “Yes, and I can see myself perfectly,” I said. “You’re supposed to see the road behind the car,” Mom sighed. Once all my mirrors were set, we started. “Now, the car is automatic. So you don’t need to worry about changing the gears. For now. We’re just gonna learn to steer the car for now.”

I put my foot on the accelerator, and the car jerked forward. I panicked and shut my eyes. “MAX! You’re the driver you need to keep your eyes open. If you shut your eyes we’re gonna crash!” “Sorry mom,” I said and started again. This time, I started slowly and went till the end. When there was just a little bit of area left, mom said, “Now, slow down and turn the wheel gently to the right.” I tried to execute that. As expected, I couldn’t do it. The car skidded and the rear went smack into the concrete wall. “Alright, I think that’s enough driving for one day. One month actually,” mom said, thinking about how much it would cost to have the tail light repaired. Oh well, guess I’m not getting my license anytime soon.