KidsThe Good And Bad Of My Son Getting His Learners Permit
Ironically on our way to the DMV, a Dominos pizza driver recklessly drove around us and sped past a stop sign at a three-way intersection.
Welcome to life in the streets son. Keep your head on a swivel and you’ll be alright.
And that is just one of things I worry about as he prepares for his drivers test, before taking the wheel alone.
For a moment a year ago, I pondered the idea of not teaching him to drive at all. Kids are so different these days, I thought. With Uber, Lyft, Lime bikes, and scooters, this generation seems to have little interest in getting their drivers license.
As a teen in the 90’s we couldn’t wait to drive. As soon as we were eligible to get a permit we did, with taking the drivers test soon after. For some of my classmates, a part time job and car followed. And bam, we thought we were grown with this newfound freedom and independence.
In no hurry to teach him to drive was part him not mentioning it, and part parental protection.
As adults with life experience aside from having ‘been there before’, lies a fear of the inability to control the uncontrollable.
The weather, other drivers, and the big one: LAW ENFORCEMENT.
It would behoove me to think that DWB (driving while black) doesn't pertain to my son simply because he’s a good kid. DWB is very real and kinda scary for me knowing he’ll be hitting the road on his own soon.
I’ve had my share of pullovers. And he was present for only one. Still, no matter how much I talk to and train him on how to conduct himself if he ever gets pulled over, the slightest mishap could turn a simple stop into a tragedy.
Him getting his permit was a happy occasion for him as he group texted family the news. It’s an accomplishment and testament to him growing up. I’m happy about that. Its the other things that make it bad.
The good is that he can now be used to run errands, help drive on long road trips, transport his younger brother, and come to aid in the event a driver gets sick at the wheel. Knowing how to drive is a survival tactic.
For now, I’m going to enjoy the moment. There is good and bad in most things in life. What we choose to focus on makes the difference.
And I’m gonna focus on that my son is a responsible, smart, loving kid who’s learning how to drive.
It’s almost funny that his first time on the streets, he almost sideswiped a parked car. We got six months till he can take the drivers test. Hopefully by then I’ll still have all my hair.
