LIFE

Whether you’re in the stages of getting your learner’s permit, practicing for the big test or still have a few years to wait before you move out of the passenger’s seat, driving can be exciting—but also kind of scary.

To celebrate this coming-of-age milestone, we came up with seven feelings every new driver has, accompanied by tips to help you survive this crazy process.

1. When you get your state’s driving manual and realize just how many rules there are when it comes to the road...

Depending on which state you live in, you might be expected to take a multiple-choice test at the DMV before obtaining your learner’s permit. Study up and contact your local DMV for a driving manual prior to the test that’ll be sure to help you get every question right!

2. Driving with one of your parents for the first time...

Don’t take offense if Mom or Dad (or another adult) is in the car with you and freaks out just a little bit. It can be just as scary to hand over the keys as it can be to put them in the ignition. If they seem uncomfortable or anxious, it’s only because they care and want you to be a safe driver!

3. Relatives and people at school asking, “So…do you have your license? Now? Now? How about now?”

While these questions can get annoying, chances are whoever is asking them doesn’t mean any harm. Whether you think it’s an innocent question or not, just smile and say, “Hopefully soon. We’ll see!” and politely change the subject.

4. When you go out on the road to practice driving and keep making mistakes...

Keep your head up! Driving is a learning process, and while it’s never a good idea to run a red light, it’s totally not the end of the world if you’re practicing parallel parking in a lot and hit a cone. Practice, practice, practice, after all.

5. When you finally finished your required hours and it’s time to schedule the road test...

Again, depending on where you live, the amount of required hours of practice that you need to log can range anywhere from 40-60. When you’ve completed those, schedule your test via your DMV website or by phone (tip: When you schedule, expect for the earliest time available to be a month or two away!)

6. Test day. Dun, dun, dun...

It’s totally normal to be nervous, especially when you have to drive with a DMV employee. All you can do when he or she gets in the car is be polite, drive safely and know that you’ve done the best you can at that point. Even if you’re unable to get your license the day you wanted to, you will see all of that hard work pay off. Promise.

7. The test is *finally* over...and you passed!

You go, girl! Whether it took you just one shot or a few tries, you rocked it and are ready to be on the road. Now, your new responsibility is to protect yourself and others at all times.

What do you think, GL girls? Have you taken your driving test yet? Tell us in the comments below!

by Emily Fishel | 11/27/2018