Learning how to drive is practically a rite of passage into adulthood. Even once you've got your license and feel like a pretty decent driver, getting into that car alone for the first time is a harrowing experience. All kinds of thoughts fly through your head, and it's up to you to stay focused.
Remember, practice makes perfect! No one starts out a perfect driver (and if someone told you they did, say you smell smoke -- because their pants are on fire.)
1. "It's so... quiet."
*turns on GPS or Siri for someone to talk to*
2. "If I do something wrong... how will I know? No one's in the passenger seat to tell me!"
Hopefully you don't do anything wrong, but if you do, odds are other drivers will probably honk at you (or yell at you through the window). That's how you know -- not that you should need to be honked/yelled at in the first place.
3. "Can other people tell that I've never driven alone before?"
*tries to imitate parent's relaxed posture when driving and fails miserably*
4. "Oh. Ohhhhh no. The driver's handbook never warned me about THIS."
What's a newly alone driver to do?! (Safety first. Always.)
5. "Oh. Ohhhhh no. My dad/mom/driving instructor never taught me how to do THIS!"
Cue parallel parking, roundabouts, u-turns, first time running out of gas, other drivers' bad parking, etc....
6. "I don't have to listen to this music. I can listen to ANYTHING. I. WANT."
"AND I CAN PLAY IT AS LOUD AS I WANT."
7. "Am I ready for the freeway? I'm ready for the freeway. Wait, AM I ready for the freeway? I'm not ready. This was a bad idea. This was a very bad idea."
"You know what -- screw it, I'm going." (After all, you won't know unless you try. But if you truly don't feel ready -- or other people say you aren't -- then please don't get on the freeway.)
8. *Drives extra, extra slow around cop cars*
People do this anyway, but when you're driving on your own for the first time, you really really really want to be careful and basically perfect.
9. "YELLOW LIGHTS, YOU ARE THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE."
Brake? Speed up??? I AM NOT READY TO MAKE THIS JUDGMENT CALL.
10. "Did I park right? Am I too far? Too close?"
It's all about practice, newbie.
11. "...Did I lock the car/turn off the headlights/roll up the windows/hide my valuables/put on the parking brake? OMG, I CAN'T REMEMBER."
If you did what you were taught, then you're good. If you need a checklist, don't be afraid to make one!
12. "I can't wait to get home and tell everyone I made it!"
Driving alone is truly a major achievement and milestone in life -- everyone will be incredibly proud. Congrats, and be safe on the road!
