You never think the day will happen when your annoying little sibling will be old enough to get behind the wheel of a car, but the day comes as surely as the sun rises. I'll admit that it freaks me out a little bit to think of the day when my kid brother starts getting adult responsibilities, the first of which starts with learning to drive.
So, here's some advice from all of us older siblings who have been there. Remember these tips when you're behind the wheel, we give them out of love.
1. Read the Driver's Manual before you take the test.
Before you even get behind the wheel, you have to pass the permit test. The test itself isn't too hard, but imagine the embarrassment of not passing and having to go back and take it a week later. Save yourself that trouble and read through the Driver's Manual beforehand.
2. Mom is going to panic.
The first time you get in the driver's seat (and many, many times after that) mom is going to freak out. She'll start telling you thousands of things to do at once and will clutch onto the door handle with all of her might. Don't let this freak you out, just breathe and remember that she does this because she wants you to stay alive.
3. Don't yell back at mom.
Yes, you know how to use a turn signal. I know that; you know that, and even she knows that. But telling her that isn't going to help. It'll just cause you stress, which doesn't help anyone while you're driving.
4. Dad is going to be so proud.
Every father loves teaching his kids about cars. Listen to him as he rambles about things that you couldn't care less about. Chances are, that information will come in handy later.
5. Use common sense.
Wear a seat belt, make sure you can see out of all of your mirrors, don't pull out in front of other moving cars. Just make smart choices and stay alive.
6. Slow down.
Just because you know dad always speeds on that windy back road, doesn't mean that you should, even though that's sometimes the more fun option.
7. Take the opportunity to drive with other adults.
Mom and dad are wonderful teachers, but there is something to be learned from other people as well, So, if our neighbor wants to take you for a spin, let them. Listen to what they have to say. But, don't start driving in a way that mom wouldn't approve of.
8. Keep your eyes on the road.
So what if that cute girl that you sit next to in history texted you? She can wait.
9. Don't let the new power get to your head.
Your older siblings are still superior to you, you're still the baby.
10. Put your license to good use and visit your older sibling.
Chances are, your older sibling misses you, and can't wait to see you driving for themselves. So, take a weekend and visit them, let them panic over you new driving skills too.
11. Most importantly, stay alive.
And remember that if you don't your protective older sibling will kill you again. But, we do it out of love.
