So I FINALLY got my driver's license this summer. During this time, I learned a lot. Sure, I learned how to drive and how the rules work, but really, now that I think about it, it taught me more. I learned patience and understanding, all through observing my dad as he taught me.
So, starting with patience. I learned the exact limit of my father's patience as I made mistakes on the road. Granted, it was a MISTAKE on the ROAD, but it wasn't life-threatening or critical. However, yes, if I was caught, it would have been a fine. That was when I found out the priorities of driving: not exactly safety first, but avoid tickets as much as possible.
I also found the limits of my patience. It showed when I may have put us in a slightly life-threatening situation-- where my dad, due to adrenaline, said that we were lucky he wasn't asleep otherwise we could have been in an accident. I would also like to think, due to adrenaline, (but really my lack of patience) I retorted back that whether he was asleep or not we would have gotten into an accident anyways if that were to happen since I was the one driving.
Next was understanding. I had to try to understand how it felt being a passenger in a car with someone who isn't exactly a credible driver. Most of the time, I would think in the terms of, if the car could pass through, it can pass through. True, but I had to remember to take my passengers into account. If they felt uncomfortable with the distance (or lack thereof) to the next car, I should wait. The DMV may not have thought the same --- "you can go, you know" (Guts of steel).
However, thanks to my dad and a whole lot of patience and understanding, he still put up with me and my mistakes and insisted on practicing as much as possible. Or, as much as he could mentally handle (The first day of me on the road resulted in a stomach-ache which turned into a lying-down-after-and-not-getting-up-until-the-next-day). Though I'd complain about my dad, truthfully, with him allowing me to take risks was what really made me be able to finally have my driver's license today. If it were up to my mom, I wouldn't have been able to go out on the road until I properly knew how to park the car first. (Unfortunately, though I can drive, my parking is terrible.)
So, on hindsight, I'm really grateful to my dad. It was rough, and I know I like to argue too much, but due to his patience and understanding, I am finally able to drive. Of course, I'll forget this the next time I'm driving and he's sitting next to me, and vice versa. ("Dad, you didn't turn on your blinker when you're changing lanes again." "It's cuz I'm a pro.") Whatever you say, dad.
