Balancing Act
Finding pearls of wisdom in a real woman's world
More on Teenage Driving - The Permit
1 |
You may have caught my previous posts regarding this topic, No Need to Panic - Tips for Teaching Your Teen to Drive and Driving Lessons - Part Two. We have a teenager who is working toward getting her license. At first, she wasn't all that serious. In fact, it took her a few months before even figuring out the necessary steps to apply for the Learner's Permit. I decided that when she took the burden to do those things, she would be mentally in the game enough for us to consider letting her behind the wheel of one of our aging vehicles. After all, this whole experience would only create worry and frustration for us, right? Leave the burden on her.
Well, that worked for those few months until a conversation something like this occurred:
Princess in Waiting: "Mom, can we go get my permit sometime this week?"
Princess Peg: "Hmmm, I have been dreading this day since the day you turned 14. What took you so long?"
P in W: "Nuh-uh...I have asked and asked..."
(Uh, did you ask your alien mommy, 'cuz' this is the first I have heard it...) "No, you haven't. In fact, I really have been surprised you didn't ask sooner."
"Well, all my friends have theirs, Mom. Its time. You can't put me off any longer."
(Uh, again, are you confusing yourself with some other teenager - perhaps one that you idolize from the telly?) "I haven't put you off, sweetie. So, all your friends have them, huh? Jackie?"
"Well, no."
"Alex?"
"Huh-uh..."
"Erin?"
"No..."
"Amanda? Jenny? Lizzie?"
"Well, not them...but lots of others..."
"So, what do you have to do to get the permit?"
"Oh...I don't know." She appears to be flummoxed.
"Well, you get on the phone, or get online, or do whatever you have to do to find out how to get the permit, and we'll go from there."
So, that's what she did, and from there, it's pretty much been from zero to 60!
After asking her repeatedly if she had everything she needed, I drove her across town to the driver's license bureau. This was my first big mistake. Trusting a 15 year old (even my incredibly responsible one) to get all of the facts, etc. (Note to self for next child: Make the child do the research, but secretly do it myself, too, so I know we are prepared when we get to the bureau.)
So, we get to the license bureau, and they promptly ask for her birth certificate and Social Security Number. Panicked, she looks at me imploringly. Like I walk around with a certified copy of my first-born's birth certificate in my wallet. I can barely remember to take my cell phone with me when I leave the house. Half the time, I don't even have my own billfold/license on me. What makes her think I'm going to have this sort of documentation at my fingertips? Heck, its a miracle to find a pen instead of a lip or eyeliner in my purse. (Again, refer back to my note to self above...
For what happened next, you'll have to wait for my next post - The Driver's License Bureau.
Member Comments On...
More on Teenage Driving - The Permit
I was a scared mom at first for my 16yr old son to get his license. He takes his test next week, and yes! I'm feeling anxious. After that, he's off driving by himself. I do though, feel relieved because I am the one who taught him to drive, and put many weeks into teaching him and preparing him. I feel confident that he is ready to be on his own, and only hope that he takes what I've taugh him, as well as good judgement, with him on the road. As with anything else in teaching our young people today, we as parents need love, guidance, and a whole lot of patients.
Flag as inappropriate
My oldest is 17 and doesn't have hers--her choice. I'm fine with that for now, but she really should look into it. The 15 year old will be dragging me to the DMV for hers. These are great tips!
Flag as inappropriate
About Me
I am a writer, both the freelance and eight-to-five type, and also love singing, reading and working on my first book. When life isn't too terribly hectic, I really enjoy contributing to my blog, White Trash Mom, as Tacky Princess.
My Blog Entries
