It all began when the pandemic hit and various states of lockdown started.
That’s when all my urges for adventure surfaced at once. Before this, my idea of travel usually involved international trips. It’s like I forgot about the incredible diversity, history, and cultural richness of the 50 states. I realized unique experiences were available right in my own backyard.
Solo exploration has always been a lingering fantasy for me. Picture it: A mysterious stranger rolls into town. No name, no strings attached, nothing between the nomad and the road ahead. To witness towns, walk down paths, and roads, without the social stimulation of a companion. I daydreamed about moving from place to place like a lone-ranger character in westerns and action films.
I decided my next excursion would be dependent on getting behind the wheel. Thus, my journey of learning to drive as an adult began, and it turned out to be an exhilarating exercise in facing fear and self-discovery.
The first 3 hurdles:
Fear
As adults we are so conscientious of the potential dangers on the road. Let me tell you, I literally had to force myself to go to each driving lesson, facing panic attacks along the way. I’m not going to sugar coat it — It took a whole year to quiet most of my driving anxiety. But the sense of accomplishment was priceless—I overcame my fears, and that’s something I am really proud of.
Confusion
After years of being a pedestrian and a passenger, I was surprised at how unfamiliar the road looked from behind the wheel. I had expected the rules of the road to be more intuitive, but it turned out that everything looked completely different from the driver’s seat. With repeated driving practice, studying the road rules, and watching instructional videos on YouTube, I gradually gained a sense of ease and familiarity with the road. The combination of guidance and practice really brought everything together for me.
Commitment
You know what’s tough? When you have to prioritize something that’s not fun and makes you anxious. It can be a real challenge. But if I wanted to make progress, I had to make this a priority and practice. Learning to drive as an adult takes a whole lot of patience. It’s important to remember that we all learn at our own pace and that making mistakes is totally normal. So, I stuck with it, kept practicing, and little by little, my skills started improving. And you know what else? My confidence grew along the way too. Consistency and perseverance really paid off!
Totally worth it.
Freedom
So, I finally get my driver’s license and it’s like unlocking a whole new level of possibilities. Now if I want to see a place I can just hop in my machine and go there. I’ve got the power to hit the road whenever I want. Exploring uncharted territories, diving into spontaneous adventures, at my own speed.
Convenience
The ability to drive wherever I wanted gave me this inspiring level of unparalleled convenience. From running errands to embarking on epic road trips, I had the flexibility to mold my schedule exclusively to my whims, delve into my clandestine capabilities, and get places a whole lot faster.
Confidence
Learning to drive as an adult pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me I can conquer fears. It taught me the value of perseverance, dedication, and the importance of embracing new beginnings. Achieving my driver’s license was a testament to my personal growth and resilience, and a reminder that anything I choose to put time and effort into makes that thing possible.
So, in sum, learning to drive as an adult is a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and personal growth. It is never too late to learn new skills and overcome old fears. Just as a stranger can become a familiar friend so can fear. By staying committed, patient, and dedicated to learning and practicing, I transformed myself into a more confident and safer driver. So, if you dream of taking the wheel just do it– the road is yours.
Want a complete breakdown of how to get your license? Here is a step by step guide.
