Page 12 - Edge: Issue 6 March/April 2019

Road Fever
Story by Joseph Frey
Why Get A Driver’s License?
Getting a driver’s license is a very important part in the life of a teenager, as many look forward to having freedom out on the roads when they turn 16. Many students
want to start driving as soon as they are of age because they look forward to taking a new step in their independence. Learning to drive is exciting because it is one of the biggest responsibilities that you have as a high schooler.
Driving allows you to hang out with your friends more often, go to new places, and do new things that you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise as a passenger.
“Driving expands your opportunity and time to do things,” Ben Olejarski, 12, said.
Along with having your own car, driving benefits students because it allows them to create their schedule around their own time, which is important for those people involved in clubs, sports, or extra curricular activities that involve commutes. It’s also common to see teenagers rushing to get their license because ultimately it leads to more fun during the weekends, since you are able to go out and have a good time on your own or with your friends.
When it comes to getting your license, you cannot take the test before you’ve had your permit for at least a year. Florida law requires this so that young drivers have enough practice time to feel prepared before driving on the road by themselves. Here at Edgewood, students typically enroll in driver’s education at age 15 so that they can learn everything they need to know during their year of practice. The main benefit of taking this class is that if you pass your
test here at the school, you will be given a waiver so you don’t have to worry about testing at the DMV. It is a stress free way of learning how to drive because you are in a safe and educational environment that will allow you to build confidence in yourself as you improve your skills. Students in drivers education are also taught about the dangers of driving under the influence and the serious life-threatening risks that come with it. Most students who complete this course leave with a sense of self assurance because they were able to get plenty of experience behind the wheel.
Because getting a license is such a big step up in responsibility, the parents of many students feel that more experience is necessary before getting a license.
“They [my parents] still wanted me to have extra practice,” Adam Glover, 11, said.
While you may think your parents are annoying for having you wait additional months or years before getting your license, it is important to understand that driving has risks involved and it is good for young drivers to feel totally confident before they go completely independent on the road. The best way to gain driving experience while you have your permit is to drive to and from places that are part of your normal routine including school, church, practice, the grocery store, and your friend’s houses. Daily practice will help eliminate nerves and create good driving habits. With additional practice and an intent to drive responsibly, many kids end up getting their license by the end of their junior year, or after they turn 16.
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