Procrastination: I Never Thought it Would Get this Bad

[spicypumpkin]

So, I'm going to be 18 on Monday, and some of you may already know that I don't have my driver's license. It's the classic case of procrastination in extreme proportions.

I wasn't ready to get it at 16, and I feel a little more ready now. However, when I think about having my license and driving by myself, I freak out completely. I feel like putting it off even further even though I know it will hinder more than it will help. I'm just afraid that I will fail the test and embarrass myself, or I will pass, but still won't be able to drive. I can't park, and I don't know how to learn how. This is mainly what I'm freaking out about. Parking. I just freeze up, especially when someone is waiting impatiently.

So, when I turn 18, I'm eligible to take the test. My mom is going to want me to take it right away, but I need more practice.

I guess I just need some reassurance that it's going to be okay.

 

[tonymcclellan]

Just because you pass doesnt mean you have to drive. Practice parking, its the best way.

 

[NBS 4life]

The best way to get good at driving is to do it. Whenever you go out with your parents ask if you can drive. After a while it is natural. I had the same problem as you when I did mine a few years back. Just commit spicy you know you can do it!

 

[Streamline]

So, I'm going to be 18 on Monday, and some of you may already know that I don't have my driver's license. It's the classic case of procrastination in extreme proportions.

That's fine. I only got my license a few weeks ago. (I was 18 in February).

I wasn't ready to get it at 16, and I feel a little more ready now. However, when I think about having my license and driving by myself, I freak out completely. I feel like putting it off even further even though I know it will hinder more than it will help.

What's legal driving age in you're area? It's 17 over here. And yes, delaying it will just hinder you further. You have no idea how good it is to finally drive once you get that license...There's alot more freedom once you have it eg. you don't have to ask people to drive you everywhere!

I'm just afraid that I will fail the test and embarrass myself, or I will pass, but still won't be able to drive. I can't park, and I don't know how to learn how. This is mainly what I'm freaking out about. Parking. I just freeze up, especially when someone is waiting impatiently.

Do they not have driving instructors available where you live? I ended up having about 10 lessons with mine before he said i was finally ready (although personally i think i was ready at about 5 lessons). If you're worried about anything or need to polish up your driving, then these guys know their stuff and in my opinion you'll find are alot more helpful at the end of one lesson than you first thought.

So, when I turn 18, I'm eligible to take the test. My mom is going to want me to take it right away, but I need more practice.

What test??? I thought you could take it at 16 ???

I guess I just need some reassurance that it's going to be okay.

I can relate to how you feel but don't worry, you will be fine.

 

[calcium]

Yeah, I'm confused. I thought you could take the test when you are 16. Did they change a law or something?

Anywho, I got my license when I graduated high school. I too procrastinated and wasn't very comfortable with driving. I still can't parallel park But once you take the test it is so freaking easy it's unbelievable. Just ask other people around your age what they had to do exactly and practice just that.

 

[spicypumpkin]

What's legal driving age in you're area? It's 17 over here. And yes, delaying it will just hinder you further. You have no idea how good it is to finally drive once you get that license...There's alot more freedom once you have it eg. you don't have to ask people to drive you everywhere!

If one gets their learner's permit on the day they turn 15 and a hlaf, then they will be elligible to take the test the day they turn 16. You need to have had your permit for six months to take the test if you are under 18.

Do they not have driving instructors available where you live? I ended up having about 10 lessons with mine before he said i was finally ready (although personally i think i was ready at about 5 lessons). If you're worried about anything or need to polish up your driving, then these guys know their stuff and in my opinion you'll find are alot more helpful at the end of one lesson than you first thought.

They have driving instructors. My first experience with driving lessons two years ago was bad. The instructor was terrible. I've had 2 lessons with a better one this year, and I have one lesson left. I'm going to take it right before the test.

What test??? I thought you could take it at 16 ???

Like I said, you can only take it at 16 if you got your permit when you were 15 and a half. I got my permit for the first time shortly after I turned 15 and a half. Your permit expires after a year, and that's what mine did. I didn't get it again until this July. Now, when you're 18, you don't need a permit or anything to take the test, you can just take it. I got my permit so I could practice, so on my birthday, when I turn 18, I will be eligible even though I haven't had the permit for 6 months.

I can relate to how you feel but don't worry, you will be fine.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[ChrisJG]

Before you get your license, it all feels like a terribly big deal. Honestly, once you've passed (which you will) and you're in the car on your own, you will be amazed at how relaxed you are.

You don't come across as the kind of person who would show off to friends and take risks. You will be fine.

Oh, and good luck on your test.

 

[tonymcclellan]

Yeah, I'm confused. I thought you could take the test when you are 16. Did they change a law or something?

Anywho, I got my license when I graduated high school. I too procrastinated and wasn't very comfortable with driving. I still can't parallel park But once you take the test it is so freaking easy it's unbelievable. Just ask other people around your age what they had to do exactly and practice just that.

All states are different. I got mine at 16 yrs and 30 days, as soon as eligible. I did drivers ed at 15 yrs.

Here in Jersey you have to be 17 to get your license, although it may be 18 now.

 

[Streamline]

Before you get your license, it all feels like a terribly big deal. Honestly, once you've passed (which you will) and you're in the car on your own, you will be amazed at how relaxed you are.

This is exactly how i was. And even when i had my license it took a few goes of driving by myself before i was completely comfortable behind the wheel. I was too conscious of other cars around me.

Spicy - thanks for clearin all that up...You had me confused with all the ages and stuff and how your system works. Over here, the earliest you can get your learners is 16 and a half. You need to hold that 6 months before you can take the practical driving test. Your learners expires after one year, but you can try and get your license as many times as you want after the 6 month period...It's bloody expensive mind you! at the start of 2008, there's a new law where you can get your learners at age 16, only you have to hold it for a year before you can go for ya license.

 

[spicypumpkin]

All states are different. I got mine at 16 yrs and 30 days, as soon as eligible. I did drivers ed at 15 yrs.

Here in Jersey you have to be 17 to get your license, although it may be 18 now.

Here it's 16, but you have to have had your permit for 6 months. You can get your permit at 15.5. I did n;t get my current permit until 17.5, so I'm not eligible until 18.

 

[LeiYunFat]

Once you turn 18 in CA, you can walk in without a permit and walk out with a licence...granted you make an appointment. Cause you're damned if you don't.

I got my licence when I was two months away from my 18th birthday. I too waited a long time, but I didn't have any hangups about it...I'm sure you have more to worry about since you live in an urban area...but if you really wanted this, you'd do it. I personally got sick of getting rides all the damn time. My mom got sick of it too.

 

[Streamline]

I still don't quite get. What's all this stuff about taking classes?

 

[LeiYunFat]

If you're 15-16 in the state of California and you want to get your driver's licence, you have to take driving lessons while you have your permit. But once you're just about 18, you can forgo the lessons and just get your permit/license.

For instance, I never took a driver's training class, but that's because I got my permit when I was 17, and my license when I was just about 18.

 

[LeiYunFat]

You're a chef, a driver, and a home maker?...Do you do combat medicine as well? Cause if so, you've got some serious Alfred Pennyworth skills goin on

 

[Streamline]

In the US, you have to take classes from a licensed place and have 6 hours of time driving with them. Then you get your permit. You have to have a permit for six months and I think something like 30 hours driving with certain people (licensed drivers over a certain age, preferably parents). Then you can apply for your license and you have to take a test.

If you do not wish to take classes, there are options for you once you turn 18 that vary from state to state. In the state of Michigan where I live, you get a permit that you have for 30 days and then can apply for your license.

I took an additional test, so instead of having an "Operators" license, I have a "Chauffeurs" license. It allows me to drive a limo, bus, school bus, or taxi cab, as long as there are under 9 passengers. Above that i have to take a medical examination and another test.

Evidently I can kill 8 school children, but not 9. 9 is just too darn much.

Are the classes practical or theoretical? Other than that, i think i understand the rest now.

 

[LeiYunFat]

They are practical. You have a guy sitting in the car with you coaching you on how to do stuff. Pretty worthless, if you ask me. But I had good coaches for free (parents)

 

[Streamline]

I drove around with my parents as well but the driving instructors let u know all the stuff you need to know to pass the test and take you on specific routes, manouvers etc. You probably don't think it's worthwhile but it deffinately is....At least it is where i live.