Freedom was on the horizon. The ability to come and go as I pleased and not constantly be asking for rides was near. Excitement built as I anticipated liberation and a sense of reaching adulthood.

Many teens, including myself, experience these electrifying emotions as they approach the age of eligibility for attaining a driver’s license. The procedures, however, are inconvenient and tiresome at best.

About nine months ago, I decided it would be a good idea to get my learner’s permit. I was in no hurry to drive; few of my friends were licensed, I had recently turned 16 and my parents were generally willing to take me where I needed to go. However, I figured taking the first steps toward having a license could never hurt.

Eight months later, most of my friends were on the road and I was dying to drive. I had my permit for longer than the required time period, so legally I was eligible to get the big D.L.

When I asked to schedule an appointment, however, my mom was hesitant; she was not confident in my skills on the road. I consider myself an extremely cautious driver, and her doubt severely damaged my confidence ? not to mention my ego.

Over the Thanksgiving break, my mom went out of town with my brother and sister, leaving my dad and I at home. My dad soon informed me that the two of us would be making a day trip up to my uncle’s house in the foothills to celebrate the holiday. He said that it was my job to drive both ways, and I immediately knew this was my opportunity to shine.

The ride was excellent; I was forced to go on several freeways multiple times. Also, I got a feel for the tangled, twisted mountain roads. I was on guard as I drove, as always. The entire time, my dad congratulated me on great driving.

Apparently my dad convinced my mom that I was ready to hit the road, for the next week she agreed to allow me to pursue my license. Over Christmas break, she said, would be the best time since I would not have to miss school and a car would be available for me to use.

After half an hour of tediously waiting and listening to monotonous elevator music over the static phone, I got a live person and made an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), specifically stating that I had received my permit and was in need of an appointment for the in-car driver’s test.

Several weeks later, on the morning of my appointment, I had my aunt who was visiting from out of town drive me to the DMV. By the time we got to the front of the line, I was fired up and mentally prepared for my test.

To my extreme disappointment, I found out that a glitch had taken place with whoever helped me make my appointment on the phone; they had scheduled me for a written permit test. They would have generously allowed me to take the test anyways, but I was missing several crucial pieces of paperwork ? including my birth certificate and proof of driver’s training completion.

I despondently left the DMV, feeling frustrated with myself. When I thought back to it, my driver’s trainer had indeed warned me that without the proper paperwork I was not eligible to take the test, and that the DMV would not budge on this issue. My dreams of driving that day were crushed.

However, I rescheduled my appointment for one week later. Practicing positive thinking, I told myself this would be the perfect opportunity to ensure I was ready and able to pass the test.

On the day of my appointment, my dad drove me down to the DMV. As I waited in line, I realized this was a situation where my fate was in my own hands; I was the only one with the power to mess this up or do well. This realization was freeing, because as a teen many things in our lives are out of our control ? but this was a chance to affirm my aptitude.

The DMV worker called my name, and he took me out to the back parking lot where I was tested on arm signals and proficiency at honking the horn, pressing the gas, turning on the headlights and several other simple yet cardinal driving-related tasks.

Finally the time came when the worker entered the passenger side of the car. He asked me to pull out onto the street. I cautiously edged out as the test-administrator guided me through where to turn. I drove carefully, staying just a few miles below the speed limit.

Before I knew it, we were in a neighborhood and I was faced with a huge dilemma: a bus for elderly people was parked on the side of the road with its lights on. I wondered if I should pass the buss or wait until it pulls out. I suddenly wished I had thoroughly read the safety laws book that the DMV had provided me with when I received my permit. But I took a chance and slowly drove past the bus, making sure there were no pedestrians crossing.

I continued on as the worker instructed me to go back to the DMV, giving me precise directions along the way. I felt convinced I had done well, with the exception of the bus quandary. I pulled into a parking spot and apprehensively awaited my fate.

A few moments later, the instructor informed me that I should go to a certain window where I could obtain my license ? I had passed! I felt like I had been waiting my whole life to hear those words. I had received four demerits, and the maximum was eight.

I was overjoyed as I waited in line to receive what I soon found out was a temporary piece of paper, but was still a valid license. My dad was supportive and eagerly agreed to let me borrow his car for the rest of the day. I rejoiced as I realized that my decision during the bus situation had not been detrimental, after all.

Since receiving my license, I have been driving as much as possible. I always volunteer to go to the store if anyone in my house ever needs something. I am also proud to say that I have learned how to get to several of my friends’ houses without written directions ? I have it all stored mentally.

While I am convinced that I am a satisfactory driver, I still have to learn a lot about safety on the road. In my opinion, the only way to progress from a mediocre to marvelous driver is to drive as much as possible. I still have not mastered the grid of Fresno streets and find lane changes challenging; however, my skills can only improve as time goes on.