Like this:

I walked into the DMV extremely nervous. I just couldn’t fail this test. Not after spending hours cramming knowledge about turn signals and traffic signs into my head. After waiting for what felt like eternity, taking my picture, and signing a few forms, I received my test. I finished it, waited in line yet again, and handed it to the lady at the register.

“Well,” she said, grinning over her wire-rimmed glasses. “Perfect.”

She handed me back my test. Minus 0. I officially had my permit!

After celebrating my minor victory, I went to the local driving school with my mom to sign up for driving lessons. And when I arrived, another surprise awaited me. There was a cancellation- and I could have my first lesson in 45 minutes!

So when the instructor came, he took me to a parking lot where I attempted to make U-Turns. Then, I was thrust head first into traffic.  I drove around the Santana Row area for over an hour while attempting to merge properly, keep my turn signals straight, and not swerve excessively. When we finally reached the target destination, I almost dropped to my knees in relief. I hadn’t crashed into anything or killed anybody. I was still in one piece.

“Hm,” my instructor said, eyebrows raised. “That wasn’t bad at all.”

Though I still have a long ways to go before I can turn sixteen and get my license, today was my first taste of freedom and independence. And my conclusion? It’s harder, but also much more exhilarating than I previously expected. And in that way, driving is a direct mirror to real life.

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