Turning 15 ½ for many students marks a new chapter in their lives. This chapter is to be composed of funny, scary, ridiculous driving stories with family and friends that are to be cherished for generations to come.

The ability to drive independently grants students the freedom and responsibly to go anywhere they desire with friends and or family without having to wait on a parent to do so. Driving for many has its own pros and cons; some argue parents pressure you to run errands for them as others contradict saying it allows you to be independent as you can get a job and do whatever you want.

“I have to pick up my nieces and nephew every morning and get to school on time,” junior Mia Ponsiano stated, “Having a driver’s license means I have way more responsibilities and I have to make sure I’m getting to places on time.”

Obtaining a driver’s license has a process; students need to keep a driver’s permit for six months, while taking driver’s classes, along with passing a written and behind the wheel test. The hardest part for some students is passing the behind the wheel test because DMV instructors deduct points from students when they do something wrong and or unsafe as a way to teach them and stop them from making the same mistakes again.  

“Retaking the behind the wheel test has definitely given me more experience driving. I spent a lot more time practicing for the retake,” senior Spencer Williams said, “I am more comfortable driving now then I would be if I passed the first time.”

After earning a driver’s license students need to get a vehicle to validate the purpose of their license. This not only raises costs for families but also raises the responsibilities of students to pay for gasoline, keep their vehicles in good condition, and make wise decisions.

“I got a 2018 Ford Fusion. It was my mom’s car and she told me if I kept my grades up I would be able to keep the car,” junior Mia Ponsiano stated, “But I get very anxious because I don’t want to wreck it.”

Minor accidents are on the rise in the past few years and as these numbers continue to rise parents are more hesitant to grant students the ability to drive. As much as driving opens new opportunities to students and allows them to develop and grow by making decisions for themselves, they still should be very cautious and mindful of all the potential dangers they could face.

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