For so many years, I’ve literally been the Uber driver for my daughter. It became easier when she got her transit pass. And easier still when she added that pass to her digital wallet on her iPhone. And finally, when she reached 16 years-old. She and a bunch of her friends decided to take the qualifying exam to start driver’s education. She went to the government office, stood in front of a computer and passed the 40 multiple-choice questions exam for a provisional learner’s permit.
Now all she has to do is to finish her (virtual) classes and then take the practicum to increase her driving experience before taking the next government exam. She can’t wait to drive my sports car, she says.
I own two cars. And old 325hp, V8, rear-wheel drive beast and a rugged truck which has a manual transmission. I told my daughter that she can’t drive any of my cars until she learns to drive both cars! My rationale is that she must respect the power of the engine of the sports car by first learning the basics of a standard transmission. In fact, it is called ‘standard’ because it is globally prevalent.
I’m also not a fan of too much tech in cars. While lane departures and LIDAR-assist cruise control are helpful, rearview cameras, self-parking options and the like diminish the skills of new drivers. In fact, they don’t even need to learn basic skills. And what happens if the tech malfunctions?
I told my daughter that she can’t drive any of my cars until she learns to drive the one with a manual transmission!
Just as my daughter had watched me inflate her bike tires, tighten bolts, check fluids and other simple mechanical things, I don’t want her to be completely lost if she sees an engine light on the dash whilst traveling down an interstate. At the very least, she needs to learn how to check wash fluids, engine oil, coolant and brake fluids. Like using her computer, she doesn’t need to know how to code, but she does need to know how to operate the programs and know simple diagnostics.
I’m sure by the time she gets her full driver’s license, part of me would be very happy that the responsibility of being her chauffeur will fall away. But another part of me would be worried sick! Why is everything a double-edged sword?
Do I feel relieved? Hmmmm. All those years road tripping; her in a booster in the back seat and then eventually riding shotgun as we flew down the interstate with open sunroof and music blaring seemed so long ago. But I’ve always been the driver. Soon, she’ll be driving and I may not even be there!
I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m sure everything will work out. Growing up was eventful. But growing out seems to be a whole new track!
