Caution: Student Driver
I drove to the end of my street and stopped at the stop sign. It was 8am on Saturday and I was in charge of picking up bagel sandwiches for breakfast.
At the stop sign, there is a T where you can turn left or right, and anyone driving on the crossroad has the right of way. I looked left and noticed a small blue car with a large sign on top that said “Student Driver.” The young man driving the car cautiously made a complete stop and motioned for me to go. The problem was that he did not have a stop sign. It was his right to proceed. (It was actually a very dangerous place to suddenly stop, so thank goodness there was no one behind him.) I waved him on, as did his driving instructor in the passenger seat. The driver then moved forward with excessive caution, and very much under the speed limit.
I made a right turn and was now unfortunately behind the student driver. As he approached an actual stop sign at the bottom of the hill, he made an abrupt stop about three feet past the stop sign. The instructor was shoved forward and then back into his seat. He patiently motioned for the driver to turn right.
The driver then put his blinker on and started turning, tightly hugging the side of the road. Too tight, it turned out. He drove right up onto the sidewalk with his passenger side tires and awkwardly back down again. I watched as the instructor bounced up and down in his seat and then offered what I imagine was continued instruction for how not to do that again.
I laughed as I proceeded to drive to the bagel shop, thinking back to my own days as a student driver. Those first experiences behind the wheel can be both nerve-wracking and comical. I remember the anxiety of trying to keep all the rules straight. I recall the jerky starts and stops, and the feeling of accomplishment when I finally managed a smooth turn. Watching that young man, I couldn’t help but empathize with his struggle and admire his determination.
After picking up our bagels, I headed home, reflecting on the student driver’s journey. It’s easy to forget that everyone starts somewhere, and making mistakes is part of our learning process. The patience and encouragement from the driving school instructors— who tend to be much better teachers than our parents— remind me how important it is to have guidance and support in any new learning experience.
Aren’t there so many moments in life that are like learning to drive? Where it’s awkward, stressful, and anxiety-provoking? Yet we try anyway.
Is there something new you’d like to take on, but have been hesitating because you don’t know how to get started? Or maybe you know where to begin, but you’re not sure how it will go. This can create hesitation.
Do that thing anyway. Take it one step at a time. Or one turn at a time.
Sometimes we need a gentle nudge or a reassuring wave to keep going. And while our journey might be slow and bumpy at times, every experience, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, contributes to our growth.
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the bravery it takes to get out there and learn something new, whether it’s driving a car, taking on a new skill, or tackling any big transition in life. It’s in these moments— both the successes and the stumbles— that we build resilience and skills to navigate the “road ahead.”
This is the time of the year when many students are heading back to school. This transition can be tough for young people. There is so much to learn and get used to. The same holds true for the parents of those students! We as parents also have so much change to get used to: from watching your kindergartener become more independent, to saying goodbye to your college-age child at drop-off and driving away.
Reminder: Your letting them go allows them to soar.
So here’s to the student drivers, both on the road and in life: may you follow the rules, be safe, and proceed with caution.
And to the patient instructors and teachers who help us find our way, thank you, thank you, thank you. We appreciate your guidance and wisdom.
This Month’s Resources & Cool Ideas
Teaching Your Teen to Drive
Do you need to teach your teen to drive a car? Before you even get into the vehicle, here is a Teen Driving 101 Step-By-Step Instruction created by State Farm to make the process less stressful for your driver… and for you!
The Best Way to Tackle a New Project or Task
Looking to take on a new project? Not sure where to start? This book will teach you the surprising factors that determine the fate of every project, from home renovations to space exploration and everything in between. Read How Big Things Get Done
Giving Your Bookshelf Some Light
Looking for a fun puzzle that can turn your bookshelf into a unique and bright space? Check out Book Nook. This 3D wooden puzzle is a fun gift for DIY enthusiasts, book enthusiasts, and puzzle pros. Once assembled, it slides between books on your bookshelf— and adds a whole new element of creativity and fun.
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