Earning My
Driving Privilege
In January
2023, I decided I wanted to earn my driving privilege again, but I wasn’t sure
how to go about it. One afternoon, I mentioned the idea to my brother. We began
brainstorming, and he suggested I purchase a side-by-side vehicle, perhaps a
Polaris model. I took his advice and began searching for the right side-by-side
to buy. "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be
established." (Proverbs 16:3)
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| 2024 |
A
side-by-side would allow me to practice the essential driving skills: braking,
accelerating, steering, and more. After weeks of searching, I decided on a
Polaris General. The dealership ordered it, and it arrived early in
mid-February. I immediately started practicing on my rural, secondary road,
which stretched for about two miles.
Meanwhile, I
had to navigate the bureaucracy of getting my license back, as it had been
medically cancelled. The process involved filling out various forms and faxing
them to the state Division of Motor Vehicles office. It took a couple of
months, but with perseverance, I completed the paperwork. During this time, I
also studied for the Learner’s Permit test, knowing that I would need to pass a
25-question exam and a road sign test. "But let patience have her
perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
(James 1:4)
By June, I
had already clocked 105 miles on my General, preparing myself for the road
ahead.
The Green
Light
Finally,
after speaking with my lawyer, the DMV gave me the green light to proceed. I
wanted to obtain a Learner’s Permit first because I hadn’t driven in 14 years.
This route seemed more manageable, as it only required passing two tests, while
the driving exam would come later.
On a June
Monday morning, Mom and I went to the DMV. The hours of studying paid off! I
aced the test, missing none, and officially received my Permit. "The
hand of the diligent shall bear rule." (Proverbs 12:24)
No
Pressure
With a
driving test appointment set for three weeks later, Mom and I had to get busy
practicing. I started by driving in an almost-empty parking lot, then moved to
an outlet shopping facility with more cars and “mini” roads. Soon after, I
ventured onto the actual road.
I felt like a
brand-new driver all over again, having to prove to myself—to others—that I
could do it. This was the toughest obstacle I had faced, even worse than the
first time, years ago. I was determined to conquer both the physical obstacles
and the skepticism of those who doubted me. "I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)
I started
driving Mom’s large Buick Enclave SUV. However, emotions quickly ran high, and
our stress levels were through the roof. After some difficult days, we realized
we needed a better solution. One idea was to hire a driving instructor, but it
was expensive, and I believed Mom was already giving me the same guidance.
After
researching ways to reduce driving stress, I found that most experts
recommended more driving practice. We decided that Mom would limit her
comments, physical movements, or nervous noises since her anxiety only made me
more nervous.
The Big
Test
Finally, the
day arrived for my driving exam. Anxiety filled the air. While on the road with
the examiner, I made a few minor errors—touching the yellow line, among other
things. When we returned to the DMV office, she asked how I felt about my
performance. I started listing my mistakes, but she replied, "There's no
question that you know how to drive." She gave me my license, and though I
initially thought it was out of pity, I soon realized she wouldn’t have passed
me if I was a danger to myself or others. "For the Lord seeth not as
man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on
the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
I was
overjoyed and relieved beyond measure. My first solo drive was just a few miles
to a local store and back in my newly purchased Pontiac Vibe. It was
incredible! Driving gave me a newfound freedom I hadn't realized how much I had
missed. After 14 years of relying on others for rides, I could now go wherever
I needed. "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17)
A Prayer
Answered
At this time,
God reminded me that I had prayed, “I’d rather drive than eat.” This was a
prayer answered. I started this journey in January and had my license by July! “I
sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm
34:4)
First Challenges: Flat Tire
Not long
after, I experienced my first challenge. On my way to church, I hit a pothole
and got a flat tire. After the service, my cousin’s husband helped me change
the tire, but as we worked, the car shifted, falling off the jack, pushing me
down and tossing my only set of keys. After looking for an hour other relatives
came as reinforcements. We searched for two hours on the side of the road before finding them, and then I had to drive
home in the dark for the first time, with a donut tire on one side, followed by
three family cars. "When thou passest through the waters, I will be
with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee."
(Isaiah 43:2)
Hit and
Run
Just weeks later, I was involved in a hit-and-run. A vehicle struck my car while I was trying to make a left turn, leaving it incapacitated. I knew I needed to get back on the horse, so to speak. After this, I started looking for another vehicle, and within a week, I purchased a 2010 Subaru Forester.
Pulled Over – Really?
On my way back from getting the title and tag for the Forester, I got pulled over! I explained the situation to the officer, showed him my paperwork, and luckily, he let me go. Within two months, I had experienced the trifecta of car troubles: a flat tire, a hit-and-run, and getting pulled over. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." (James 1:2)
Road Trip: A Solo Adventure
I thrive when
I have a goal, so in January 2024, I decided to take a solo road trip at the
end of March to visit family friends. The trip was three and a half hours, and
I successfully navigated the interstate. I arrived safely, in the time I had
planned, and felt a sense of accomplishment.
Through all
these challenges and victories, God has been faithful. I continue to trust Him
as I navigate my driving journey and all the new freedoms it brings.
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| 2024 |
Where the Road Leads
I am not sure where the road ahead will lead to my next adventure, but I am confident that God has a plan specifically for me to accomplish. Even though I don’t know what the end result is at this time, I trust in His purpose. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I'd love to read of a challenge you've faced.
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