FUTURE GENERATION
HONOUR MITCHELL:
TEEN PICKS - A WHEEL OF EMOTIONS The day I have been dreaming of ever since I was little and, coincidently the day my mum has been dreading ever since I was little, was finally here; getting behind the wheel and learning to drive! A fearful experience for many I imagine - your child in control of an accelerating hunk of metal is a whole new world. Plainly put, it does not induce calm demeanour amongst parents. The white knuckles, lurching for the brakes (despite being in the passenger seat), sharp intakes of breath and clinging onto any available surface were all evidence of the pulsating anxiety I sensed my mother felt! Many may remember a time when you turned 15, sat your theory and practical driving tests on the same day and off you went; often very fast with a car load of friends. These days there is far more caution and structure. For those unsure on the current licensing process, I will lay it out for you: Learner License: You can get this when you turn 16. You need to sit a theory exam of 35 questions. Once you have passed you may drive a car provided you are accompanied by a competent driver that has had their license for two or more years. Restricted License: You can get this 6 months after you have received your Learner License. You need to sit a practical test. You can drive by yourself between the hours of 5am-10pm. You are not allowed any passengers in the car without a licensed supervisor. Full License: You can get this when you turn 18, unless you
have done an advanced driving course that allows you to get it earlier. You will partake in another practical test which, once passed, you can drive anytime you wish, alone or with passengers. I started my driving quest in December 2022, after my L plate debut was postponed from September (when I turned 16) by 'lockdown'. And let me tell you, it has been quite a journey off and on the road since. Though it is tough learning how to drive, I have to admit I am very thankful that I am not doing it in the ‘olden days’. The very sight of a manual car freaks me out, let alone driving one! Stories shared from family members about their struggles with the "old stick shifts” left me weak with panic. I was more than happy to start learning without these complications, protected by the safety and simplicity of an automatic. The first time I got behind the wheel was in a deserted parking lot. Unfortunately I ended up yanking off the rear vision mirror (by accident)! That itself made me want to quit altogether. After a bit of deep breathing and some much needed reassurance I realised I might have been overreacting. So back in the car I got, and once I had sorted out the turning and braking system I felt qualified to start my on-road training. I kicked off my crusade with the obstacle course we call Ponsonby: orange cones, chicanes, one-way streets, speed bumps, the continuous appearance of construction and road works and ANGRY Aucklanders. I definitely had my work cut out for me. Once I cleared my first few rounds of chicanes I was feeling much more comfortable about the narrow winding streets that lay in my vicinity. After even more practicing my mum soon decided that I was ready; ready for the motorway! Yikes, really? I was hyped and the nerves were tingling. Could I take
74 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2022
on this daunting challenge? But once we got past a few minor slip-ups, I became just another speedy Aucklander. It was rather thrilling for me to be driving above 50km. (Perhaps less so for my passengers). Just when I had finally managed the Southern Motorway, my abilities were tested again after my mum ripped a ligament in her leg and was unable to drive. She needed ME to chauffeur her to urgent care on the North Shore. I had to talk myself up a bit for that one! But even with lane changing drama, a missed exit and multiple scary honks we arrived intact. Still, I think it's safe to say I won't be attempting that route again for a while. Moving on from the early 'heart-racing' moments, the future is starting to look brighter. Now I am driving my sister and I to school in the morning (with my mum in the car, obviously) and it is going pretty smoothly. Roll on June when I will be able to take my restricted driving test. Here's hoping that all my hard work will pay off, and I won’t be overcome with stage fright. In the meantime, I have much practice to do. So see you out on the roads of Ponsonby. Remember to be kind-hearted to those of us displaying an 'L'. We’re doing our best, often with sweaty-palmed parents. (HONOUR MITCHELL) PN
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