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5 Valuable Life Lessons I Gained While Learning to Drive with My Dad
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Um, sure. I think so,” I replied, shifting the car into drive and cautiously lifting my foot off the brake.
“Give it some gas,” he encouraged. I did, and the car jolted forward like an eager toddler taking its first steps. I quickly hit the brakes, and we both lurched back in our seats, our seat belts tightening around us.
“First rule,” my dad said, “Always wear your seat belt. Let’s give it another go.”
Growing up in the ’80s in St. Louis, Missouri, I couldn’t wait to get my driver’s license at 16. In the months leading up to my birthday, my dad and I dedicated weekends to practicing in empty parking lots and quiet streets. As an excited teenager, I thought a few lessons would suffice, but I was in for a surprise. Here are some of the key life lessons that my dad imparted during those driving lessons:
- Hands at 10 and 2
When I first got behind the wheel, my hands were all over the steering wheel, which drove my dad crazy. He insisted that the ideal hand position was at 10 and 2, just like the clock. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different placements, resting my hands low during long drives or even steering one-handed while managing snacks for my kids. Still, I find comfort in that classic 10 and 2 grip. Exploring new methods can be thrilling, but it’s wise to revert to what’s proven effective in challenging situations. - Don’t Just Trust Your Mirrors
Learning to use the rear-view and side mirrors took some practice. Once I got the hang of it, my dad reminded me that while mirrors are helpful, they’re not enough if I want to change lanes. I had to glance over my shoulder to ensure it was safe—a terrifying thought at first. He encouraged me to trust my instincts, emphasizing that being aware of what’s behind me is just as crucial as knowing what’s ahead. - Steer Into the Skid
I learned to drive in the snowy Midwest, where slick roads were the norm. My dad’s advice to steer into a skid seemed absurd until I experienced my first one. As I slid across the icy road, I remembered his words and turned into the skid, regaining control. Facing challenges head-on can feel counterintuitive, but it’s often the best way to navigate adversity. - Always Come to a Full Stop
St. Louis is lined with four-way stops, and many rules dictate who goes first. If you’re alone at a stop, it might be tempting to roll through, but that’s a bad idea. There could be another car doing the same thing, leading to an accident. Plus, if you get caught, it’s a ticket waiting to happen (trust me, I’ve been there). Taking a moment to fully stop and assess the situation can help you make better decisions. - If You Ever Need a Lift, Just Call Me
My parents were savvy about high school party dynamics. Whether I was driving or a friend was, my dad always made sure I had some change for a payphone in case I needed a ride. I might have rolled my eyes at the time, thinking I could handle everything myself, but when I found myself stranded one night, I took him up on that offer. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face everything alone—there are people who want to help.
Looking back, the wisdom I gained from my dad during those driving lessons didn’t fully resonate with me at the time. Now, as a parent, I often hear his voice reminding me to keep both hands on the wheel (even when a kid is shouting for a snack), come to a complete stop (even when we’re running late), and remember that the rearview mirror doesn’t always tell the full story. Soon, my eldest will be ready to start driving, and I can’t wait to pass along these lessons, both about the road and life.
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