One of the biggest milestones in a teenager's life is becoming old enough to obtain his/her driving license. I live in New York State and here 16 is the magic number. I can remember myself, just on the edge of that enchanted birthday, awaiting the day with bated breath. As soon as the day dawned, I crammed for my written test and at 8:00 am sharp, I was down at the DMV taking the test to obtain my learner's permit. And woe to the teen whose birthday happened to be on the weekend during that 16th year! They'd have to wait until the following Monday to take their written test to obtain their learner's permit!

Did you ever notice how history has a way of repeating itself? Now, 20 years later, my oldest has his learner's permit and my daughter, who is fifteen and counting, is chomping at the bit for her 16th birthday to roll around. Now, as my dear mother would say, it's payback time! I now know what they went through with a cocky teenager behind the wheel of the family car, learning how to drive!

My first teaching experience with my son was a real trip. Not being a very "machine oriented" young man, it was interesting watching him acquaint himself with the driver's side of the car. His main concern was how to keep one arm out the window, be able to turn the car stereo to the correct station, and keep one hand on the wheel at all times! Needless to say, Junior wasn't appy when I insisted on closed windows, both hands on the wheel, and the radio OFF! But he got over it! Soon we were buzzing down the highway at a good clip of 20 miles an hour. It was a little harder than he imagined!

One of our first trips was to his workplace where he very suavely went to the drive-through window and placed an order. The smile on his face as his co-workers "oohed & ahhed" over him being behind the driver's wheel was worth my racing heart as he just missed crashing into the building as we rounded the corner to the pick-up window. Not being totally cold-hearted, I did let him keep the window down and play the radio until we were out of sight!

Since my son began learning to drive, my daughter has been anticipating her own chance to get behind the wheel. Periodically she nags me to let her drive - without her learner's permit. Upon her request my hearty laugh can be heard echoing throughout the entire neighborhood. She is not amused. After I quit laughing, I try to assure her that soon it will be her turn.

They grow up so fast, don't they? One day you are pushing them in a stroller and the next they are pushing you to let them drive your car! But it's all a part of life and rather than fight it, I've decided to accept it. All I can do is teach them how to be responsible and handle their new-found freedoms and privileges with caution

Patti Chadwick is a SAHM of 3 wonderful teens.
Visit her websites at: www.historyswomen.com and www.parentsandteens.com

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