Daughter Got Her Permit (Updated 6/26)

auburnchick · 06-23-2007, 06:26 PM

Oh gosh...I'm so nervous!

Background:

My dd turned 15 in January, but I didn't let her get her permit because she was terribly snotty to me. I know it sounds like a harsh thing to have done, but it's one of those things that if you had been there to experience it, you would understand. I had explained to her that getting your permit is a privilege, not a right.

Anyhow, she had knee surgery in February, and because we only have stick-shift cars, I didn't want her learning to drive them yet in fear that her bad knee (the left one) would get re-injured if she popped the clutch hard.

My plan had been to let her get it next month, but I decided to use it as a bribe to get her to go to swim practice with the high school team as therapy for her knee. She went to one practice last week and HATED it. I mean she cried and told me she wasn't going back. I told her if she wanted to play soccer next month (when she gets released by the therapist to do so), then she'll swim.

The next day I had the idea that maybe I could soften her dislike for swimming by giving her something she wanted...

Hence the permission to FINALLY get her permit. So, she's got the appointment to take the test Monday afternoon.

Can I just say that I'm TERRIFIED!!!!! The thought of having to ride with her down a street with other cars...

I don't think I'll take my knitting in the car while she's driving. Not yet anyway.

Anyhow...just sharing...

snowbear · 06-23-2007, 11:29 PM

TAKE YOUR KNITTING...

It will help you stay calm & focused, and not see the other cars about to hit you:happydancing:

Sorry, been there done that, survived it... looking back knitting would have helped!

Good luck.... hugs..

( maybe she won't pass? )

auburnchick · 06-24-2007, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by snowbear

It will help you stay calm & focused, and not see the other cars about to hit you:happydancing:

Oh, gee, thanks.

Originally Posted by snowbear

( maybe she won't pass? )

You're so bad!!!

I just can't wish that for her. She's gotta grow up some time. My hair is just gonna be gray afterward.

debinoz · 06-24-2007, 05:01 AM

My DD was forbidden driver's ed this summer for similar reasons. DS got his permit last summer, and he doesn't like to drive, which I think odd. Most teen-age boys can't wait to get behind the wheel.

The first time I rode with him, I had to keep singing a song over and over in my head to calm me down. He loves to hug that center line.

auburnchick · 06-24-2007, 05:36 AM

It's nice to know that I'm not the only "mean" mom.

auburnchick · 06-25-2007, 11:45 PM

Well, she passed the test, dang it.

The best part is that she has an ugly picture on her permit. She always makes fun of my picture. Not any more.

So we went driving around our neighborhood, which has lots of stop signs. She conked out (stick shift) many, many times, with cars behind us.

This is gonna be fun.

snowbear · 06-25-2007, 11:58 PM

Wait till she starts telling you to remember to signal.. or.. You didn't stop long enough at the stop sign.. all of a sudden they are experts, lol

Don't lol too much( at least where she can hear,, lol)

Good luck...

Kaydee · 06-26-2007, 12:48 AM

Originally Posted by auburnchick

So we went driving around our neighborhood, which has lots of stop signs. She conked out (stick shift) many, many times, with cars behind us.

This is gonna be fun.

My parents made me learn on a stick shift and boy was it tough. I did a lot a crying because I would stall all the time (to make matter's worse I was learning on a 84' VW Rabbit w/ no power steering, talk about tough). As frusterating as it was for me I can't imagine what my parents had to go through with me stalling/crying at every stop sign.

I feel bad for them looking back on it. Good luck and God bless. I'm sure you'll have some interesting times while she's learning.

auburnchick · 06-26-2007, 12:51 AM

Good advice...

We went out for a second practice run in the neighborhood. She did really good, and I was even able to pull out the car manual to read her instructions for successfully getting out of first gear.

The problem right now seems to be getting into our driveway. She burned some rubber this last time. The sound drew dh and ds out of the house.

You should see the tire mark. (She made me delete the picture I took, knowing that I was going to post it here.

It was the only time I raised my voice, "BRAKE!"

She's embarrassed. I comforted her with the appropriate words.

robynbird · 06-26-2007, 01:03 AM

Oh my! My DD is only 11 and I'm already terrified! LOL. She'll get better with the stick shift...that's how I learned and once you learn it, it's great!