“Are you ready?” he inquired.
“Um, sure. I think so,” I replied, nervously shifting the car into drive and cautiously releasing the brake.
“Just give it a bit of gas,” he encouraged. I complied, and the car jolted forward like an enthusiastic toddler taking its first steps. I quickly hit the brakes, and we both lunged back into our seats, our seatbelts tightening with a snap.
“Lesson one,” my dad said, “always wear your seatbelt. Now, let’s give it another shot.”
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, during the mid-‘80s meant I could get my full driver’s license at 16. A few months before my birthday, my dad and I started a series of weekend driving lessons, exploring empty parking lots and quiet streets. As an overzealous teen, I thought a few quick lessons would suffice to hit the road. Little did I know, I had a lot to learn. Here are some valuable lessons my dad imparted about driving—and life:
1. Keep Your Hands at 10 and 2
When I first started driving, my hands roamed all over the wheel, which drove my dad crazy. He insisted that the safest position was at 10 and 2, like clock hands. Over the years, my grip has varied—resting at the bottom during long stretches and hanging over the top during traffic. Yet, my most comfortable position remains at 10 and 2, just as Dad taught me. While it’s exciting to explore new methods, returning to tried-and-true practices can be beneficial when needed.
2. Don’t Depend Solely on Your Mirrors
Mastering the rearview and side mirrors took some time. Once I got the hang of it, my dad emphasized that while mirrors are useful for awareness, they’re insufficient for lane changes. I needed to glance over my shoulder for a clear view. Initially, this frightened me—how could I drive without looking ahead? Dad encouraged me to trust myself; being aware of what’s behind is as crucial as what’s in front when making decisions.
3. Steer Into the Skid
Growing up driving in the snowy Midwest meant icy roads were common. When my dad told me to steer into a skid, I thought he was nuts—until I skidded for the first time. Remembering his advice, I turned into the skid and regained control. Facing challenges head-on may feel counterintuitive, but it’s often the best way to navigate them successfully.
4. Always Come to a Complete Stop
St. Louis is riddled with four-way stops, each with its own rules. When you’re the only car at a stop, it’s tempting to roll through. However, this is risky—another vehicle could be doing the same, leading to an accident, or you might end up with a hefty ticket (which I have). Taking a moment to stop and assess can provide clarity, allowing for better decision-making.
5. If You Need a Ride, Just Call Me
My parents were savvy about high school party dynamics. Whether I was driving or a friend was, Dad always ensured I had quarters on hand to call for a ride if necessary. I often rolled my eyes, thinking I could handle everything myself. But after being left stranded one night, I took him up on his offer. It’s essential to remember you don’t have to tackle everything alone; there are people ready to lend a hand.
Looking back, the life lessons learned from my dad during those driving lessons didn’t fully resonate at the time. Now, as a parent who spends countless hours in the car, I often hear Dad’s voice reminding me to keep both hands on the wheel (even when a kid is begging for a snack), come to a full stop (even when we’re running late), and remember that the rearview mirror doesn’t always give the complete picture. Soon, my eldest will be of driving age, and I’ll get the chance to share these road rules and life lessons, hoping they stick.
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In summary, driving lessons with my dad were about more than just learning how to operate a vehicle; they were foundational experiences that shaped my understanding of life and how to navigate its challenges.
Keyphrase: life lessons from driving
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