章 22: Driver's License
*Sound Effects*
**Language**
'Thoughts'
"Dialogue"
A couple of days had passed, and Coach Will was once again on his way to pick me up. He had taken me out for driving practice a few times during the week, and I was gradually gaining more confidence navigating both side roads and main roads. Today, Coach felt it was time to introduce me to the highway. San Antonio was notorious for heavy traffic and impatient drivers, so we had primarily stuck to side roads to ensure I wouldn't freeze up or embarrass myself. I did have a few hiccups and moments of embarrassment, but fortunately, there were only a few people on the road, so it wasn't too nerve-wracking.
*Honk Honk* I recognized the familiar sound and headed outside. I approached the car, and Coach Will had already moved to the passenger's seat.
"You ready?" he asked.
"Yea, ready as I'll ever be," I replied, taking a deep breath as I got into the driver's seat and fastened my seatbelt. I adjusted the mirrors and my seat to make sure I was comfortable. I shifted the car into drive but kept my foot on the brake as I surveyed the surroundings and checked my mirrors before taking off.
Driving brought a smile to my face. Initially, it had been a bit nerve-wracking, but I couldn't have asked for a better teacher. Coach Will was patient and never raised his voice, allowing me to learn from my small mistakes early on. Now, I was genuinely enjoying driving, a far cry from my initial apprehension. I followed the same route as before, with the plan to hit the highway on the way back home. We were just a minute away from the highway when Coach offered some final words of advice.
"When you're getting on the highway, remember to pick up speed on the ramp. When merging, it's safer if you're close to the speed limit, which here is 70 mph," he advised.
Seeing the crowded traffic on the highway, I couldn't help but feel nervous. Coach noticed and encouraged me, saying, "You've got this, just follow my words." I nodded as I began to accelerate.
"Remember to signal early and look for a gap in the traffic. They'll let you in, trust me; Usually each car leaves a gap for one person to get in. Also, keep in mind you're going a lot faster now, so don't turn the steering wheel as much," he reminded me as we reached the desired speed.
Following his instructions, I signaled early and spotted a gap left by a car that seemed to anticipate my merge. I carefully checked my side and blind spot before gently turning the steering wheel and merging into traffic.
"WOOHOOO!" I couldn't help but exclaim. I had done it.
"Great Job! Told you it wouldn't be so bad," Coach said with a reassuring tone. I kept my eyes on the road, still new to driving, and refrained from turning to look at him, maintaining my focus on the task at hand.
As I gained confidence, I began to spot more opportunities to change lanes, signaling and merging with ease. I eventually settled in the middle lane, as Coach explained that the far-left lane was typically for faster drivers.
As we approached my exit, I diligently checked my mirrors and blind spots before moving to the right and exiting onto the access road I was more accustomed to. Navigating back to my apartment was smooth, and I parked the car. Excitement overwhelmed me, and I thanked Coach while sharing some of the driving moments we had witnessed, including a reckless driver who cut through lanes, earning the label of a "dumbass." We shared one final laugh before I thanked Coach and stepped out of the car.
Heading toward my apartment, I couldn't contain my enthusiasm and gave Coach a heartfelt hug, expressing my sincere gratitude for teaching me how to drive. He returned the sentiment, congratulating me and suggesting that I could now take a driving test to officially obtain my license. He even offered his car for me to use on the upcoming Saturday, when they typically conducted the tests. I thanked him once more and assured him I'd check for an available slot before letting him know our next practice.
Before the next practice, I managed to secure a slot for Saturday morning. During practice, I informed Coach about it, and he assured me he'd pick me up, accompany me to the testing location, and wait inside until I completed the driving test.
Finally, the day of the driving test arrived, and I anxiously waited inside the car for my driving instructor. He was a tall, no-nonsense African American man who exuded an aura of strict professionalism. Wanting to ease the tension, I attempted to break the ice with a light-hearted joke as he approached the car.
The instructor, however, remained stone-faced and unresponsive to my attempt at humor. He simply gestured for me to start the car, making it clear that he meant business.
I started the car and awaited his instructions. He directed me to a nearby parking lot with two cones set up for a parallel parking test. I could feel my heart racing as I maneuvered the car into position, trying to remember all the lessons Coach Will had taught me. With precision and confidence, I expertly parallel parked between the two cones, making it look effortless.
The instructor's stern expression finally cracked slightly, and he nodded in approval. He then instructed me to continue with the test. We proceeded to the next phases, which included navigating through residential streets, handling stop signs, and making smooth turns. I maintained my composure and executed each maneuver flawlessly, earning a nod of acknowledgment from the instructor.
As we approached the final part of the test, I could feel the tension building once again. We were heading towards the highway, the part of the test that had previously seemed daunting. However, I had prepared well, and my confidence had grown since my practice with Coach Will.
I merged onto the highway under the watchful eye of the instructor, recalling Coach's advice about picking up speed on the ramp and smoothly merging with the flow of traffic. I stayed focused, followed the speed limit, signaled appropriately, and changed lanes when necessary, all while maintaining a steady pace.
The instructor observed my every move, and to my relief, he showed no signs of dissatisfaction. In fact, he seemed impressed with my performance. As we approached the highway exit, he gave me a nod of approval, indicating that I had passed the highway portion of the test.
We exited the highway and returned to the testing center. The instructor's initial sternness had given way to a more neutral demeanor, but he remained professional and to the point. Without any verbal feedback, he parked the car and turned off the engine.
I waited anxiously for his verdict, and finally, he handed me a slip of paper with a passing mark and a brief, approving nod. I couldn't contain my relief and gratitude as I thanked him.
With a no-nonsense attitude throughout the test, my intimidating instructor had pushed me to perform at my best, and I had passed the driving test with flying colors.
My excitement was palpable as I swiftly parked the car and hurried inside the building to submit my test paper and have my picture taken. With an eager smile, I informed Coach that I had passed, and he responded with a hearty high-five and warm congratulations. After a bit of waiting, I finally had my picture taken.
Coach drove me back home, and during the ride, he inquired, "When do you get your license?"
I replied, "The lady who took my picture said it should arrive between a couple of weeks to a month since they're a bit slow this time of year."
He chuckled and jokingly remarked, "Well, now you're gonna have to start driving me around."
We both laughed at the notion, and I assured him that I would be more than happy to do so. As I stepped out of the car, I thanked him once again for all his support and guidance. He waved it off like it was nothing before taking off.
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