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Getting your driver’s license is one of the big milestones of being a teenager. While depending where you live it might come at different times or have different rules attached to it, the fact remains that once you finally get that driver’s license, it is pretty cool.
That said, the desire to get a driver’s license can sometimes mean there are a few things you don’t totally realize until that license is in your hands. I’m not only talking safety things (but seriously, please pay attention in driver’s ed and when you’re on the road!), but even just some other practical or unexpected things that come along with having car access.
However, many of us have already been there, so you can learn from our experience so you’re ready to go before even heading to the DMV. Here are ten things I wish I had known before I got my license.
Be Ready For Anything
Do you know what to do if you get a flat tire? Where is your insurance kept in your car? Do you know what to do if your car battery dies? Hopefully you never are in a situation where you need these things, but the point is that there is a lot you can prepare for ahead of time. Even just knowing who to call in any kind of car emergency, whether it be your parents or AAA, is a good thing to establish before it even happens. Source: Shutterstock.comKeep Important Supplies In Your Car...
In order to prepare for anything, make sure your car is stocked with any necessary things you may need. It doesn't help to know what to do if you don't have the things you need to do it! Things like a basic first aid kit, a snow scraper for your windows and your insurance card are a few example of car necessities. Also keep some other personal essentials in there for anything that may arise on a trip, like lip balm, pens, a phone charger and granola bars. You'll be ready for anything! Source: Shutterstock.com...But Don't Let Your Car Become A Mess
Definitely stock up on essentials, but know there is a difference between being prepared and letting your car turn into an extension of your messy room. If you're now driving a lot, it can be easy to leave old sports equipment or food wrappers sitting there. Keep your car clean and organized - that way when you need to drive someone or find your actual safety kit, it's not a total time-consuming mess. Just keep your organization in check when it comes to the vehicle that you drive. Source: Shutterstock.comCreate A Safe Space
As a passenger, you may not realize how distracting someone cranking up the radio or yelling in the backseat can be. When it's your car, don't be afraid to set rules that make your driving environment one where you feel comfortable and can drive safely. Sometimes the excitement of getting a license can make us forget how much responsibility there is in terms of safety, so it's good even before you get your license to keep reminding yourself of the need to take ownership of safe driving and following the rules of the road. Source: Shutterstock.comGet Ready To Do Errands
Safety is one big responsibility, but also expect there to be other responsibilities once you get your license, whether it be running to the grocery store or picking up your younger siblings. These kinds of driving needs for other people aren't what we focus on when getting our license, but the thing is that they do end up happening so be ready to accommodate what others may need now that you can drive and chip in. Source: Shutterstock.comPitch In With Pumping Gas
It is an awesome feeling when you get in a car with a full tank of gas, but this is just a reminder that it doesn't get there magically. It may differ depending on your situation, but plan to budget some of your money so you can put gas in that car so you can actually go places! If you share a car, don't be the one that leaves the tank next to empty because you don't know (or don't feel like) pumping gas. Ever. Source: Shutterstock.comKeep Track Of Your Keys
Again, there is a lot of responsibility when it comes to driving on the road, but it even starts small when it comes to keeping track of your keys. Real talk: there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to find your keys. Keep them in the same place every day (remember how Jamie showed you how to make this cute key holder?). If you do lose your keys, remain calm. You won't find them if you are just tearing through things. Source: Shutterstock.comYou Don't Have The Right To A Car
Just because you have a license, it doesn't always mean you'll have a car. This is very frustrating, but unfortunately you're not entitled to have your parents buy you one or to always get first dibs on the family vehicle when you're sharing it with your siblings, too. Learn to work with the car situation available to you (and in the mean time you can start saving up for whatever car you want in the future that can be all yours!). Source: Shutterstock.comAccept The Traffic
When you get a license all you can think about is the open road, but the reality is that traffic will happen and you will get stuck - even when you look at routes before you leave or you give yourself enough time to get somewhere. It can leave you in a super bad mood, but it's one of those things where everyone is in the same boat. Don't zone out while stuck in traffic because that's super dangerous. Even when you're not moving, you need to be alert and ready behind the wheel. Source: Shutterstock.comDon't Forget Other Transporation
Once you get a license you can forget about all other transportation modes - walking, biking, the bus... Cars do make lives much easier, but sometimes those other methods may be more suited to a particular situation. Don't feel like because you have your license that you always have to be the driver - sometimes it may even be easier to try another way of getting there or it may help you out to carpool with friends. Source: Shutterstock.comWere you (or are you) excited to get your driver’s license? What are some things you wish you’d known before becoming a licensed driver? Tell us in the comments!
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Its sad that everything on the first slide happened to me in two months after getting my license.