Wednesday, January 14, 2015

GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL |



GUYS- I HAVE MY DRIVERS LICENSE AGAIN! I can now legally drive and I am so happy about that! Freedom is finally coming my way.

So let's back up a little so I can tell you about it all. My goal for driving was actual to be driving by the end of 2014. I pushed it off and didn't start getting things rolling until the end of the year. I finally got in touch with someone around November of 2014 and she met with me in October to go over some paperwork. She ended up getting me in touch with a man named Jon who would be my driving instructor for the hand controls.

I let my license expire when I turned 21 because I knew I would have to take a driving test again (because of my disability and the restrictions I need on my license) and I wasn't prepared for that... because I let it expire, I was told I would need to take the written test to get a permit (I had no valid license to practice driving with). I suck at tests and I had a lot of anxiety about taking the written test. I finally went in to the DMV to take the test and the wouldn't let me. It was very confusing but I ended up getting a permit that day and I schedule a meeting with Jon to practice with the hand controls.

Jon worked about 2 hours from where I live and because it's hard for me to get a ride- we decided that if we both felt comfortable, I would just take my driving test the same day I went down to practice. This was a bit scary because I had not drove since my accident and I wasn't sure how I was going to react to being behind the wheel again. I basically didn't sleep the night before because I was so nervous.. but it ended up not being bad at all.

Jon and I practiced for about 2 hours before I felt comfortable enough to take my test. Driving with hand controls was a lot easier than I thought and being in control of a car again wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. I was so shocked at how comfortable I felt. During my test, the instructor told me I was a great driver. (Jon didn't test me- someone else did) and I ended up PASSING with a score of SEVEN! I only missed two things (I braked hard once bc the brakes were touchy and I backed out into the other lane a little) so I got my license on the spot! I was so happy and so proud of myself.

Now for the future- I have to find a car. I was going to use my dads car because he never uses it but because of personal reasons I plan on trying to get another car. I should have my hand controls in about a month and then I can start applying for jobs!

I'm proud of myself for facing the fears I've had for two years and I'm proud that I'm taking control of my life again. It's a slow process but this is just another step in the right direction and it was a great start to 2015.


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27 comments :

  1. Congratulations! I have a few people in my life who have also put off getting their license, and I know they can relate to the feeling of anxiety surrounding the whole process. I'm very proud of you for continuing to try because I have witnessed how scary it can be! Congrats again! :)

    Riley | fiveleveninety.blogspot.com

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  2. Congratulations! So incredibly proud! It's all slowly coming back together, and it's exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You are one of the most inspiring people I know because you don't give up when the worst hits. You keep trying till you suceed, and you have in so many ways. Can't wait to be apart and read upon the next chapter in your life with getting your license back.

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  3. Isn't it the best feeling to check off something big, that has been weighing on your shoulders after putting it off? Good for you!


    http://www.thecharleygirl.com/

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  4. awh- thank you so much Jordan! That was really sweet to read! You are a doll- thanks for always supporting me!

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  5. Woo! Congrats! I was just thinking the other day about how you mentioned on one of my posts that you were going to take your driving test soon. So glad you passed! I know the freedom feels so good.

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  6. Yay! Regaining independence is HUGE. Congratulations!

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  7. It is- and it feels so nice. I'm super stoked about applying for jobs too. haha.

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  8. I'm glad I passed too. I was really nervous leading up to it but that's expected. Thanks for much for thinking of me!

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  9. I got goosebumps reading this! This is huge!! Well done and congrats!!! Super happy for you!

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  10. Congrats! That's a huge! I'm super happy for you, I'm glad you were able to tackle what you set out to do. What a neat way to start off the year. :)

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  11. Thank you so so so much! <3 It was a GREAT start to the year

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  12. Congrats! I too suffer from anxiety and I know how disabling it can be. I found you a few days ago on youtube and I know we just met but....Way to go! (fist pump) So proud of you! :-) `

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  13. It really can- I'm trying to learn how to handle it. I wish you the best of luck with yours too. <3 Thank you so much for the kind words! <3

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  14. Wow, just wow. You are seriously such an inspiration! I admire you so much for being determined and overcoming your fear after all that has happened. I admit when I first came across your blog I was thinking, "Oh great...another beauty blog" but, you are real and honest! Congrats on how far you have come!

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  15. Thank you so much for that comment, Shawna! That really means a lot to me and I appreciate you coming and reading part of my story!

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