The interesting thing in Virginia is the process to get you licensed. You need to take classes for a few months in school, then a course at night, then drive with a parent for 40 hours, then a behind the wheel course. After all those steps are completed you must pass a course with the drive with the behind the wheel instructor. Oh it’s not over yet, you only get a paper license at that point. Next you are scheduled for a court day to receive the license.
The court day is very interesting, you have a police officer and judge speak to parents and new drivers. The police officer is trying to tell the new drivers to watch what you’re doing and about the number of teen accidents from not paying attention. He gave some very scary stats and stories, but he was talking from his heart. He just wanted them to listen so they will pay attention while driving. I thought it was a very good speech. But I was not one of the new drivers.
As I was listening I looked around at all those new drivers and thought wow they are all so young and yet to them they are older, now. I had to think back to when I got my license and I do remember I felt older and more responsible now with my license. I believe some things never really change. Sure there are more cars on the road today than when I started driving. But the friends wanting rides and freedom of going to places really is a great feeling. I just pray for all those new drivers they will pay attention while driving.
The Judge was next and he explained to the parents we are still in control and have the right to take the driver’s license away at any time. He also told use to set rules and explained responsibilities for driving. It was again another wonderful speech. Then he told the kids to pay attention and how many teenage drivers he sees in his court room. The saddest speech was about a teenage who went out at night to a party before heading off to college. She did not drink or do drugs, nor did she driving fast. She simply was going around a curve and her tire went on the soft shoulder, she turn left to get back on the road and hit a tree and was dead.
You know in life we always seem to get excited with new ventures. We feel great about doing new things, but the officer and judge were so correct in staying just pay attention. I believe when we pay attention to life it’s that much better and we can enjoy our journey that much more.
Many Blessings to you and yours.