Zach Behind The Wheel

 Zach is 16. He took the written driver's test at the end of Driver's Ed in the first marking period this past school year. He just finished 6 hours of behind-the-wheel classes, and his driving permit has arrived. In NJ, kids can get their permit at 16 after the written test and 6 hours with a driving instructor. Zach has completed that, and his driver's test is scheduled already for his birthday 2026. Until then, home with mommy includes driving with mom!

That part we did yesterday. I drove to an empty part of a mall parking lot, and we switched seats. He put on calming music with no need to touch it, adjusted everything since I'm 5' 2" and he's 5'11.5" and before we knew it, he was driving. He lasted for a while and did a great job of it. I am so proud of him. This year will have a bunch of small trips mostly to familiar places. 

I thought I would be nervous. I wasn't. My dad and I have reminisced a lot about when he taught me to drive. I tell Zach what my dad told me. He didn't ask to drive yesterday. I suggested it. He was nervous but relaxed as he did it a little. He hugged me after, grateful for the practice. We talked about places he can practice driving to. 

This is a big life-changing step. He's ready for this. He is a responsible and careful kid. It is scary for both of us but, it's also fun and important. Below is my dad's advice:

1. You can't really be good until you drive at least 100 hours. That takes years. 

2. Lots of small trips are better practice than long trips. 

3. Be prepared for the other drivers to do anything legal or not!

When I had my permit and was practicing parallel parking in front of the house the police officer that is now the highest cop in town (Chief) pulled next to the car and said with a smile "just putting the pressure on". His mom lived close, and he graduated from the town's high school with Josh's sister. 

The day Zach got his permit he was behind Josh when I told him it arrived in the mail and tapped him on the shoulder just to say "hi". Lots of cops in town know and like us. The school liaison officer can't get over how big Zach is. This is life.