In modern times, learning to drive is commonly regarded as an important milestone in an adolescent’s life. This is because it symbolizes independence and self-sufficiency, traits which many teenagers deeply desire: no more relying on parents for travel. For me, the process was both difficult and rewarding, and I certainly view it as one of my most significant accomplishments.
I also found, however, that learning to drive was greatly different than any other type of learning I had ever experienced before. Cars are quite unlike the classroom, the playing field, or even the seemingly-similar bike in that driving inherently has both physical and mental components: the physical tasks such as turning the wheel and pressing the brake, coupled with the required mental understanding of various procedures and laws, made for a tough class. This really hit home when I realized the large amount of time that was necessary, by Michigan law, in both the Driver's Ed classroom and the car. Further showing this physical/mental contrast were the two mandatory tests -- one driving and one written exam - that all students were required to take. Indeed, I quickly noticed upon starting the class that I would have to revise my learning methods if I wanted to pass those tests.
Fortunately, I managed to do quite well on the exams and get my permit. One thing that I have found to be true across all types of learning is that practice makes perfect, and driving was no exception. Practicing mock written tests, as well as actual driving, was definitely a major component of my ability to pass the class. Another interesting aspect about learning to drive was my immense reliance on multitasking, which is a skill that lets drivers concentrate on both their physical and mental tasks and thus was instrumental to the class. Although Driver's Ed did end up being harder than I had originally imagined, it provided yet another way for me to look at the learning process while also making me more independent, and ultimately proved to be a great experience.
Here's a site that gives some helpful tips for the written test:
http://www.dmv.org/articles/tips-for-teens-preparing-to-take-the-drivers-permit-test/
I also found, however, that learning to drive was greatly different than any other type of learning I had ever experienced before. Cars are quite unlike the classroom, the playing field, or even the seemingly-similar bike in that driving inherently has both physical and mental components: the physical tasks such as turning the wheel and pressing the brake, coupled with the required mental understanding of various procedures and laws, made for a tough class. This really hit home when I realized the large amount of time that was necessary, by Michigan law, in both the Driver's Ed classroom and the car. Further showing this physical/mental contrast were the two mandatory tests -- one driving and one written exam - that all students were required to take. Indeed, I quickly noticed upon starting the class that I would have to revise my learning methods if I wanted to pass those tests.
Fortunately, I managed to do quite well on the exams and get my permit. One thing that I have found to be true across all types of learning is that practice makes perfect, and driving was no exception. Practicing mock written tests, as well as actual driving, was definitely a major component of my ability to pass the class. Another interesting aspect about learning to drive was my immense reliance on multitasking, which is a skill that lets drivers concentrate on both their physical and mental tasks and thus was instrumental to the class. Although Driver's Ed did end up being harder than I had originally imagined, it provided yet another way for me to look at the learning process while also making me more independent, and ultimately proved to be a great experience.
Here's a site that gives some helpful tips for the written test:
http://www.dmv.org/articles/tips-for-teens-preparing-to-take-the-drivers-permit-test/