Co-Piloting

JR acquired a drivers permit on Thursday. So I am now a co-pilot.

Here he is with his permit & the keys after his first driving experience.

I would have preferred to take him to an empty parking lot for a little practice before hitting the road, but we had too much business to conduct in town and were running late to pick up school children. I asked him if he wants to drive under that pressure the first time; to his credit, he thought about it a bit before deciding yes.

He really didn't do bad at all. I think I did pretty well, too! I never once stomped on an imaginary brake. :) His Miller aunts & uncle advised him at his birthday party to not make the mistake of thinking he needs to drive as fast as other traffic at first- to drive at whatever speed feels safe. He is taking that advise to heart. Speed is not a problem at this point. He isn't as self-confident as most guys his age so he's a more careful driver.

My new gray hair was earned when I told him not to try pull up to the mailbox the first time. He didn't listen. My other children were amused at my "whoa. Whoa! WHOA!!" JR pulled up to the mailbox, cutting it rather close -just like his dad. He just smiled and said "I didn't hit it, did I?" [just like his dad] and wasn't one bit repentant for not listening to me. Guess I have to learn he's not a horse and doesn't respond to "whoa".

It's interesting to see what all R & I take for granted. JR is starting from scratch- doesn't know where the little bumps are in the road that we automatically swing out to miss, when to start braking before making a turn, etc. He is quick to say sorry and acknowledge his mistakes which makes it easier to co-pilot than with someone who pretends they know everything. (I expect JS to give me more gray hair on that score.) I'm also more aware of all the "sloppy" driving we do- not coming to a complete stop at some stop signs, going left of center around curves and the like. Do as I say, not as I do, son.