I Would Suggest Driving on the Left Side of the Road

I am 18 years old.

Two years ago, on January 27th 2009, I went into the DMV and got my permit. I didn't use it, and it expired.

Fast forward.

I pulled into the DMV parking lot and nervously locked the doors. What if I didn't pass? I'd have to deal with the shame of failing a test that everyone claimed was "So Easy". Or worse, what if I DID pass? Then I'd be on the roads with everyone else, risking my life to get from point A to point B in a heavy and dangerous piece of mechanical equipment. 

I was terrified. 

I played with the keys while I waited, my palms getting sweaty. I breathed slow, deep breaths. "It's gonna be okay!" I told myself. I glanced up at my mom. "I need my phone to not be dead!" I told her, "I'm in need of a Shayla pep talk... right now!" She laughed. I gasped, "Crap. How do you parallel park again?"

My name was called, and my heart rate accelerated. I wasn't ready for this. I walked up to the lady and smiled. "Hi!" I said, "I'm Toni!"

We walked out to my car, and I put on my seat belt while she checked to make sure the lights and signals were functioning properly. She climbed in, and I handed her the insurance and registration papers. "Did you need these?"

"Nope!" She replied, "But I can put them in the glove box for you!" 
"Thanks!" I said, "That would be great!"

As she put my papers in the glove box, I carefully placed my phone in the middle armrest, where it wouldn't be a distraction. She noticed. 

"When you're ready, go ahead and back out." 

And we were off. 

...

I had to resist the urge to hug her as we walked back in the building.  I passed!