Driving.
I was told by everyone when I was growing up- including an eye doctor- that I would not be able to drive, that it wasn't an option in my life. And that's why I came to NYC and stayed here, and that's ok I don't regret it.
But driving- and not being able to do it- has left me with a feeling of being trapped.
I wrote a bit about it here.
As I get older this bothers me more and more. And it's really a major head-thing to get around.
I found out in 2006 that I could get a drivers license and I did. Everyone was wrong who said I couldn't.
And I haven't driven since that test.
I don't know how to drive.
I'm REALLY SCARED because I don't trust my eyes.
I really only have one that works, my right eye is Moral Support Only.
HOWEVER.
I went to the eye doctor this week and since my license is up for renewal, I asked him about the vision form and if I can renew. He said yes but it has to be a restricted license.
He filled out a form for me which I have mailed to medical review in Albany.
They will send me a letter back and I have to bring that to the DMV.
It is a restricted license in that I can only drive in daylight, but that is better than nothing.
SO.
I sat myself down and said--- Jessica, your eye dr says you can drive and the state of NY says you can drive so why aren't you?
I answered myself that I really don't know how and I'm very scared because of my eyes.
To which I said, 'You just need the right teacher. You need someone to spend a lot of time with you and work with you. Someone used to working with people who are scared. Someone who will be able to make any adjustments you might need and be very patient. Not a driving school, you already did that and even though you passed the test, it wasn't enough. So you need to find someone who can spend a lot of time and knows how to teach."
I looked on craigslist AND I FOUND SOMEONE.
He teaches driving privately, is used to working with nervous people, and he will spend as much time with me as I want. I told him about my eyes and he says it's fine! So I'm probably going to be his best client for a while, and I'll figure out the money.
Tuesday is my first lesson!!!
I AM GOING TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE FOR REALS!!!!!!!!!!!
Girl, if you learn to drive in NY you will be able to drive anyplace! I had a friend that is legally blind. She can drive during the day. She has since moved a couple of times and I lost track of her. Last I heard she was out in the Dakotas someplace. What I am getting at is if she can drive you can drive. I know you can. Good luck. Above all have fun. It isn't difficult. You have to concentrate and be watchful. Easy peasy.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who has restricted vision, she's had that for decades, and gets around in daylight driving just fine. I'm so happy for you, driving is a huge thing! I learned later in life also, it took about nine months of lessons until I felt confident, and I forced myself to learn a manual stick so I can drive anything if I have to. (Manual cars make me feel better in control, automatics are like go-karts you don't have to think about - just aim and go! Too scary.) I'm looking forward to hearing about this as you progress. :) You'll do fine! :)
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, you are a superstar. So glad you found a proper teacher. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteI know you can do this, you can do ANYTHING. Good for you, going ahead with this!
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