I have my driver’s license now, but the journey to getting it was a long ride.

When I was 15 or 16, my friends always talked about getting their licenses and driving around. I was never interested in learning to drive. I was fine with just asking my parents for rides and even told them that when I got older, I would just rely on Ubers to get around.

My mom tried to get me to learn to drive, but over time she gave up because I was so unmotivated. As I got older, she became more frustrated and pushed me harder. She would schedule my learner’s permit exam appointments and, to get ready for them, she would research practice tests, order me to study for them, and then make me take at least five practice exams a day.

It made my head explode. I just wasn’t interested.

I did what she asked just to get her off my back. Finally, though, I took the learner’s permit exam—three times.

Once I passed that hurdle and got my permit, she didn’t stop. She woke me up early to practice driving and made me drive her around when she ran errands.

Eventually, my attitude changed. I started feeling a sense of motivation and eagerness that my friends had probably felt all those years ago. I said I wanted to get my license for myself, not just for my mom.

I have to give a huge shout-out to my mom. Thanks to her support, I eventually got my driver’s license on July 31, 2024, at 20 years old.

I still have a long way to go with driving because I suck at parking. But if you’re still working on getting your driver’s license, take your time. Everyone’s journey is different, and it’s important to go at your own pace.

Stay motivated, keep practicing and remember: You’ll get there when the time is right for you.