My drivers license doesn’t transform into a giant robot that rids the world of evil or isn’t some kind of fancy James Bond device. In fact my license except for when I show it off doesn’t even see the light of day, but I believe that in receiving my drivers license at the age of 16 and gaining the power the license has is the equivalent to the ring of power in the Lord of the Rings. One may ask however, “How can a piece of paper with a bad picture of yourself have so much meaning and power?” Having a driver’s license in my opinion begins a journey into adulthood. Receiving a license gives me the power to go where I want, when I want, (or at least when my mom or dads cars are available.)
I believe getting a drivers license bridges the gap between adolescence and maturity. Having the power to operate a three-ton motor vehicle is a pretty big responsibility. When I drive on Interstate 75 or 95 if feels like I’m driving in the Daytona 500. The only difference is that in the 500 there aren’t 18 wheelers cutting everyone off. When I drive alone it forces me make decisions fast and on my own. If I make the wrong decision it could mean the difference between a trip to movies or to the ER. Another responsibility involved with having a driver’s license is driving with other people in the car. As one of the first among my friends to have a license, I gain the status of chauffeur. I really don’t mind others in the car, but it is definitely easier driving alone. Having the responsibility to make split second decisions on your own and taking responsibility for driving others are some of the powers that the license has given me.
Having my license also gives me the ability to say, “I want to go to Publix and get a jelly donut. All I have to do is put the key in the ignition and go. With my favorite songs blaring from the speakers I feel free and independent. I feel I am no longer chained to whether or not my parents want or do not want to take me somewhere. It may be me but jelly donuts taste better with a full glass of independence on the side.
Having my license gives me the freedom, independence and starts me on my way to adulthood. It’s amazing that a piece of laminated shiny paper could be a metaphor for those things. However my goofy picture on the front of that piece of paper acts as a key to becoming an adult.