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Getting my Driver’s License

I recently got my driver’s license and it was an extroadinary experience. In Sri Lanka, once you turn 17, you are entitled to get a permit that allows you to drive a car with a licensed driver. After a minimum of three months, you must take the ‘driver’s test’ at the age of 18 where you are awarded your license when passed. Although this seems a rather easy procedure, it is time-consuming. Before getting a permit, you must first get a medical examination as well as pass a written test. I completed these preliminary tasks with my friend Disara and then proceeded to learn how to drive with my permit.

During the three months in which I was set to learn how to safely navigate the roads of Colombo. However, as the country went into lockdown during the month of October, my chances to practice driving were limited. As time went on, my medical and permit documents that prove that I have received the necessary paperwork to drive a car were sitting on a shelf in my room. When the country reopened and offices commenced work, I decided to practice my driving once again. Hence, I required my medical and permit documents to drive.

I had misplaced the all-important documents due to my senseless placing of them somewhere in my bedroom.  Since my drivers’ test to get the final license was in a week, I spent the next few days searching all around my house but to no avail. I then had to go to the police station and file a police report stating that I had lost both documents in hopes that I would still be able to do the test. Using the police report, I was able to do my test and receive my driver’s license.

Reflecting on this experience, I think I have learned a great deal of patience after learning how to drive. Since it is a task that requires full attention on the road and surroundings, being responsible is the key to being a good driver. An aspect of which can be conversely seen in the loss of my permit and medical.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Driving is a completely new skill that I had to learn. However, drawing from my other experiences, I think I was able to pick up some skills faster than others. Nonetheless, I must continue driving to become a good driver.

• Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Losing my permit and medical and the consequences that followed has made me reflect on my senseless behavior and has shown me that I must be more responsible. I have also learned to be more patient after driving because the task is not as easy as it looks.

• Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

My parents warned me when I first learned how to drive that any choice I make will affect others. And so, when driving, I think about the consequences of any choices I make on the road and their effect on others and myself if something were to go wrong.