To Drive in College or Not to Drive? Things to Consider as a Student
Nothing screams “freedom” more than becoming a college student. Getting out from under their parents’ roofs and getting to call the shots with their academic direction and future career goals is enough to make any young person feel on top of the world. Such freedom isn’t without its own share of responsibility, of course.
Students who aren’t located within walking distance to campus might find it much easier to get a car in order to have their own transportation not just to and from classes but any other destination of their choosing. While this may seem like a great idea with plenty of benefits, it is important for students to stop and weigh all the factors before making such a commitment.
Comfort Zone
The most ideal situation for student drivers is if they are commuting to a campus they are very familiar with, especially if they choose to go to a school that isn’t far from where they grew up. For example, anybody who grew up in the South Bay Area will have no surprises as a student commuting to a campus like Stanford University. They would know to expect the busy freeway to exit off into very narrow residential streets where the speed limit doesn’t allow for fast and furious types.
However, for out-of-state students and those attending school hours away in-state, learning to navigate a new environment behind the wheel could end up being more nerve wracking than convenient. Students who aren’t naturally confident drivers or who have a hard time getting used to new driving environments may be better off choosing public transportation alternatives.
New Drivers Beware
Never had a chance to learn how to drive? College may not be the right time to go about accomplishing this goal. However, there are some students who feel that by learning to drive, they can make things easier on themselves by having a reliable form of transportation, as well as feeling like they’ve taken a step towards becoming more independent.
But for those who wish to take on this endeavor, it is important to know that there is a lot to prepare for. Not only do they need to have access to a vehicle to practice in, they’ll have to study all of the traffic laws and guidelines pertaining to the state they live in. And then there’s the DMV test, which is the most intimidating part of the process.
Luckily, there are free practice tests online students can access to help them pass the written portion but to really breeze through the behind the wheel test, students will have to set aside time to practice the tasks and driving behaviors they’ll be evaluated on.
Driving can be a fun and refreshing experience for college students but it is an added responsibility they’ll will want to make sure they’re in a good position to take on in addition to the demands of their studies.