OBTAINING a driving licence is a monumental step towards independence.

Some say it is a walk in the park, while others, not so much. Regrettably, my journey to getting a licence was rocky.

Having obtained my licence after my second attempt, here are a few tips: research driving schools thoroughly to reduce setbacks. Read reviews from past students and don’t hesitate to speak up when necessary.

Practice makes perfect. Believe in yourself, because excessive fretting only sets you up for failure.

I chose the same school where my dad had obtained his motorbike licence years ago, thinking that if he had no problem, neither would I.

The learning began with a five-hour class on the basics of driving, including traffic light colours, road signs, and the six elements we would practise during practical lessons: slope, three-point turn, reverse and parallel parking, Z-course, S-course, and the ramp.

After that, I self-studied for two weeks and passed the theory test.

Next came the part I was most excited about – taking the wheel myself.

I had heard horror stories about rude instructors who did not care to teach well. Fortunately, mine was nice, and we practised all six elements repeatedly before venturing out into the open road.

Driving for the first time felt surreal after being a passenger my whole life. Before I knew it, I had completed 16 hours of practical lessons. Following this was the pre-test – a mock test to qualify for the final examination.

Having passed that as well, I felt ready for my licence. But reality struck: the only examination slot available for me was six months away.

I was appalled and requested an earlier date, afraid that the huge gap would affect my skills.

However, the school rejected my request, citing that examinations were only held on Tuesdays, and they had many students who had been waiting far longer than I had.

When the day finally came, I was a nervous wreck, overthinking every minor mistake I might make. But bigger mistakes presented themselves.

I went out of bounds during the three-point turn and skidded over too many lanes without signalling.

All I wanted was to hide in a pit of shame as the examiner ordered me to stop and get out of the car.

I remember calling my father in tears. He reassured me that it was not the end of the world. That day, I felt defeated, like I could not face anyone there again.

Determined not to wait months to retake the examination, I found another school that would accept me without retaking the theory test. Another round of practical lessons followed to familiarise myself with this new school’s circuit.

On top of that, every day after college, I would get my father to sit with me as I drove slowly around my housing area. He was strict and nitpicky, but daily practice with him was a big help.

My second examination was the opposite of my first one. For starters, it was conveniently scheduled the day after my last practical class. I remained calm and collected throughout the whole procedure, and the steering wheel felt more natural in my hands than ever before.

With that, I aced the examination with flying colours and have been driving with a P licence since.

However, the struggle of driving does not stop once you have passed. Parking in different environments is still stressful, and getting lost from too many wrong turns is not fun at all. That said, I am thankful to have been granted a licence and a car to drive around in.

Good luck to those taking the driving examination!

Alyson, 19, a student in Kuala Lumpur, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.

For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.