Cevin Dively

Buckle up! Students receive driver’s licenses at the driver exam center in Altoona.

Older students receive their driver’s licenses and learn what it’s like to be able to drive and be in charge of their own vehicle. 

Students are getting older, and experiencing the thrill of driving on their own. The feeling of excitement and nervousness are things everyone has encountered when taking their test or driving alone for the first time. 

‘’It was nerve wracking to sit in a car with someone, and they judge you for everything you do, but it was so easy after that,’’ junior Isabella Graham said. 

Although it can feel as though the driving instructor is judging every move, after the test is over, driving is a breeze. 

‘’It was a little scary at first. I was driving to school and it was a little weird at first, but I got used to it. I like having the freedom to go do whatever I want or hang out with my friends,’’ senior Kali Hockenberry said.  

The freedom of driving can be exciting and freeing. It feels as though students have become more independent, and can have the opportunity to take themselves somewhere and not have to ask or wait around for a ride anymore. 

Before getting a driver’s license, there is always a permit test to take first. All test takers are required to go through this step. 

‘’My first time driving was at my grandma’s house and they have a shale driveway, so that was nice,’’ sophomore Natalie Duffy said. 

Duffy has her permit and is excited to get her license when the time comes. 

Students getting their driver’s license is a memorable moment in their lives. It’s kind of sentimental in a way because it’s something that people can’t wait to do when their little, and when the time comes it gets more real and more nerve-wracking. 

‘’I’m excited to never have to ask anybody for a ride again and that’s my biggest thing,’’ junior Graham said.