I realized I never really blogged about this topic. If anyone on CAG remembers, one of my very first blog posts was me admitting I didn't have a driver's license (although I had a permit, for many years). I made a blog later on that I was taking the Driver's Test, and another one where I passed the Driver's test. Made blogs about me being a vehicle owner and still quite fearful of driving despite having a license. The truth is while living with my parents, I didn't care to drive and it didn't help my parents would constantly want me to tell them where I'm going. I also had someone to take me places, so I didn't have to drive. I also avoided many fearful situations such as merging onto a highway, driving in snow/ice, etc.

Due to getting a job a decent distance around family, I had to drive myself around if I wanted to get places. At first I took it a bit slow driving a long way to work (where I drove on less traveled roadways). I also only drove back and forth to work. However, as I started to drive back and forth to work more, I felt compelled to try new things driving. I decided one day to bite the bullet driving on a major highway (with multiple lanes). Might have been a tad scary at first, but I did just fine. I also put myself in situations dealing with busy traffic, and I ended up doing just fine. When winter hit, I had to drive in snow/ice. Initially I thought about calling in sick to work, but I took the chance and drove in it. I just kept it slow and did just fine. I also wasn't too comfortable driving in tight spaces or even parking between two large vehicles. I even tried to avoid night driving, but do it now (although I shouldn't due to my vision problems at night). Its funny because every single fear I once listed, is no longer an issue to me. The only thing I hate is dealing with some idiotic drivers at times that won't leave room for you to merge over, or driving really fast forcing you to run a traffic light. Also, it sucks that I spent all that time trying to learn parallel parking (which I did fine before), and now can't do it that well.

Now I've become too comfortable w/ driving. Previously I'd refuse to go over the speed limit (normally traveling 1-5mph under). Now I tend to drive 5 mph over the speed limit (sometimes 10, although very rare I do that. Only happens when cars are speeding past me). My only issue is that getting too comfortable, where I do some careless things or things I shouldn't do (such as maybe not fully stopping at a stop sign in an area that's usually empty, or going a little fast on a speed bump). I even made a few road trips myself (around 2-3 hours away) back and forth in one day without issues. I actually find myself wanting to drive a lot, where I'm constantly visit malls, various stores, various attractions, etc. I just like being able to finally take myself. Some say I waste a lot of gas based on how much I drive, but I honestly don't care since I enjoy it. Thankfully I only pay like $20 a week on gas. If someone wants me to drive to their place, I'm all excited to make the drive. I even enjoy driving on major highways now which I use to hate, and don't mind the snow/ice (outside of it being cold). I hate driving in rain, but I can handle it.

I guess like people said, it only takes a lot of practice and driving everyday to get comfortable with it. I figure some went through the same thing I did (although at a younger age). Those who might be fearful now, I guarantee you will all be better as you drive more.

When it comes to car maintenance, I'll admit I still have a lot to learn. I do keep my oil changed, and I did go for some check-ups. Thankfully (when having my auto inspected so I could transfer my license plate over to a new state), the place that did my inspection (nearby my place) is really nice/honest and I just take my car there now. While they may be a tad more expensive than most places, I feel comfortable going there because they seem to know what they are doing and really wanted to make me a regular customer (as in going there for my car stuff).

I would still like to buy a new car one day, maybe sometime this year. I really want a Lancer Evo, but dunno when I'll ever have the money for one. My car is around 7 years old, so I definitely want something newer one day.

Anyway, that's my story on driving. I went from hating it to loving it. Just took experience to enjoy it.