For many students, getting their driver’s license is a moment they look forward to. After completing the required hours of driver’s ed, driving with their learner’s permit, and passing a driver’s test, teenagers are allowed to take to the roads. However, different students have varied experiences with getting licensed and being on the road.
Driving comes with many responsibilities, but it also gives teenagers a level of independence.
“Once someone has their license, they can go places while their parents are busy,” said Maya Vogel (‘27), who has her learner’s permit.
Other students are hesitant to get their learner’s permit yet. Students may have many reasons to hold off on pursuing their license. For example, many may hold off getting their license due to the anxieties they have surrounding driving.
“I’m very paranoid about driving,” said Meah Griffin (‘27). “It’s pretty nerve-racking… I always overthink the possibility of being in a crash.”
Overcoming nerves can be challenging, but once students can drive themselves, they can become more involved in various events and extracurriculars.
“I drive every day,” said Talia Rubel (‘27). “During the week, I drive to and from school, to extracurriculars, and then to my soccer games on weekends.”
A deciding factor for whether students drive to school or not is parking availability. There is not enough parking for every teacher and student, so students are assigned parking spots. If a student did not get a parking spot, they have to find other places near the school.
“I don’t have a spot, but I park at one of the local businesses,” said Rubel. “It’s a secured spot that I pay for.”
Even after getting a license, there are often still fears surrounding driving. While driving with a learner’s permit, student drivers must have a parent in the passenger seat. Once they get their license, they may drive alone, which can be scary.
“[I get nervous because] other drivers can be idiots,” said Sabine Cook (‘26), “but I know that I just have to keep driving and get through it.”
Many students noted difficulties surrounding other drivers in general. Other drivers noted specific scenarios that cause anxiety.
“I get really nervous driving at night. But now, due to daylight savings time… I’ve been getting used to driving when it’s dark out,” said Sophia Liniado (‘27).
Being timid on the road is not the case for all teen drivers. Some students at Chamblee are very confident with their driving skills.
“[I’m] very confident,” said Pierson Woodruff (‘27), “but it could be a bad thing… [Teens] get too overconfident even though we haven’t had enough driving experience.”
Overall, student drivers can be at a disadvantage on the road due to this lack of experience. Many find that learning how to navigate the streets is all about finding the middle ground between being nervous and being overconfident.
“There are a lot of bad drivers in Atlanta,” said Wyatt Wright (‘26). “I hope I’m not one of them.”
