autismspeaks.org

20 February 2010

Driver's License... Take 1 and 2

Gage has been waiting to get his license for two years. He got his permit when he was 16 and when we found out it was going to be close to $700 for Driver's Ed., we decided he could wait.
At the bottom of the page is a picture of Gage with his Pops and Madrina. He was nervous but very excited. Next pix up is the car he was going to take his road test in courtesy of his Madrina since minivans are an unacceptable vehicle for road tests. He waited in a long line, in cold weather, filling out his paperwork and anxious to get started.
The vehicle needs to be inspected and approved by the person giving the test and unfortunately the car was rejected because it did not have a hand emergency brake. Apparently in the state of Massachusetts it is mandatory for the car to have an accessible emergency hand brake which this car did not have. We had heard about it but we just weren't sure. Needless to say, Gage was just a little disappointed. He was just a couple of weeks shy of his permit expiring and was not happy to have to reschedule and find a car that would accommodate the commonwealth's unwavering commitment to keep its citizens safe.
My mom stepped up and volunteered her little PT Cruiser that just happens to have a law abiding brake. We also found out that the driving schools in the area will also be happy to rent a car to you along with a three day crash course and of course, a fee to use the car which came out to about $300. I think that the Commonwealth's unwavering support of the local driving school's business is amazing. I mean, to think that they would make sure that those driving schools not lose business is enough to make anyone cry. And people think that businesses are having a hard time staying afloat. Come on. With the government watching over them like this, who can go under?!?
Well, we rescheduled for the only date available before the expiration date (which was this Sunday), and he was able to get in for Friday.

Here he is. He looks so official.









He will be driving tonight to a dance at church with his sister and a couple of friends. I do trust him to be careful. Now he just needs to focus on paying for his part of the insurance on the van... and for gas..... and maintenance .... Oh Gage, congratulations and welcome to adulthood. Isn't it grand????




1 comment:

Jenn said...

Ahhhhh, the freedom of a driver's license! Congrats on achieving the big milestone! Very exciting!!!!