The Risk of Driving Without a Driver’s License

Article in brief: To drive or not to drive? That is the question.

Here’s a scenario most teenagers today can relate to: a 16 years old kid driving around town without a driver’s license. Not a good scenario for anyone involved, especially, if it’s the police.

I, for one, solemnly believe that skills matter far more than age, but you simply shouldn’t drive without the right documentation. Your skills are insufficient giving your lack of adequate practice at this stage. Not only that, but it has become a recent trend to boast the fact that your are driving without a license on social media platforms.

Tears will be shed, lives will be lost, fines will be paid, cars will be towed and relationships will be severed. These are not just predicted consequences; this is what the law states and based on previous reckless teen driving, these are just a few consequences. Do tell me, how many times have you been going through your twitter timeline, only to discover that a young tweep you know has passed away as a consequence to these actions, whether by himself or others. How many of them were your siblings or cousins? How many mothers have wept longing for their kids? How many friends were separated by death? This has to stop.

First of all, if you’re a teenager, then you’ll get your license in no time. An Arabic proverb says “All in good time”. Have faith that everything happens for a reason and the fact that you’re still license-less isn’t a punishment but a chance to do greater things. Driving isn’t the only thing in life you know.

I understand how difficult it is to get a ride sometimes. Been there, done that. You could use public transportation such as taxis and metros or you can carpool with a friend if your house is on their way. I know many families don’t allow their children in taxis, keep in mind that they surely won’t allow underage and reckless driving either.

Another issue is peer pressure. Teenage boys spend the majority of their time with their peers, so it is easy to be influenced by your friends. If you know anybody that drives without a license, speak to them; let them know that you are not okay with it. Advise them, but do so tastefully; nobody likes being told off. If they persist in their wrongdoing, refuse riding with them. Silence to such actions is the equivalent of nodding in consent.

In Australia for example, despite the fact that the minimum driving age differs from state to state, teenagers may apply for driving classes under qualified supervision from the age of 15 years and 9 months. Similarly, in preparation for that, a course is taught in many schools called “Road Ready” to increase the students’ awareness on road safety.

Think about it this way, the time that you could spend engaging in underage driving, which often times result in accidents and hefty fines, you can instead spend it educating yourself or volunteering in community service. The first activity plunges your community down a never-ending dark hole, whereas the second one allows it to rise and dance between the stars. The decision is yours, except, you’re not the only one who will suffer the consequences, your community will as well. Think wisely.