Brilliant … But Bouncy

You Shouldn’t Be Driving a Car.

Dylan took the classroom Driver’s Ed class last July. Occasionally, he asks when he can start driving.

“All you have to do is make an appointment to get your learner’s permit,” I say. It’s the same conversation every time.

“But I don’t even know where to start,” Dylan whines.

“You get on the computer and you google it,” I say.

“I don’t know what to google!”

“Well then,” I say, “you shouldn’t be driving a car.”

“I know how to drive a car!” he says. “I just don’t know how to make an appointment! I don’t even know where to go.”

“Dylan, all you have to do is google ‘Learner’s Permit’ and ‘Maryland’ and you will be well on your way. Everything you need to know is right there on the internet. Do the same thing I would do. Just look it up, and follow the directions.”

“But I just don’t know what to look up!” His voice gets shrill.

“Maybe it’s just a phone call,” I say. “Or maybe you can reserve a time online. How will you ever know if you don’t do a simple google search and find out what you need to do?”

“Well I’m going to wait for Dad to help me,” he says. (Bill made the mistake of saying he would be nearby when Dylan was googling.)

“Dad is not going to help you. You make the appointment if you want to drive a car,” I say.

Usually at this point, Dylan’s argument sidetracks into something like, “But Dad said he would help me!” or “I have no trouble driving a car!”

It’s a vicious cycle.

“Dylan,” I say, “make the appointment. Otherwise, you will not drive.”