Could you pass your driver’s permit test today?
My daughter is turning 16 on Friday! 
Not so fast! She has to take her NY State Driver’s License Permit test.
Which means she needs to study.
Which means I took a peek online to see what kind of questions she’d have to take.
Sample Click Here
I discovered I probably wouldn’t pass today. 
I also discovered, as I do many times with my kids, I’m so glad I am NOT a teenager anymore.
The girl issues. The studying. The tests.
I’m really happy to be an adult.
That said, surely I am not old enough to have a 16 year old who is ready to drive.
Where did the time go?
But I’m excited for her, happy for her, proud of her … and younger than her.
At least in my mind.
What’s your favorite age? Thinking back, what was best?
For me, I’m happy where I am right now.
Oh yeah, the angst and stress of fitting in - nope, I wouldn’t go back. I think every age since has been great, and so far, keeps getting better. I loved turning 18 and becoming an adult - and old enough to vote. I loved 21, though it was rather anti-climatic by that time to drink *g*, and I loved turning 30 because I finally felt more comfortable in my own skin. Now I’m 36 and I’m enjoying it. I feel like there’s still so much to do, so much to see, so many choices.
Gee, reading this, I musta had some really good coffee this morning!
Comment by Stacy ~ — January 28, 2008 @ 6:56 am
I failed my first permit test BECAUSE OF ONE QUESTION! Just like I failed my first practical - apparently they frown upon someone backing into a tree - who knew!
I hope she kicks butt on her permit test!
Comment by Wendy — January 28, 2008 @ 8:38 am
Happy Birthday to your daughter, Carly!
I am soooo glad I am not a teenager anymore AND that I don’t have to go back and be one ever again.
I’m with you, Carly, I love the age I am right now–52. I feel empowered like anything is possible. I’m in the best shape of my life and I feel great. With age comes wisdom but also for me a true sense of comfort in my own skin.
Have a super day all,
Cher
Comment by Cher — January 28, 2008 @ 8:42 am
I have a 20 yr. old son so I know how fast they grow up. I can remember the day I went to the hospital to have him. I’m 45 now, but truly wish I could go back to 18 and start over. There are sooooooo many things I would do differently.
Have a good day all and take care!!!!
Comment by Kathy — January 28, 2008 @ 8:48 am
Of course she’s older than you! 16? No way!
Good luck to her!
I have to agree with you - the age I am right now is the one I prefer.
Comment by Jill Monroe — January 28, 2008 @ 8:58 am
It’s so funny this is the subject because yesterday I was shopping with Son #2 and I kept looking at all these young people - mostly in their 20’s. I just kept having this feeling of, “If I could only go back and do it again.” But then I’d think, “And go through the pain of getting here again?” I’m not really sure when my favorite time has been…I’m thinking maybe I’m not there yet.
And Cher - I’ve seen your picture - I don’t know why you would, but I think you’re telling us a story about your age.
You can’t be 52!!
Have a great Monday, everyone!!
Comment by Jodie — January 28, 2008 @ 9:12 am
Took the sample test (the link didn’t work, but I cut and paste into my browser and went right there…not sure why it’s not working.)
Got a 75%. That’s not good. Missed three of the road sign shapes. I’m sure I’d know them when I’m driving! I didn’t miss any of the actual signs!
Comment by Julie Leto — January 28, 2008 @ 9:18 am
I think I would stick to right where I am now- 29 and holding. I have been holding for years. Since daughter is going to be 23, I may have to hold somewhere else.
Carly- when daughter did the online studying for the test, she actually found 2 questions that were wrong (we are in NY too). She brought it up to the examiner, who was the deputy commissioner, and when one of them showed up on her test, she explained why it was wrong, he agreed, and they changed it on the test itself and in the book. Not bad for a kid with learning disabilities.
One piece of experienced advice- make sure she drives through the winter before she gets her license. It’s much easier than learning the hardway. Especially in one of our winters. My grandson didn’t and he isn’t very sure on how to handle the bad roads.
i would take daughter to the cemetary to practice. Who’s she gonna kill? Except she almost did hit Uncle Sam’s grave stone.
Comment by ev — January 28, 2008 @ 9:44 am
Comment by Liza — January 28, 2008 @ 9:47 am
Carly, please tell your daughter “Happy Birthday”.
I understand what you mean. I deal with a lot of people who have daughters in the dating scene and I would NEVER want to go back to doing that again. But when it comes to homework and tests, I have more of an interest in the studying Laurie is doing now than I did when I was her age. You appreciate things more when you’re older such as the history, science, etc. We had to do it then. You want to do it now. I probably wouldn’t be able to pass the test, but I’m going to try.
Lucky for me, Laurie won’t be able to get her permit until 17.
Comment by Michelle in NJ — January 28, 2008 @ 9:47 am
Happy Birthday to your daughter Carly!
16 is such a fun age!
My stepdaughter turned 18 last year, graduated high school and is now in college. She’s got way more energy than me, that’s all I can say.
But no, I wouldn’t want to relive those years for anything. Too much angst back then, and more pressure for kids now than ever. I like my adulthood, thanks.
Comment by Jaci Burton — January 28, 2008 @ 10:16 am
Comment by Patty L. — January 28, 2008 @ 11:41 am
Happy 16th Birthday, Jackie!
And lots of luck on passing the permit test. I’m sure you’ll ace it the first time around!
Comment by Janelle — January 28, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
Oh I wouldn’t go back to those teen years for anything!! My daughter keeps reminding me she’ll be 16 soon (this morning she said only 515 days to go!). It scares the crap of me to think of her and her friends behind the wheel!!
Comment by wendy roberts — January 28, 2008 @ 12:14 pm
Happy Birthday Jackie!!
i would take daughter to the cemetary to practice. Who’s she gonna kill? Except she almost did hit Uncle Sam’s grave stone. ev - that cracked me up. Ev - that cracked me up.
I wouldn’t go back, I like where I am today. Sure there are things I’d change, but then I might not be the person I am if I hadn’t went through any of them.
Comment by Vicki — January 28, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
I’ve seen Cher in person and I can tell you she doesn’t resemble anywhere near 52!
Comment by Carly — January 28, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Ev, the cemetery? That is too funny!
Comment by Carly — January 28, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
Thanks for all the
wishes for Jackie! 
Comment by Carly — January 28, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
Hi Carly I hope your daughter has a sweet sixteen
Well I’m 32 and I’m ok with that though I forget that I’m that old. not that 32 is old I still feel as if I’m 20 something. As for My kids They are still young 8 and 3 My daughter has been an angel for the most part easy getting a little attitude and starting to talk back from time to time she is 8 but she all ready has her car picked out for when she is 16 convertiable mustang lol as for my son he is 3 and I haven’t found that age I like yet somedays I feel like putting him on ebay lol.though people would give him right back. As for the drivers test when I moved from Oregon to Washington state when I was 19 I kept my oregon license aslong as I could for the fear of having to take a written test I got away with it for about four years (Military town) so I took finally took it and passes but was very nervous my husband had to get his Washington license he had a florida oneh he failed the first time. So when moving to Florida I was shocked that all you had to do was take an eye test to get a Florida license.
Comment by Michele — January 28, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
Carly, I’m glad you are well enough to come back to blog with us. I hope you can stay healthy.
Ah yes, I remember raising teenagers! Glad all of that is behind me. I wish your daughter a wonderful birthday & passing her permit test with flying colors. 
I can’t think of any age I would go back to. I’m very comfortable at where I am & you can’t change it. My belief is that you make the best of where you are. There are things in the past that I wish I had made different choices but what’s done is done! Everyone here is for the most part much younger than me!
Ev, my Mom always said she was 39 & holding! It didn’t look good when I became older than that!
Comment by Donna M — January 28, 2008 @ 3:33 pm
Carly I feel your pain, it seems that teens have it much harder today than I remembered and you couldn’t pay me to do it over…lol Like Ev I’m 29 and holding
Comment by Tina Martinesi — January 28, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Carly and Jodie,
….Thanks for the compliment. There are days when I feel every bit my age never mind looking in the mirror…EEK!
Cher
Comment by Cher — January 28, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
I am not sure I could pass a drivers permit exam now. I have had a driver license for 49 years.
I wouldn’t be any other age than right now.
Comment by Estella — January 28, 2008 @ 4:57 pm
Yes, the cemetary.Oakwood Cemetary, right down the road, where Uncle Sam is buried. (he was from Troy). It’s a big cemetary with lots of turns, hills, places to back up and do 3 point turns. And even parallel park between stones (try not to get caught doing that!!). You have to go slow, so it’s much safer than saying here’s the keys, let’s go!!!
Comment by ev — January 28, 2008 @ 8:03 pm
Karen, Welcome back, & hope you are feeling much improved.
Congrats to Jackie–hope it’s a great l6th, & she aces her driving test.
I wouldn’t be a teen again for anything. What a terrible time for most kids–I remember lots of tears from mine (especially, age 13). I’d like to be in my early 30s, which, I think, is a great period. For me, I was a different person in my 30s, than my 20s.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — January 28, 2008 @ 9:06 pm
21, only because I looked pretty good at 21 and wasn’t even aware of it. AND I was at my best weight, even though I thought I looked fat. If I only knew.
Comment by Bailey Stewart — January 28, 2008 @ 10:49 pm
I would not want to go back to being 16! Not on your life! The test to get a license is only99% of the stress in your life at that age!
I was fortunate enough to get a “proctor” (for lack of a better word) that had the same birthday as me! We discovered that when I failed part of the road test. I got my license that afternoon! Tell her to ask about “signs”! It worked for me!
Comment by Amy Potter — January 28, 2008 @ 11:14 pm
Hey Carly and jungle friends…gosh, I don’t know which age I loved the best…if I were to choose, then I would have to say that being 18 was the best age for me when I was younger…but, like you I like where I am at right now…even if I hit a few snafus along the way…
Carly, I finally completed my set for the Simply Series and I will be rereading those too…
Janelle, I am finally on Joel’s story…Mia’s was my favorite so far…
Jules, I finally have all the Marisela books that could find, so she is going to be next on my list…I need to complete the Devine sisters set for you too…
Leslie, I will be reading the Santori saga because I finally got Behind the Red Doors and Don’t Opne ‘Til Christmas in the mail…
I hope that all is well for everyone…my day started great, but ended on a lousy note…thank God I have you guys to vent to…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — January 28, 2008 @ 11:23 pm
I’m perfectly content the age I’m at - I’d like never to go back to the school age again. When my parents said ‘trust me once you start work in the real world, you’ll wish you were back in school.’ they were lying!
You’re post reminded me of a recent joke I read…
http://wyliekinson.blogspot.com/2008/01/only-funny-if-youre-over-30.html
Hehehe! I love it!!!
Comment by Vicky — January 28, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
I liked 21 the best. I was married at 18 but I actually got turned away from “Midnight Cowboy” because I didn’t have a drivers license for ID.
Comment by catslady — January 29, 2008 @ 1:45 am