When everyone makes it to their 16-year mile marker, they all line up for that piece of plastic that gives them the privilege to put two hands on the steering wheel.

At 16, I was one of the few people who did not hysterically run to their parents asking for that shot at becoming one of those “teenage drivers.” Not only did my parents feel I was not ready to be behind the wheel of a car, but also I did not feel ready. In fact, the idea of being in the driver’s seat scared me. Now, as a 22-year-old, that famous piece of plastic known as the driver’s license is nowhere to be found in my tiny wallet. Why? I partly decided to wait until I was ready. Now, I think I am truly ready to drive.

I have been perfectly happy with how my life is going. Despite no driver’s license, I have survived at home and on campus. At home, I went out with my family when they did their errands if they were going to the same stores. Since I live four hours away in St. Charles, my mother helped me move into the residence hall. Honestly, if I did have a driver’s license, I would not drive I-44 myself. It’s quite terrifying just as a passenger.

On campus, my roommate and I would go to Wal-Mart together. Though going shopping alone is not an option, I am happy in my residence hall with my electronic devices, movies and television shows. There is plenty of fun to keep me busy in my room. I have everything I need while at school.

OK, I do have that learner’s permit, which allows me to drive with a 21-year-old licensed driver. After standing in line for what seemed an eternity, the employee at the Department of Motor Vehicles took my paperwork, entered it into the computer and took my photo. Of course, a comment was made about getting my permit at my age.

She said there was nothing wrong with that; it’s better to get it now. That employee was the first person I have run into who has agreed with me. Most look surprised and start heckling me. All I have to say is back off. Food Network chef Rachael Ray, host of “30-Minute Meals,” did not get her license until she was 22 years old. I am sure if you looked you could find more people in the world who have waited. There is nothing wrong with waiting until you are ready.

On the weekends, my wonderful father taught me to drive in the parking lot of the local elementary school. The first day, I was getting a feel for driving what seemed like a tank; the Ford Windstar. By the time I felt comfortable in the “tank,” my father asked me to park the van in one of the parking spots. The first few times I did OK, but one attempt turned scary. Instead of hitting the break, I hit the accelerator, causing the van to hit the curb hard. After that incident, I practiced parking in spots without a curb for awhile.

Eventually, I made it onto the road after practicing driving from the elementary school to the high school They were next door to each other. On the road, I was behind this construction truck that was going well below the speed limit. Unable to pass him on the one-lane road, he and I came to an intersection where I was going to make a right turn onto a two-lane road. Unfortunately, he was, too. While my father was telling me how to change lanes, I started to drift into the next lane. Yes, I almost hit a few cars. He broke my concentration. Luckily, I made the lane change when the cars passed, but it was horrible. It had been my first time on the road, and it certainly shook me up. After going out again, I did much better and did not have a construction dude in my way.

My parents bought a used Honda Accord for my brother to drive and I found out it would be the car I would be using for practice. At least it was not the “tank.” I sat in the car and messed with the driver’s seat settings. I couldn’t touch the accelerator. Even with the seat forward and up, my foot only reached the brake pedal. Apparently, there was something caught in the driver’s seat track keeping it from going completely forward. When I went to practice, the tip of my toes were able to touch the accelerator, but I could not make the car go well. The practice was cut short.

To me, I feel waiting until you are comfortable or ready to do a feat is perfectly all right. Just because you turn 16 years old does not mean you have to go immediately for the driver’s license. Now, with the Missouri graduated license program, the law is now 18 years old for the full license. I will feel more at ease knowing how to drive now than at 16. If everyone did, we could have more responsible drivers on the roads.