1- TIMES WHEN YOU STEPPED OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

13OCT24

Getting my driver’s license was not on my 2024 bingo list.

While waiting for the college entry, my parents asked me to go to driving school. Never once in my entire life, hold the steering wheel, let alone driving. For the sake of my parents, I went to get my driver’s license at the nearest academy. I must sit the theory test (KPP) before I can proceed with practical driving lessons.

If my memory serves me right, there was only a few days left before the test. I can’t afford to fail this test so I poured my soul into every page and line. Luckily, I passed the test with flying colors. On my first practical driving test, I was super nervous yet excited about it since it’ll be my first time driving. There’s a teacher that taught me how to drive. She was super kind and patience with me until the end. I still can still picture the first time I stepped on the gas pedal.

I was smiling ear to ear, feeling overwhelmed by the sounds of the engine.

                               

(i was super nervous here lol)

                                               

After a few months, I was informed that my Road Transport Department (JPJ) driving test was around the corner. I practiced with my dad every evening a few days before the test. On the JPJ test day, I thought I was going to passed. But the road wasn’t as easy as I imagined.

I failed the JPJ test miserably.

          

(treated myself a cake in bowl by CIK BAKES)

Until now, I still remember the song “You Were Beautiful” by Day6 that was playing in the car during the road test next to JPJ officer. The moment when the instructor called my name, I could already feel the weight of the word ‘failed’ pressing down on me. The reason that I failed is because I forgot to use signal and a bit late when giving the signals. I admit that I was too concentrating on the front road. Later on, my father’s name popped out on my screen, I hurriedly picked up the call. While holding back my tears from flowing down my cheeks, I told him straight away that I failed the test. My parents then cheered me up and convinced me that there’s always a next time. So, I gained my strengths to book for another test. If it weren’t for them, I already gave up.

A few days before the JPJ retest, I had a mental breakdown. A fear lingered in my heart as I recalled my past mistakes. Early in the morning, my teacher called me to practice with her one last time before the real test. The day finally came. I was feeling anxious but I didn’t doubt myself anymore this time. I recite every dua’s that came to my mind while doing the circuit test.

After all those tears, fortunately, I passed this time. During the road test, the song on the radio was “Birds Of A Feather” by Billie Eilish.

To me, both songs will always remind me of my driver’s license test journey. The struggle I had to go through. All of those are planted in my heart, for as long as I can remember.

What do I like about taking my driver’s license is how I managed my emotions. I’m proud of myself for holding it in for the sake of my lovely parents. Also, I’m glad that I trust Allah in every situation He put me in. A day after, I drove from my grandma’s house to my house. I guess I’m better than my brother now. Hehe. 

                                

But, I need to improve a few things. I realized that I lacks in speed. I’m a slow driver since I’m terrified and I can’t drive my car faster than 90km/h. Moreover, I need to be more efficient when I want to stop the car. I also need to improve my driving skills in order to drive safely on the road. Last but not least, a driver like me is advised to practice on busy roads to get used to them, as not every road is empty and safe all the time.

After all, I believe that my efforts will not go to waste because as the saying goes, “small steps lead to great achievements.”

Everyone else may doubt you, despise you, or refuse to trust you—but you should never do that to yourself. You must believe in your own capabilities. It might seem unbelievable at times, but you need to have faith in yourself, whether it’s about driving, studying, working, or making important decisions. That is something you can’t buy with money.