The very first time I drove alone after getting my license, I was backing out of my parents' driveway and managed to put huge scrapes in three cars because I didn't have a strong enough understanding of how the world worked in reverse.

Because all three cars were ours, and it occurred on our property, there were no tickets, no police activity, no DMV penalties, nothing -- if my parents hadn't been strict (and thank GOD they were), I could've just kept driving.

I also cringe at the thought of that happening, because I, like a lot of 16 year olds, was really stupid.

My parents had me drive a VW station wagon with a Bug engine, automatic transmission and AC. I think I could walk faster. I think the only ticket I could get was for going too slow.