The Weirdest Places Lubbock Kids Learned to Drive (Despite Dad’s Hollerin’)

Learning to drive in Lubbock isn't just about getting a license, guys. Nope. It's a straight-up rite of passage. Gravel roads. Parents who thought "practicing in a quiet neighborhood" meant throwing you out into real traffic on 19th Street, and other ridiculous and terrifying nonsense that made you question whether or not you really wanted to drive at all...

Learning to Drive in Lubbock

Forget those cold, sterile, driver's ed classrooms; the true test is driving grandpa to church while he screams obscenities WITHOUT causing a 16-car pileup. From pastures to parking lots, Hub City kids learned how to handle the wheel in a few rather bizarre locations.

My Driving Story

I learned how to drive in the parking lot of Academy Sports after hours.

I still remember my dad asking me how I managed to hit the only obstacles around us. I won't be sharing what it was, cuz, snitches....

"I didn't ask to learn STICK SHIFT, DAD! I WANT TO GO HOME."

It was rough. I actually had to take the driving test 3 times, and I think the last teacher passed me even though they probably shouldn't have. I still can't parallel park...

Take a look at the list below and see if it sounds familiar to you...

THE TOP PLACES LUBBOCK LEARNED HOW TO DRIVE (Terribly)

Church Parking Lots
Nothing says, "Praise God," like smacking the bumper off the church bus.

The Empty South Plains Mall Lot (After Hours)
Just enough light poles to make your mom throw up from anxiety.

County Roads 
Speed limits are pretty much just suggestions. This spot was perfect for parents who believed the best way to teach you to control the wheel was to tell you to gun it and hope for the best. 

Prairie Dog Town Parking Lot
Those bumps weren't rocks. Your older sister lied.

Read More: The Seven Natural Disasters of Lubbock (That Aren't in Science Books)

The Drive-Thru at Taco Villa
Test your skills while ordering dinner and trying to ignore your dad yelling about the 4 curbs you didn't notice...

Dirt Roads Outside City Limits
This method was equal parts driving lesson and off-roading mayhem. It typically ended with a car wash and a few roadkill sightings.

Tech Campus on a Sunday
The statues seemed to glare at your 3-point turns. The one-way roads were a nightmare. The campus police just thought you were another drunk college kid and let you slide...

What About You, Reader?

Where did you learn to drive in Lubbock? Join the convo in the comments below this article, or email me at Chrissy.Covington@townsquaremedia.com and tell me the story. I love a good laugh!

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