I’ve been 16 for almost three weeks, and even though I rushed to get my mandatory 50 hours of driving practice the weeks preceding my birthday, I still don’t have my driver’s license.

Every year I always start a birthday countdown well before school starts. This year I started even earlier since this happened to be my sweet 16, and in addition to counting down until my birthday, I was counting down until the time when I could legally drive without adult supervision.

As the last bell rang on my birthday, I rushed out of school so that my mom and I could speed to the DMV and get there in time to take the driving test. All the way I was nervously trying to remember what driving skills I would need to exhibit on the test. As we parked and got out of the car my heart was beating frantically with anticipation.

As we walked in, I happily noted that there was no line and there were very few people sitting in the waiting area, so I confidently told the lady behind the desk that I was here to take my driving test. She didn't even look at me as she explained that there were too many people waiting to take the test and there would be no room for me. She told me to come back on Saturday.

So on Friday night I set my alarm for 6:45 a.m., hoping to be the first person in line at the DMV when it opened at 8. As we approached the DMV I was a bit disappointed to see a few cars parked in the parking lot. I was too excited to see the real disappointment: the cars exiting the lot.

My dad dropped me off by the door so he could go park and that's when I noticed the sign announcing that the Champaign DMV was closed for Columbus Day (which wasn't until Monday).

Ever since that Saturday, between swim meets and soccer games, I haven't had another available Saturday. This upcoming Saturday will be the first one in a number of weeks, and the last one for a long while. So in other words, this Saturday will be my last chance to acquire a driver's license. That is, assuming I want one before the world ends.

Needless to say, my hopes are very high. This event is even marked on the family calendar.

They say that the third time's a charm, but I would not advise that you to travel to the DMV three times in the hope you'll gain extra luck on your driving test.

My piece of advice: Check the DMV's hours before you go, and see if your parents will take time out of their day to take you during your free period. It's just not very pleasant to wait three weeks extra when you know you've met and passed all the requirements to obtain a license (I now have way more than 50 hours).

I just hope that there is such a thing as charmed thirds.