On July 14, 2007, at precisely 11:04 p.m., I became 15 years old. And, in Illinois, that meant I was able to take a simple test and receive my driving instruction permit.

Even though my birthday was on a Saturday during the summer, I woke up early to beat the crowds at the DMV in Champaign. I had already taken the required two driver's ed classes at Kenney Gym. I had my birth certificate and a bank statement as proof of residence. And after about 20 minutes, I had my very own permit.