8. Driving License

"I want to learn to drive a car. Which driving school will you recommend?" Sunil asked his friend Raghav.

"There are two driving schools in our area. One is 'Agni Driving School.' They charge a higher fee and their training will be intensive. They won't send you to the diving test till your learning is thorough.

"The other one is 'Fast Track Driving School.' As the name suggests, their training will be at a faster pace. Whether you learn to drive or not, they will ensure that you get your driving license! Their fee is also lower" replied Raghav.

"I want to learn fast. I will join Fast Track Driving School. Once I get my license, I will practice driving and perfect my skill" said Sunil.

"Think well and decide. Is it not better to have a thorough learning before hitting the roads?"

"No. I don't have the time for it."

Sunil joined the driving course at Fast Track Driving School and got his driving license soon.

The day after his getting the driving license, Sunil took the new car that his father had bought recently and went for a drive. He drove carefully, touching only the streets near his house which didn't have heavy traffic. He found that he was able to drive with some confidence and comfort.

The second day, he ventured to drive the car on busy roads. In the thirty minutes of his driving, he found the task formidable and challenging.

He decided to return home. But while driving back home, the car hit the median of the road. The impact caused some damage to the car. He suffered some injuries as well. The traffic police registered a case.

Sunil was admitted to a hospital. He had to stay in the hospital for a few days to get treated for the injuries suffered by him.

When Raghav visited him at the hospital, Sunil told him, "My hastiness has cost me dearly. My father had to shell out a considerable sum of money for my treatment, repair costs for the car and for fighting the police case. It appears that the court might impose a penalty of Rupees Ten thousand."

"What is the use of your feeling remorseful now? When taking up any kind of training, you should choose to learn under people having the traits of competence and integrity" said Raghav.

"You are right. Now, I will go for a training under the right people. However much time it takes, I will undergo a thorough training in Agni Driving School. Though I have a driving license, I will take up driving only after Agni Driving School certifies my competence" said Sunil.

ThirukkuRaL
Section I - The Path of Virtue

Chapter 1

In Praise of God

Verse 8 (in Tamil)

aRavAzhi anthaNan thAL sErnthArkkallAl
piRavAzhi nInthalrithu.

Meaning:

Except for a person who takes refuge at the feet of the ocean of morality, no one will be able to swim other waters.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'Ottunar urimam' by the same author)

Verse 9

Verse 7