As the COVID-19 virus affects less and less of people’s lives, we can still see its effect with backed up classes and supply chain issues. This appears most clearly with Drivers Ed.

Students who are eligible for the class now have to wait due to classes being backed up or full. Some students have opted to take private lessons outside of the school that are virtual instead of the usual in person.

Others chose to take Drivers Ed at the school during the summer where it was less full. Either way, the full classes have caused a delay in a coming-of-age tradition for older students, buying a car.

Due to rising inflation, car prices have continued to rise even with used cars.

According to WCNC car prices have gone up 16% from May 2021 to May 2022. Meanwhile the minimum wage has stayed $7.25 since the recession in 2009.

However, a solution has risen with parents giving students their old cars.

“I have a GMC 2018, and I have no idea what the mileage is because it’s my mom’s old car,” senior Catherine Kamethches said.

Sometimes the car is not always what the students want.

“I would want any other car, preferably smaller because my car is super big and it is hard to park.”

Students’ opinions vary on almost every topic, and cars are no exception. For some of them the car depends on their hobbies and activities.

Senior Khloe Springsteen currently drives a 2013 Jeep Patriot with 104,720 miles.

“I just got my oil changed, so I know it,” Springsteen said.

Her dream ride is a different sport utility vehicle.

“A Land Rover Defender, an early one. I like the boxy look. The seats in the back, they face each other, and I think that’s really funny,” Springsteen said. “It’s the perfect camping car, and I love camping.”

Others like cars based on their age and style.

“I want a Ford Model T because it’s vintage,” senior Carter Bestafka said.