By Layla Abukhdeir, Staff Writer
In what administrators are calling “an unexpected but technically enthusiastic outcome,” a River Hill High School student celebrated passing their driving permit test on their second attempt by allegedly taking an unauthorized “practice drive” in a stolen car.
On March 25th, River Hill proctored a driving permit test after school for eligible students ages 15 and 9 months and older. This test gives students two attempts, and upon passing, they are authorized to go to the MVA and get their actual permit. In other words, they still do not have their permits until after they pass and go to the MVA.
The student, identified as sophomore Fatima Sadiq, reportedly failed her first permit test after confidently insisting that a stop sign was “more of a suggestion.” However, after a quick retake and what witnesses describe as “a sudden interest in basic traffic laws,” Sadiq passed on her second attempt around 3:40 p.m.
Things escalated quickly.
“Next thing I know, she’s walking through the parking lot jingling keys like she just unlocked a new level,” said sophomore Claire Liu, who witnessed the incident. “I thought she just felt confident. I didn’t realize the confidence extended to other people’s cars.”
According to several students, Sadiq entered a parked vehicle and drove off campus, allegedly shouting, “Driver’s Ed can’t hold me back anymore!” as she ran over a curb.
School administrators were initially unaware of the situation, as many assumed the loud screeching noise was “just another senior leaving early,” in a school parking lot full of overenthusiastic and inexperienced drivers.
“I heard tires squeal and thought, ‘Wow, someone is really excited to get home,’” said Ms. Curry.
The joyride came to a quick end when local police reportedly pulled Sadiq over just a few blocks from campus. Officers noted that while Sadiq successfully used her turn signal, she also attempted to wave them off “because she had just passed her test.”
“She told us, ‘Technically, I’m certified now,’” one officer said, shaking his head. “That’s not how that works.”
Sadiq, who returned to school later that day, seemed largely unfazed by the experience but had a lot to share of her adventures
“Honestly, I think I did pretty well,” she said in an exclusive interview. “Parallel parking? Didn’t try it. Highway driving? Also didn’t try it. I mean, I didn’t crash immediately, so that’s a win.”
When asked why she took a car that didn’t belong to her, Sadiq replied, “I wanted to show some initiative. This is River Hill after all.”
School officials have since clarified that the driving permit test does not include a “field application” section.
Principal DiFato addressed the situation in an email to parents, stating that, while the school was proud of their students’ achievements, they strongly discourage celebrating academic milestones through theft.
Other students, however, seemed impressed. “I failed my test twice and just went home,” said junior Camden Van Kirk. “Maybe I’ve been approaching this all wrong.”
As of now, the school is reviewing its permit testing procedures and considering adding a new rule: students must show proof of having a ride home upon passing.
Sadiq, meanwhile, says she’s already looking ahead to bigger and better things.
“Next step: license,” she said. “And this time, I might even use my own car.”