"Mom? Dad? Hand over the keys"

I am in the frustrating position of having a driver's license but not having a car. I just want to open the windows and feel the wind in my hair, or drive to my friend's house instead of getting dropped off there. I want to pick my own radio station! Is this so much to ask? Luckily I'm not alone in my frustration. My friends and I are constantly trying to come up with the best ways to get our parents to hand over the keys. But it's not always easy! Here's what we've got so far:

Method 1: "Do you have any errands I can run for you?"

If your parents are as busy (and scatterbrained) as mine are, they'll think of something they need and they won't be able to turn you down. Ask if you can stop at your friend's house for a bit while you're out. But, if they think of something they need right away, you'll soon be right back where you started!

Method 2: "I'll fill up your tank."

The biggest problem with this method is money. Be aware of how empty the tank is and how much it will cost to fill it. Sometimes you can work it out so they give you the money, but in general this method is expensive. On the other hand, it seems to work every time.

Method 3:"If you let me take the car tonight, I'll wash it tomorrow."

This is a pretty solid plan with less time constraints than Method 1. Depending on how picky your parents are about their car washes, and how important it is to have the car today, this may be your best bet.

Method 4:" Think, Mom, it's only half as much gas as it would be if you drove me both directions."

If this works, it's great because you don't have to do anything in return. But it might not work. Your parents already know that it takes less gas to drive to your friend's house once instead of twice, but they might come back with the fact that it would take the least amount of gas not to go at all.

Method 5: "I wouldn't ask but I really don't trust (insert friend's name here)'s driving. I feel safer knowing that I'm the one in control. Safety is the most important thing."

Be careful with this one. Trust is a serious issue and you can't take it too lightly or you'll lose it. Also, don't burn any bridges - once you use this excuse, they'll never trust that friend again.

It seems like my friends and I have to play this game every time we want to use a car. For now, I think we're winning, but there's never much security for the future. One wrong move and you're back to being a pedestrian. Still, every time they place those keys in my hand, I know it was worth it.