Ep 21. Claire's Permit

In the season 3 episode of My Wife and Kids titled "Claire's Permit," the focus is on the second-eldest Kyle child and her upcoming driving test. Claire is excited to finally get her driver's permit, but Michael and Janet are a bit apprehensive about their daughter being behind the wheel of a car. Michael decides to put Claire through a "mock test" to see if she is ready for the real thing. He creates a series of challenges that Claire must complete, including parking, merging onto the freeway, and parallel parking.

Claire is confident in her driving abilities and believes that she will pass with flying colors. However, Michael's mock test proves to be more challenging than she anticipated. She struggles with parallel parking and merging onto the freeway, causing her to become frustrated and doubt herself. Michael tries to reassure her and tells her that it's important to learn from her mistakes.

Meanwhile, Kady is feeling left out as everyone is focused on Claire's test. She wants to be included in the family discussions and activities, but she is still too young to participate in some things. Michael and Janet try to reassure her and find ways to include her, even if it's just playing a game of Go Fish.

As the day of Claire's real driving test approaches, both she and her parents are feeling nervous. Michael tries to give her some last-minute tips and encouragement, but Claire is still doubting herself. Before she heads off to the DMV, she and Kady have a heart-to-heart talk where Claire admits that she's scared. Kady tells her that it's okay to be scared and that everyone has moments of doubt. She gives her a lucky charm and tells her that she believes in her. Claire is touched by Kady's support and feels more confident as she heads off to take her test.

The episode concludes with Michael and Janet anxiously waiting for Claire to return home from her test. They hear a car pull up outside and rush to greet her. Claire emerges from the car with a huge smile on her face and tells her parents that she passed. Everyone celebrates and congratulates Claire on a job well done.

Overall, "Claire's Permit" is a heartwarming episode of My Wife and Kids that highlights the importance of family support and believing in oneself. It also touches on the anxieties and doubts that come with growing up and facing new challenges, such as driving for the first time. The episode is filled with humor, heart, and relatable moments that make it a standout installment in the show's third season.