MOMS> Your teenager is driving....

[Bobbi]

That sounds good but how do you keep other drivers off the road when they are out there? They actually have an excellent program available. It's called "Behind the Wheel" and it's only a few hundred dollars but I didn't know you need to get on the list by the time they are in Junior High or not get in. I do not plan ahead very well and years in advance, yeah!

There is a college campus which is empty on Sundays but it's tricky for us to coordinate that because I awaken by 5:00 and she will sleep late into the day. Same with the mall which is laid out like roads and empty until noon. Noon is way too early for Ali when she's catching up on lost sleep from the week. I may just have to bite the bullet. There's nothing to fear but fear itself, right?

My husband brought home a very pretty 2001 Toyota Camry a couple of days ago, replacing my 15 year old Acura Legend, which was really long and rather low and had the loosest steering possible. We were driving out among the horse properties and there seemed to be no avoiding having a huge pick up come up behind her to freak us both out a little.

I need a large banner for my window, reading STUDENT DRIVER just to let everyone to stay back. Part of the problem is people who drive so aggressively, don't signal and are generally pains in the rear when it comes to feeling safe with such an inexperienced creature at the wheel. We had a H.S. student struck by a car in the crosswalk in front of the high school; she was doing the speed limit and failed to see him. The speed limit now drops from 45 to 35 to 25 in front of the school, which is directly across from a shopping center. I can't believe how many people ride my bumper in that zone in spite of the fact that they have handed out, it must be hundreds of tickets, by now. I must protect my child from these nuts! On the other hand, getting her into some wheels would be very nice. School lets out the end of May and she's off to Germany for a month with her German class and Club so when she returns we should definitely work on this. I would love to be able to get her comfortable behind the wheel in a compact car. Mine isn't huge but it's definitely more car than she can handle and the hubs drives a Land Cruiser. One of the old ones which is more like a tank. Thank heavens, I only have one of that age and my son is 7. Teen-aged boys are some of the worst drivers I have encountered. Fearless with testosterone!
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Mary Oliver

 

[67firecracker]

In Virginia you have to drive so many hours BEFORE you can take driving lessons????!!!! Really? That's the weirdest thing I've heard. In our province kids can get their learner's permit at 15 and they start driving lessons through the school. You can't get your 'real' license until you're 16. 15 is young but I sure appreciated having an instructor with that second brake driving with my ds the first several times. I too was a nervous wreck when it came my turn to be co-pilot. I think all cars with teenagers learning in it should have a second brake!...and perhaps a second steering wheel! I think I've worn out the mat on my side from trying to brake, BUT I've never grabbed the wheel yet!

I remember when I was learning how to drive. I thought I was invincible - my mom would say between gasps "Slow down you're hard on my constitution." I never understood her at all. I do now!

My ds turns 16 tomorrow. He's had jobs since he was young and has saved and bought himself a truck. It's been sitting in the driveway for almost a year and he's practically lived in it. He does his homework out there - he's even wanted to sleep in it! I don't think there'll be any holding him back now that the magic 16 has arrived.

Our province is also putting in graduated licensing, unfortunately it doesn't come into effect until Sept. Graduated licensing means for the first 6 months of driving you can't drive after dark and you have to have someone who's had a license for more than 3 years with you. Then, if you successfully make it through that, you graduate to being able to drive alone but not between midnight and 6:00 am and I believe after 6 months of that there's another restriction. I think it's a smart idea. If you have a fender bender in that time you are on probation for longer. So glad this is coming into effect before my dh turns 15 this fall!


Trish

 

[jackier]

Just wanted to add that our DMV USED to give new drivers a magnetized banner that said ROOKIE DRIVER in bold black lettering on a yellow background that you could place on the back or side of your vehicle. They discontinued it for an unknown reason. The clerks that work there said they were surprised that they just stopped making them. So I went to a car place and had them make one up for me. They're good friends of mine and actually asked how many did I want for the car. They were making it free of charge so I told them one was enough. Now I wished I had them make 4 for all sides of the vehicle! I think it helps drivers be "a little" more patient.

 

[Bobbi]

That is a brilliant idea.

 

[arogerson]

You just have to remember you were in her shoes one day and you survived. As mothers, it is our job to teach our kids independence and driving a car is one of the biggest steps towards that end. You did it....now give her the chance.