Getting ready to drive

Okay, my son is old enough to get a learner's permit and has been for MONTHS. But, he shows zero interest in learning how to drive. Obviously, I first have to swear you all to secrecy since it's my understanding he could lose his Guy standing for this.

The thing is, I really WANT him to learn. I'm pretty sure I don't WANT to pay the new insurance premiums once he does, but I want him to start learning now.

I didn't grow up in the US, and didn't get a chance to learn until I was 25. It was a real pain and once I got my license and a car, I felt so good! I still love driving and love having a car.

Should I just let it be? With my DH working out of state, I'm the only driver in the house and I would LIKE my teenager to be able to drive if it was necessary. My mom is pestering me to get him going on the process because she worries about what would happen in an emergency.

Any of you out there with experience teaching teenagers to drive? With boys that don't want to learn? Opinions? Advice? Cool use of emoticons?

Wow, that is a bit odd. I didn't get mine until I was 19 or 20 (don't remember). I can see where it might be useful, but if he's not interested, then I wouldn't push it. I don't have a teenager *yet* (just about- he's 11). Maybe he's scared to, and that's why he's not interested. I know my oldest is going to want to get his, LOL! And our insurance man is going to be grinning from ear to ear!

I know that feeling about being able to drive and having your own car. It is a great feeling!! I know I loved going places by myself (and I still do, but never by myself anymore, LOL!).

my osn was so excited. Got his liscence in a few months, great driver... then he had his accident and on a good day he can drive really well. On a bad one, he can't drive at all...

not really any advice.

On a bad day he can't drive... because of the accident?

I'm curious because I've been in two accidents - front seat passenger both times - and now I'm a HORRIBLE front seat passenger. I'm basically scared out of my wits the entire time. One accident we were hit from behind, one we rear ended a guy - both were bad. I figure if we get hit from the side... I'll just have to drive or not go anywhere. I literally have to close my eyes and even then I just crraawwwwlll up the back of the seat if we get to close to other cars.

I was set to get my motorcycle license, and now I'm not so sure... DH says don't... I wouldn't be safe with my reactions even though I don't have them if I'm driving, only when I'm in the front passenger seat.

Accidents are freaky things.

Yes.

What happened was he was driving this really bad road up towards our house. One side of the road is a mt the other side is the forrest and its really really far down. he rolled, and when he rolled he bounced and hit his head on the top of the roof. It really should have killed him, but he landed himself in the hospital and he has really bad seizures- they can be controlled with medication but on bad days he still has them. They're not like..bad ones they're just kind of a ...tick almost, he shakes a bit but it screws him up.

I got my lisence as soon as I could...

but being a parent I dont know if I would be in a hurry, just because Im a paranoid nutcase!

If he is responsible and you think he can do it, Id ask him, on the other hand if he really has no interest dont push it...
But I bet he will bring it up soon!

Good Luck!

Tell him chicks dig it. Worked for me.

Are you kidding me? He has a baby brother ... he doesn't need anything else in the chick magnet category! He's so set. He carries that kid around like he was his own, totally comfortable... even my friends are in love with him!

I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN! My son before his two were born would take the twins or tiny Tracy to see his freinds because chicks dig it. And he doesn't really, get into the girls that much. He's got one he cares for and he doesn't go looking for much more.

Now that he's got his two he'll take at least one of them to wherever he's going. He likes to bring them to school during lunch and see all the girls flock "aww hen brought his kids are they SWEET!"

Well, I already told you I was 17 before I took driver's ed. I just wasn't interested. I had friends that took me everywhere.

He will let you know when he is ready (trust me on this one). He is content and doesn't really *need* his license right now.

He is SUCH a great kid. I can only HOPE that my kids turn out as wonderful as he is!!

I got my liscence when I was 17. I drove to my mom to work and then went to school my senior year. It was easier that way b/c I went to school half day and a performing arts school until 4:30 and then picked my mom up from work.

My son thinks as soon as he turns 16 he's getting his liscence But we told him he's not unless he has good grades. If he's not responsible enough to take care of homework.. then he's not ready for driving. Also, good grades helps insurance premiums! Which we're not looking forward to!

Anyway.. I wouldnt push unless he's ready. You dont want a nervous driver out there.

Pamela

Oh ... good point! Duh.

I was thinking that I kind of need him to drive... but no one needs another nervous driver on the road! And I certainly don't need to risk HIS safety by making him driver before he's ready!

Thanks. Sometimes I just need someone else to point out the obvious, I guess.

okay from an insurance point of view, if he is not ready then let it be. If you push he is more inclined to have accidents or recieve tickets which will drive thoes rates up even more. It might seem weird but some kids are just not into getting there license at that age, which IMO shows maturity.

Oha nd have you asked him if he wants to start the process? what does he say?

LOL... in typical teenager fashion, he generaly replies "Whatever." Sometimes I get a lucid "Not really."

His big reason for not wanting to learn?? The price of gasoline. He explained to me that he would rather keep his money in his pockets.