Let 'em Drive

Just an old worn-out Jeep
Rusty old floorboard, hot on my feet
A young girl two hands on the wheel
I can't replace the way it made me feel
And he'd say, turn it left and steer it right
Straighten up girl now you're doing just fine
Just a little valley by the river where we'd ride
But I was high on a mountain
When Daddy let me drive

Alan Jackson

Many people are PARANOID about their teenagers driving. They try to put off their children getting their driver license, OR once they do have it, the driving privilege is restricted. Heaven forbid you let your child drive the family vehicle for a road trip vacation!

For us, we've had the opposite view. Here are some random thoughts:

• Encourage (almost demand) them to get their permit as soon as possible. 

• Let them drive that first year, with permit in hand, as much as they can. The more prepared they are, the better. 

2010: Driving to California, one month from his 16th birthday

• "You're getting your license on your birthday!" (or as close to as possible)

• While under our watchful care (before graduation), give your children opportunities to drive in all kinds of scenarios...snow, freeway, night time, long distance...so they are as experienced as possible before leaving the nest.

• "Mom and Dad are paying for your driver's ed/training and your insurance. Thus, you will run errands and take people places as needed. No complaining!"
• "No, you may not have your own car until you're on your own and you can pay for it." It gives too much freedom!
•  "You get a speeding ticket, you're paying for it and for the increased insurance cost."
• "You had a wreck? You hit a deer? You swiped a pole? Learn from it and move on. Get behind the wheel and be more careful next time!!"
• "Slow Down, Slow Down, Slow Down"
• "The ride is supposed to be enjoyable for your passengers."
• The vehicle is a tool, not a toy. Our children always need permission to take one of OUR cars. We need to know where they're going and when they're going to be back. "Being open and honest will allow you to keep your driver license." (We've never had to take away driving privileges)

Just because we have a fairly open view to teenagers driving, doesn't mean I don't have my moments of paranoia. In our recent trip to California, I kept a watchful eye when one of the kids was driving. Even with my nervousness, our two oldest expertly navigated the freeways of Southern California and are PRO at passing the semis in the Nevada desert. We did put off letting our fifteen year old drive a stretch. However, we finally relented and it was good for her, and for me! How is she going to learn and gain experience if we don't give her the opportunity?

Somewhere on I-15 between Cedar City, UT and Scipio, UT

Lately, we went through the new adventure of a child buying her own car. She passed the test: graduated? (check), good reason? (check), own money? (check) enough to pay for gas, insurance and maintenance? (check)

Her Toyota Camry...Congratulations!

With each new stage, embrace it. Don't wish it to go away or pretend it's not upon you. Take the wheel and roll with it! In other words, Let 'em Drive!!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!