What age do you allow your teenagers to begin driving? Our state allows them to get their permit and begin driver's ed at age 14.5. They can get their license at 15. My dd has obtained a copy of our state driver's manual and read it cover to cover. She's also taken the practice written test and scored a 100. She's also very responsible. When should I allow her to begin driving?

P.S. She's my oldest :)

My oldest got her permit 2 months before she turned 16 (if I had my way, I would have waited another year...but my husband is all for another driver). In our state they must have a certain amount of hours behind the wheel, in different driving conditions, and a certain hours of night driving. I was very strict about her getting those hours (and she got over the required amount). We know lots of people who go for their drivers exam and just say they have the hours and really don't (they don't need to give any proof). I told her I wouldn't do that because it would only be harmful to her not to have that experience. Soooo...it took quite awhile for her to get those required hours. It is nerve wracking. We only have a large van and I always felt like if something went wrong I couldn't just reach over and grab the wheel or slam on the breaks. She finally took her exam and got her license in early April (it took us 9 months for her to get her hours). There are restrictions (not sure if it is just our state of WI) for 9 months after getting your license (certain hours you can't drive, certain amount of people in the car, etc). Things are so much different from when I got my license. My son will turn 15 next summer and I can't imagine letting him drive yet! My daughter turned 17 in September and still doesn't have her own car, one of the very few in her class (she's a Junior in public HS). She is working part time and still saving until her dad can agree on a good used car for her. She doesn't drive much on her own....usually just to work and back, or the little grocery store in town. I don't feel comfortable letting her travel far on her own (like to Walmart which is 20 some miles from home). I know I'll have to let her eventually, but it's hard. I think even when she gets her own car there's going to have to be strict rules set by mom and dad. It's just very scary! Oh, and with winter coming....yikes. She hasn't driven much in winter but I know she needs to. Probably this winter will be just a little here and there right in town. I know I'm a worry wart...but you can't help but not be.

This post was edited on Nov 06, 2009 07:24 PM

i think it's a personal decision.
here in Indiana, students are permitted to get an operator's permit 30 days after their 16th birthday. we allowed all of our kids to drive at that age...with restrictions (our own)...and they did fine.

I know the feeling but I have survived 2 kids gwtting their licenses. My 15 dd cant wait. 16 in feb. martenbeef where.in IN. imin ssouth

My son kept his permit for two years before getting his real license at 17 years old.
My 16 year old daughter still does not have her permit. We just don't rush it in our home and the kids are fine with it as long as they get to where they want to go.
Kids just aren't mature enough at 15 to drive, IMO.

My son had a hardship license at age 14. He did fine with that one, making it to school everyday alone and unscathed. He got the real license the day he turned 16. However, that afternoon he piled the car with other kiddos and totaled it.

Ugh, it is time to think about this, isn't it?

My daughter turns 15 this month. And ya know what? Sometimes she still forgets and puts a mug in the microwave with a spoon in it. LOL The tought of her driving. . .well, it just fills me with terror.

I'm a single mom and having a second driver would be a tremendous blessing. Especially as I also take my mom on all her errands/appointments, as she doesn't drive. Sigh. But I just can't see me wanting to let her do this anytime soon. I just don't think she's ready.

One homeschooling mom I know told her large family - when you are each 18 and I'm no longer responsible for you, then you can get your licenses.

No clue what I'm going to do. I just don't think there's a magic age I can pick and say, "Then. At 17 you'll be ready." It's really a very individual thing.
Jen

I think if the teen demonstrates a humble and responsible attitude, then getting the license at 16 (with some parent-imposed limitations) is just fine. One of the things that's been criticized of parents these days is the fact that we are 'babying' our children far too long...and keeping them juveniles when their bodies and minds are ready for more mature tasks. That being said, I DO THINK that a limitation of driving at 16 should be NO ONE IN THE CAR except immediate family members....A friend of ours is an insurance agent, and he warned us that accidents which happen with teens often result in law suits..and the parents are liable for any damages unless the teen is 18 or over.