The older boys will be 15 next May. According to the laws here in Michigan, they’re able to start taking driver’s training classes when they’re 14 years, 9 months old. That’d be in February. In Michigan.
No. Stinkin’. Way.
We’ve already told them that they’ll have to wait until closer to spring, because driving in late winter is not safe and we certainly aren’t taking any chances. They do annoy me routinely, but their lives are still precious to me.
Being that I’m rather a control freak, I’ve told Hubby since we became parents that he may have to be the one who does most of the practicing with them. I’m happy to report that I think I’ll actually be able to stand riding with them and not completely freak out. I’ve been working hard on improving flawed areas lately and have seen some progress.
That doesn’t stop me from worrying though. This whole thing is…scary. My insurance agent tells me that I don’t want to know how much our premiums are going to rise. From what I understand, it’s going to be huge.
And then there is the question of additional vehicles. Do we get one and have them share? I don’t know if we’d be able to manage 2. So yay, we can look forward to negotiations over usage. And what kind of vehicle is best? I’m anticipating that we’ll need to look for used vehicles. At least with all the automobile websites online, I will be able to shop from the convenience of home.
I’m still going to have to figure out how to pay for all that. Businesses don’t really take arms or legs, do they?
Earnest Parenting: help for parents who are dreading driver’s education.
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Be afraid. Be very afraid. My oldest just got her drivers license last month. I can’t think of any other parental duty that has a higher risk of death than teaching your child to drive.
My advice to you is to emphasize that you as parents are the sole people who will determine when your son is ready, no matter what the law says. I have told my twin 13 year old girls that they won’t be driving until I think they’re ready to and if one is ready sooner than the other, well too bad.
Driving is a privilege, not a right.
Good luck! My heart is with you.
Carolyn, I was already afraid! The older boys have been drooling over the idea of driving since they were 6. I have told them that we parents get to be in charge of that. I’m seeing a little bit more in terms of calm as they approach the day they get behind the wheel. Hopefully they understand the importance of everything.
Sigh.
Such a scary thing.