Parenting Question Poll Style =)

[Hollywood Chickens]

Maybe the car is big IDK, I learned to drive on a 9 passenger SUV and now I drive a crew cab pickup truck, but when I took the test they tester said the SUV was the biggest car anyone has ever tested in.
I also got a job and 16, but my mother wouldn't let me drive until a few months ago so every time I had to go somewhere my sister drove me, but I would always trade work with her for being my chauffeur, maybe he can to that?

 

[Orchid]

I think your son is afraid to drive, so he's coming up with excuses (truck too big, sister talks too much, etc). You probably aren't going to be successful in getting him to drive until he admits what it is that he's afraid of and you can get him over that fear.

I rolled my first car after having it for six days and I absolutely did not want to drive anything ever again after that. My then-boyfriend first made me admit that I was afraid to drive, then made me drive, but rode with me until I was comfortable driving again.

Point of that little story is, he's probably going to need some compassion skillfully combined with a swift kick in the pants.

 

[HeatherLynn]

I was the same way when I was that age. I did not get my learners till I was 18 and I only did so because my mom broke her ankle and I was her caregiver. Big cars or trucks are scary as heck to drive so I understand why he is nervous. Compromise is the key. There are some days I assume the car is available. If he is willing to to work with you on schedule then make an agreement that you guys will help him with transportation until he can afford a smaller CHEAP car to learn on. Thats what we did. I actually went ahead and got my license, learning and taking test in a relatives car, and then bought my small car as soon as I could. Be thankful he is not one of those boys with immortality syndrome ( obviously he is a bit worried) and driving you nuts to take the huge truck out and do something stupid.

 

[Buttercup Chillin]

I didn't read all the posts so don't know.

Did anyone suggest getting him an old car $600-$1000. He pays the insurance, etc. He pays you back with his job OR starts saving for a better car.

Seems he might not want to drive a truck yet, but maybe a car. You will probably have to help him keep it running though for a while.

We got each kid their first old car. They payed for their own insurance and saved for a better car, we kept it running for a year. Worked with one kid, not with another. Had to get a second old car that 1st year. Turned out to be what you might call an extended warranty for them.

So be careful with this idea. This is assuming you can afford to get an old car.

Glad our kids are grown.

 

[geeber]

Now how come a 17 yr. old boy doesn't want to drive? How is he ever going to take girls (or boys - whatever) out on dates if he cant drive. No job till he can cart his own butt to work.
I even had an ex that rode his skate board to work. Just my two cents.

 

[Blackbird]

I'm not going to vote since I'm not a parent, but thought I would add my input.

Find out why he is scared to drive. Is he scared to get in an accident? Does he not feel in control of a vehicle?

I currently do not drive and do not have a license. I've known far too many people who have died young in accidents. I also do not feel safe on the road with others. I know that I can drive safely and know what to do, it is the OTHER people that I worry about.

There is a feeling that I just know something bad is going to happen when I try to drive. I tell my family, if I drive, you'll have to visit me in a hospital bed or at a grave stone.

I'm assume you live somewhere too far to walk to a job site? My first job I used to work in the same building as my mom, now I live in a city and can walk almost anywhere that I'd need to go.

I think a job is a great idea unless you plan on playing for every item he needs while in college.

 

[Opa]

Tell him to take the job but that he must figure out how to get there. Also tell him that it will be good experience for when he moves out after graduation for school.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I had the EXACT same issues with DD when she was 17. My solution...the world is not going to coddle you for your fears...go get a loaf of bread, we're out.

Oh well if he doesn't want to. DD enjoys driving now. She has never thanked me, because she thought it was mean...but we're both happier for it

MAKE him...he will get over it.

ETA: Short, safe distances at first..her only problem was self confidence. Our DG is 2 miles up the road backroads all the way. THAT is where I made her go. Not to town...that really would have been mean..and dangerous.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

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[Camelot Farms]

Quote:
That was our plan.

. We've told all of the kids that once they get their license we will buy them their 1st car and pay the 1st years car insurance. They would be required to put 15% of each paycheck into the bank for repairs and/or a better vehicle later.

Apparently a free car isnt enought incentive either.

And we did put a time limit on it. The deal is only good while you are under 18 and still living at home or in college fulltime or parttime work/parttime college. After that....nada. zip. nuttin.