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Driver's Ed: Preteen Style
Why Starting Early Could Save Their Lives
By Tamekia Reece
Contrary to what many 16-year-olds think, driving is not a right, it's a privilege. If you don't feel your teen is mature enough to drive when her 16th birthday rolls around, don't allow her to. If you're not sure of a good age for your teen to get behind the wheel, heed this advice: There is no exact age, but "when [teens] are responsible in everything else they do, then they're likely to be more responsible in driving also," Hardin says. "If you're having trouble with your child in school, with disobedience or other things, odds are he will not be a good driver." If you feel your child isn't ready to handle a 3,000-pound vehicle safely and maturely, it's your responsibility to make sure he doesn't.
Even after your child gets a permit or driver's license, you should let it be known that driving privileges can be revoked by you or law officials if they fail to act in a responsible manner while on the road. Sure your teen may not like it, but being cautious is more important than his dislikes. If you have to take his keys away, do it. His life and others' may very well depend on it.