Can parent [w/sole custody] of a minor in OH, keep minor from obtaining full driver's license?

Question

My 16 year old son has been driving w/temps for about a month now. He is not using drugs or getting in trouble, but is defying my wishes, i.e., staying the night with his girlfriend. He started doing this last year with his x and I was against it then, but he did it anyway. I want him to get all the driving experience he can get before he drives on his own, but it seems the only way to get the message through on this issue, is to take something away that he cares so much about, like driving a car. I give plenty of freedom for him to spend time with her, but I feel very strongly that a 16 year old boy has no business "playing house" with an 18 year old girl. It seems I am always the ogre in these matters as the other parents never seem to have a problem with it. I'm trying to find a way to get him to comply with my wishes without provoking him to rebellion. Also, I wonder if my (noncustodial) x-wife would be able to interfere with any measures taken regarding the driving.
Thanks

Answer 1

Under these circumstances, why are you allowing him to drive? Cut it out. Take his temp license and cut it up. Tell him he is not mature enough to drive and explain why.. Then don't let him drive. Notify the DMV that he does not have your consent to have a license. You are more in the wrong here than he is. He is being ruled by his hormones. You should be ruling with your head. Why have you continued to let him drive and have TOO MUCH freedom? You reap what you sow. You need to put major restrictions on him and make him earn back his privileges.

Answer 2

He might be able to sneak out and get his license but if you ground him from the car.....how will he drive?( I can't remember if they make a parent sign when they get their license-If they do, I bet your ex could sign and nobody would question it..might want to call the DMV) I think the cats outta the bag so to speak on the sex thing if he's staying overnight at his girlfriends house. (I agree that the other parents shouldn't be so lax) Maybe you can come to a compromise on it with him. He needs to follow rules but maybe let the leash go a little..ya know? If it's gone this far you are partly to blame, it might be better now to let him have a little more freedom if he agrees to other rules. If he's doing well otherwise it might make the next couple years a little easier on you both.

Good luck :)