What is the best age to start driving?

Question

Im 14 and im already talking to my parents about driving. im trying to convince my mom mostly to let me get my permet and 15 and 1/2 (califormia law) and keep my permit until im 16 and 1/2 so im comfortable behind the wheel, however she still claims that im too imature and unresponsible to drive at either age and should get my permit at 17, i think that i very unfair

Answer 1

Hi Andrea...

This isn't so simple of a subject and there are no simple answers, so I apologize in advance for the length of what will probably be your longest answer by far. I only hope you take the time to read it.

Since you were talking about fairness, I think I'd like to apply a little bit of logic and fairness to your base question, 'What is the best age to start driving?'

Yes, we have laws that establish ages for obtaining permits and licenses, but the truth is just because someone has reached a given age, it does not automatically qualify them for the responsibility of driving. That's part of the reason why there are driving schools and driving tests, but those are for setting minimal standards at best.

I know people who are in their 20's and really aren't responsible enough to drive! Sad, isn't it? If we go back to your base question of what age, the real truth is that someone is ready to start driving when they exhibit enough responsibility to have the privilege of driving.

You are looking for someone on the 'internet' who doesn't know you or your situation to tell you what you want to hear. You'll probably get it. But if you are still reading my comments, please listen to me when I tell you that your mother (and father too, if he's in the picture) are in a far far better position to be the best judge of if you are ready to begin to learn to drive when you are 15-1/2.

You said you were 14. My best advice for you is to drop the subject of driving for now. Focus on school. Focus on your grades. Show your parents (or mom) through your performance and through your activities at home and when you are with your friends that you are responsible. Show them you can be trusted. Show them maturity. (If you are doing that now... that's great. KEEP DOING IT!)

Print your question and answers out (all of them). Keep the printout someplace safe. Then when you are about 15-1/2, if you feel you are ready, then bring it up again. If they don't agree, ask them what you need to do. Remind them what I told you, it's not about age, it's about responsiblity. It sounds like they are all ready on board with that idea. If you have done the things I have mentioned then they'll see it. Show them that you asked this on the internet. Show them the responses you got. Show them why you chose to do what you did for the last year or so.

Driving can be fun. Driving allows for quite a bit of freedom. Forcing yourself into something that you may not be ready for can be fatal. Have some faith in your parents. They will be there to help you learn to be a good driver when they think you are ready. And you can help them come to that decision.

God Bless.

Answer 2

I once spoke to my daughter that it's not a bad idea to have new drivers pass a simple and basic laws of physics before they are given a permit to drive. Some teenagers don't know that cars flip over when maneuvering a corner at 50 mph. They also think that when driving 80 mph and slam on the brakes, that the road doesn't increase in length between you and the car in front should the wheels start to skid or if the brakes fail. Bottom line, driving is a big responsibility due to the potential of taking someone's life. When I went to nursing school, I wasn't surprised when my teacher said that the #1 cause of death among teenagers is.... you got it...car accident.

Answer 3

Andrea,

It's not that you're not responsible, but your mom feels that she didn't raise you to be killed in a car accident at such an early age. There are a lot of loonies out there who could care less about the rules of the road. To me, 15 is much to young to be behind the wheel of a motor vehicle of any kind. A car, truck, motorcycle, are powerful machines. Very often things happen so fast while driving that it's almost impossible to compensate for someone else's failure of the rules.

Also, she has to worry about other people you might have in the vehicle in the event of an accident. There are times when a person getting killed or maimed in your car can cause extreme hardship on a family. Re: Lawsuits.

Don't be discouraged. You have a lot of time to think about driving. Don't let your peers tempt or harrass you about it either. You're old enough to make your own clear and present decisions.

Take care and good luck in whatever you decide.

Answer 4

17 years of age after you have had your learners permit for one year and pass a drivers course. your parents are right. kids think that they know how to drive just by watching someone drive. then they get out there and cause wrecks that they might or might not be in.

Answer 5

The sooner you start, the better you will be at it. You might remind her of that AND that SHE would be there to mold you into someone who IS mature.

However, it is HER car, but the permit is a written exam, go to the DMV and take the exam. (I don't know if you NEED a parent in CA), but if you don't, go get it.

Answer 6

you can read about drivind things then take your tests at 15 then you will be good might not be perfect by 16.: P

Answer 7

try to understand her u didnt say if u where a boy or girl some people are not responcible tel their older not just a law

Answer 8

25. At that age, you're mature enough to exercise sound judgement and your insurance is cheaper.