My son's Driving practice, is it a little too early?

Question

My son's Driving practice, is it a little too early?
My son is 13 years old. He and i love cars. Since we also love exotic animals we love exotic cars, so i bought a Lamborghini Murcielago gt in 2006, and a ferrari 360 spider. He knows how to paddle shift, because i have driving simulators and he understands how to drive an all aspects of the car. He could park the cars for me, you know easy stuff. I have a big property.... and my drive way is huge length and width, so theres really nothing to worry about crashin into and he turns tightly anyway. I was thinking of taking him into a big empty parking lot, out of the main public, and setting up cones for him to practice driving around. I of course would be in the passenger seat with him. Do you think this is okay or am i being an irresponsible parent???

Answer 1

What an interesting question! I've instructed drivers at track events for years and I've never found someone with a car with paddle shifters that DIDN'T know how to use them. And as for life in general, it's pretty rare that you run into someone that car afford the cars mentioned here and such a long driveway, but have such problems with basic English.

Why, if I didn't know better, I'd almost think this question was written by a 13 year old that might be hoping to elicit repsonses on what a good idea it would be to let him practice driving! After all, said 13 year old probably knows how to paddle shift (wow, you know how to pull a paddle? How ever did you learn that?) and understands "how to drive an all aspects of the car." I have no idea what that last part means, but hey, it does sound kinda impressive!

Putting any inexperienced driver behind the wheel of a high performance car is not exactly smart. This is something any adult or experience driver can most likely see pretty clearly... but something a 13 year old would probably miss (and might lead them to writing something just like this in Yahoo Answers).

The idea of a 13 year old having a chance to practice driving in a controlled environement though could have it's merits, as could something like go-karting; allowing development for performance oriented driving aspects and car control.

Answer 2

I don't think you are being an irresponsible parent. But, if I were you, I would not take him onto any property not belonging to you. Let him drive up and down the driveway. I drove a car when I was 12 years old, but that was 50 years ago and out in the country. I taught my kids to drive out in our pasture when they were 12-13, but we were driving pickups, not a Lamborghini or Ferrari. So I doubt you would care to have either of your cars driven across the lawn. I think you could be in for all sorts of trouble if you took a 13 year old up to someone's parking lot and let them drive around, whether you were with them or not. It is conceivable, in this day and age, you could possibly be cited for child endangerment. Best to keep the lessons on your property.

Answer 3

Be careful what you pamper him with...
I wasn't given a chance to drive car until I was at a legal age of 17. Reason? Simple. I wasn't firm-gripped. I've bumped, scratched and nearly flipped vehicles before. Anyway, if you love your son a lot, let him be at least 15-16 years old before he starts practise driving a real car. And the best is, let him drive a manual shift rather than an auto. Because I also can drive an auto without proper skills but ne'er a manual transmission.

Answer 4

Hey check dis out i was 10 when i started driving but i always had my parent right next to me. Your not being an irresponsible parent. If you know that your son can do it its better to support him because if he really like driving he probably would do it behind your back. I dont think its to early the simple fact because i already been through dat expierience. JUST MAKE SURE that he doesnt drive in public, but if he has his perment which he probably doesnt cus hes only 13 then it would be better for him. Just make sure that you know hes ready. Thats cool dat you support your child and WOW! you have nice cars.

Answer 5

I would suggest getting a clunker w/o much power so he can get used to driving. That way if he crashes no big whoop and since it will have low hp's if he does get out of control the impact won't be as strong as the Lambo or Ferrari.

We lived on base where the air strip had been decomissioned, so I learned on the runway. We got the ok from the AF SP first obviously.

If you permit me this suggestion, your kid your rules but, regardless of your love of exotics, when he turns of age to get is license don't get him something to powerful for his age/responsiblity. Many teenagers are given cars that they are not mature enough to drive and they get in accidents. Start him on a 4 cylinder and have him earn his way up through a clean driving record, no parking tickets, calling when late, so he learns responsiblity.

I doing this with my girls (14, 16, 16)

Answer 6

I think it's okay, except maybe the cones part. You may draw attention to what you're doing and parking lots are generally public, so if a law enforcement officer were to see that, they may not find it acceptable. I took my kids driving in the same manner, in the winter so they'd have an idea what it's like to drive in the snow and ice.
Have fun.

Answer 7

I think on your private property is fine. In my state, a learner's permit is required even with the parent in the passenger seat. The empty parking lots are still owned by someone - and they presumably have rights as to how their property is used.

Answer 8

A - it could be unlawful for a thirteen 12 months historical to force in a carpark until such parking zone is for your individual estate. B - you do not possess the ones autos besides, so this can be a moot query You fail to remember we will seem at your profile and notice your questions approximately your snakes, and guinea pigs, your technological know-how undertaking, and many others. So did your mother ever can help you get your different ball python?

Answer 9

I think it's cool! Sounds fine to me as long as you're sure the lot is pretty empty. My parents took me to practice when I was young too. Even before I was allowed to properly practice (around 13-15), my grandma would let me steer the car up her long driveway when I was 10! Let him do this now, and he'll be all the better a driver when he's older!

Answer 10

Well if you think its irresponsible,then I am going to H**.
cause I had three boys,and taught all them to drive right at 13 years,except for the youngest and he could drive before that.
Not to say I let any of them just cruise or anything,but little boys become big boys,and teaching is part of your responsibility right?Besides the bond between you!