Teen driving: As a mom, I’m a bit nervous about this one

18 January 2012 One Comment Michelle Reese

Do you have a teen in your house?
Is that teen driving?
I’m years away from that point, but it terrifies me none the less.
Those first driving lessons with dad were – um – a bit laughable. I STILL remember all these years later hitting a garbage can on the street and jumping a curb.
It probably didn’t help that my first car was a 1970 Cutlass Supreme. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, it was BIG. Really BIG. Like, I don’t think any other vehicle, ever made, was that long (at least, that’s how I felt driving it – I’m 5 feet tall).
Though my oldest isn’t even 10 yet, I’m already hoping (prayer!) that the driving age changes to 18 before he’s 16.
I know my husband feels quite the opposite! “Just wait till you don’t have to take him anywhere, ever, again!”
Yes, there are perks to having a child drive on their own. Like conversations. Sharing a song.
Honest, I don’t mind doing the driving. And I don’t recall being all that comfortable to actually drive when I got my license. Come to think of it, I was several months past 16 when that happened because I didn’t feel ready (or maybe because I had to pay the insurance and gas. I don’t recall).
And now, we have cell phones to add. If I get a call – or make call – while driving with the kids in the car (I’ve got a Bluetooth now, but I’m still guilty), THEY remind me not to do it! Though, by the time they’re driving, I’m not sure they’ll remember that. Maybe we won’t give them cell phones then. Likely, they’ll have ‘em. And likely, I’ll be the one reminding them not to use them while driving.
Bottom line: I like this bill that bans cell phone use by drivers with learner’s permits.