What do I do with my 16 year old?

[Darth Biscuit]

So my oldest just turned 16... and he can get his license in two weeks. He's had his permit since last January and I've been letting him drive as much as I can. Problem is he's terrible at it... timid, unsure and still struggles with basic stuff.

I'm not comfortable with him driving yet... but don't know what to do with him.

I can and have taught him everything he needs to know but I can't get the hesitation out of him..

Suggestions?

[g5jamz]

Put a mountain lion in the car with him.

[Darth Biscuit]

Ok... let me clarify ... real suggestions.

[PhillyB]

Why rush it? His life and the lives of others are at stake if he's an unprepared driver behind the wheel of a two ton hunk of metal. Let drive with a permit until he's comfortable.

[Jbro]

Don't let him get his liscenes and explain your concerns....

[natty]

Is he timid just because you're with him?

To me it's better if he's timid and unsure rather than be foolishly confident.

[jb_online]

I was the same way, it just took experience to get over it. I had an accident a month after I got my license (dog ran out in front of me). If he is anything like I was, he just needs to spend time behind the wheel to get comfortable. I haven't had any accident or stress behind the wheel since then - that was 1999.

Is he just nervous or is he reckless because of maturity issues? I'm not trying to be a jerk, please don't take it the wrong way. But waiting a few years will probably be a good idea for a young rebel driver.

[g5jamz]

Send him to an aggressive driver class to build his confidence and improve defensive driving skills.

[Darth Biscuit]

Trust me I'm not offended ... he's actually pretty mature and he's very smart. He's just really unsure with this... I've tried being ultra patient, I've tried making him be aggressive, nothing seems to work. I even sent him to my dad and let him work with him.

I have no problem not letting him get his license or more likely I'm probably going to let him get it (if he passes) and put severe restrictions on him until he improves.

I just don't know how to improve his driving.

[YoungPanthers89]

I know i was more nervous when my parents were riding with me...maybe thats it?

[g5jamz]

http://www.drivingdirectory.com/NorthCarolina.htm

[cookinwithgas]

I wish I had some advice but I thought I was Richard Petty as soon as I got my permit - even had the Dodge Charger.

My daughter was pretty confident too.

You know it's better to be a bit timid starting off than too aggressive, although it has a tendency to cause havoc at 4 way stop signs and the like. Waht kind of "basis stuff" is he having issues with?

[mmmbeans]

Take him to the track?

[Mayor Qumiby]

If your honestly worried about his skill level, confidence behind the wheel and think it can hurt him or someone one else I strongly suggest you enroll him in a driving class. This is a good one to looking into

http://www.putonthebrakes.com/