When Your Teen First Got Their License . . .(UPDATED 2/28)

[Wish Upon A Star]

*UPDATE*

Not good news . . .she failed the on the road part . . .the instructor said she needed more practice backing into spaces because she was over the line and that was a major part of the driving test. He also felt when she turned she took too wide of a turn (although I've never noticed that when taking her out) but that wasn't a critical error for the fail like the backing in. She first called me all excited because she passed the written test and was #4 to get in with the instructor. I was hoping her second call was a excited call too, but maybe next time. She isn't able to re-take it until April because the end of March is already booked solid.


How did you cope? My DD will be going for her license exam on Tuesday morning and I'm about to freak out . . .while I want to be excited and giddy for her I'm feeling awfully nervous.

When your teen first got their license did you have them call you as soon as they got somewhere? I don't want to be overbearing at all, but it's hard. I remember when I got my license (cell phones weren't around) I don't know how my parents dealt with me not calling them. I'm kind of thinking they used to drive to my work to see if my car was there . . .

Any words of advice on this?

 

[Pam]

I've lived through this twice - DD is 20 and DS is 17.5. I did have them call me every time they reached their driving destination. Sometimes they would also call me to let me know that they were leaving to come back home.

I also prayed a lot. Seriously.

My DD will still call us when she gets back to her college apartment. And DS called us last night to let us know that he arrived safely back at Scout Camp after returning from his Ski Club trip.

No matter how old your children are - and how experienced of drivers they are (I make my DD drive when we go to Pittsburgh!) - they are still your babies and you still worry about them.

Good luck to your DD when she takes her test!

 

[Mercy]

My DS18 just got his license about 6 months ago, by that time I was... "OK, I think it's time to get your license now!!!" Not sure why he waited so long, except that I think he was uncomfortable with driving, so maybe it is good that he waited.

When he did finally get his license though, I just had him call us when he arrived at his destination, and then when he was leaving. I'm getting use to it now though. I tell you cell phones are the greatest invention for us parents... helps to keep us sane! Just have your DD start out slow, short trips, etc.

 

[Pooh Crew]

We typed up a teen driver contract that outlines specific rules and the punishments for breaking those rules. Our daughter had to agree to the stipulations and keep the contract posted in her room. Knowing that she understood our expectations, that she had a cell phone for emergencies, and that she had many hours of instructions under her belt gave us a little peace of mind. After several months, I still cringe when she is five minutes late--and she's not allowed to talk on her phone while driving, so she can't even call to say she's almost here! It's tough--no doubt about it!

 

[laura001]

This was me when my kids started getting their license.....

 

[jim and meesie]

Probably the biggest "letting go" moment for me as a parent was when DS got his license (just 2 years ago). We did have a very safe car for him, 1995 Volvo station wagon with lots of airbags!!! Although we had many discussion about responsibility and rules he was still in the car without us and we would never sleep until he was home safely. I did become more comfortable when he was driving to school (private school out of town that we had been driving him to until he got his license) and then senior year he did drive 4 younger kids (although he offered the rides at the beginning of the year their parents very generously offered to pay him for driving, win-win) who were on his route anyway. That was the best experience, the younger boys saw him as a cool role model (big senior athlete friend) and since the parents paid my son, he understood the responsibility to get the boys to school on time and safely. Fortunately it worked out well. My husband had him driving other employees to jobs (working construction) this past summer so he got more experience and we got more comfortable although when I ride with him I still worry that he drives too fast. Now he's away at college and fortunately his school has a "no cars on campus for freshmen rule". That doesn't mean he doesn't have friends with cars but most of his transportation at school is on foot. Trust me, you are never totally comfortable but it is just one more "letting go" moment.

 

[Kteacher]

we're about to go through this for the second time. It was tough the first time around, but my son Ian aka " Dangerboy "- yes that really is his nickname- turns 16 next Sunday All I can say is

 

[Saphire]

Been through it twice, but my third (a daughter) just got her license yesterday! She just took the car to her high school for a drama practice, and I DO want to drive down there and make sure she made it ok! (but I won't) It is sooo hard to let go this way, because it has to do with fears for their safety. I am not looking forward to the next few months of watching her drive off, as I feel she is still learning. Best wishes, and good luck...we all understand!

 

[powellrj]

My 2nd DS can take drives ed when he turns 15 in a few months. I am not ready for this at all. I remember when his DB got his DL. All I can offer is a lot of prayer and pixie dust!!!

 

[KarenB]

Wow-is your post perfect timing. Our oldest DS (17) just got his yesterday. Yes, I fought back the tears as I watched him back out of the driveway for the first time alone yesterday. We have many of the same rules posted here such as no cell phone conversations, the greatest number of kids in the car as many seat belts, he must tell us where he is going, pull over and call if any plans change, and if there is EVER an uncomfortable situation-CALL US!!

My nerves are okay since the only places he has traveled alone in under a mile away (not saying that nothing can happen near by). I will get really nervous the first time he travels any distance!

I have to go through this again with second DS in July.

Karen

 

[Snowysmom]

My younger DS just got his license 2 weeks ago. I am more nervous about him driving than I was about older DS. I have made him call when he gets somewhere or I will call him. We have rules for him just like everyone has mentioned here. In Mass., they cannot drive other kids for 6 months, unless they are driving a sibling. I like that idea because new drivers need to focus on the road and are easily distracted. We had snow last night so he was not allowed to drive. Today I made him call me when he got to work in case the smaller roads were still a bit slick. So now I worry about older DS driving out at school and younger DS driving around home. It never ends!

 

[Patricia]

My oldest , who just turned 20 yesterday, has been driving for 3 years and it's a little easier,but not too much. I still ask her to call me when she arrives somewhere if she is alone. I just get so panicked and afraid. She seems to understand and the call takes one second. No biggie. My younger daughter is about to get her permit and the idea of her driving is more terrifying than the first time with the older one. With number 1, I thought it was going to be easier and now I know, although it is easier, the hell of mental stress is worse than all the late night pick up combined. Good luck!

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

Thanks everyone . . .I'll be sure to post as soon as I know anything on Tuesday. I'm taking the day off from work since her test is early in the morning and then hopefully I'll be taking her to the DMV office to get her pic done . . .

 

[PooohBear]

I posted a similar question when my DS first got his liscense ! it's seriously tough the first few months, I was soooooo afraid something would happen to him! I will tell you though that it DOES get easier after you get used to her driving ! Oh and I used to have him call me when he went anywhere, he was okay with that since he understood how nervous I was ! Good luck, I feel for you !!!

 

[jimmalru80]

DS (21 now), was a responsible driver from day 1. Never had a second thought about him. He drove well and we never had a problem. Twin DD's started driving on Friday, and it still has not hit me between the ears yet. They will, soon enough. Let's see what happens.

 

[snowwite]

DD missed her 3 point turn.She is sad but I am secretly relieved.This is really nerve wracking.I also worry when her friends drive.Do you ever sleep again?

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

Bump

 

[snowwite]

Bump

I have been on the baords a while now but I have a stupid question. What does it mean when someone writes"bump"?

 

[scoutsmom99]

I have been on the baords a while now but I have a stupid question. What does it mean when someone writes"bump"?

"bump" is sending your post or someone elses post back to the the 1st page or to the top of a forum so that it gets more replies or views.

 

[Muffy]

We will be starting the process in 2 mos when DD turns 16. I'm not looking forward to it one bit. The idea of her driving is scary!