Thread: what age to teach how to drive

Is he responsible, I mean seriously, not a nieve parents view?

If so and he's a tall bugger, go for it

I learnt to drive as soon as I could reach the pedals (about 12) - and this is quite common in a rural setting. But the 'reach the pedals' bit is likely to be the problem with an eight year old.

There is no doubt that at least some eight year olds could learn to drive, and what is more, to drive responsibly. I would suggest that a good move if you go ahead to lock the Sierra in low range, and possibly limit the throttle opening, at least at first. But supervision is obviously necessary.

John

Well, I bought my first car when I was 12 and my first motor scooter at 13.

I gave my son his first driving lessons in work's Kia Ceres 4WD tipper when he was 12 (on Norfolk Island where they can get their licence at 15).

He bought his first 2-wheeler (Honda Monkey) at 12.

Ron.

I reckon asap, but the big ticket item is not wether to or not but wether you are going to provide adequate supervision??
My kids have had a quad for about 5 years now, but they are only allowed to use it under supervision. Same with our buggy we got last year.
Most accidents and deaths occur when unsupervised. Limit speed initially.
The downside is you may have to put up with some injuries, but better than them having no idea at all when turning 17 and getting their licence.

he is a tall 8yo but i'm guessing he will have trouble reaching the peddals

have been looking at those atv cheap import buggies with roll cages 50-110cc, just not sure about parts when they start to give trouble

Originally Posted by weeds

he is a tall 8yo but i'm guessing he will have trouble reaching the peddals

He should be fine - after all there's plenty of short-asses tooling around in rice-rockets who can barely see over the dash.

As soon as he can reach the pedals.

Obviously supervision is needed at all times. My 3 year old niece just had stitches in her chin from falling off her little plastic pedal bike so I'd hate to think what carnage would ensue with an 8yo and a car. Low range only is a good idea. Would be easier on the clutch too.

As for driving his mates around the property, if I was one of the mates parents there would be no ****ing way that would happen. Mostly because even with well behaved responsible kids when they get together it won't be long before they start saying "how fast will it go?" and "I bet you can't drive that".

Originally Posted by Utemad

......
As for driving his mates around the property, if I was one of the mates parents there would be no ****ing way that would happen. Mostly because even with well behaved responsible kids when they get together it won't be long before they start saying "how fast will it go?" and "I bet you can't drive that".

Reminds me of a niece of mine (who is a nurse) about fifteen or twenty years ago she was living in the "second" house on a property near here. One Sunday afternoon a small boy came over from the main homestead "Mum says can you come quick, one of the boys has come off the motorbike!" She went where she was directed - and found a twelve year old she had never seen before on the ground next to the bike with a compound fracture of his leg. The school had a visiting sports team and the kids were billeted with families. he had never ridden a motorbike before .....

John