Is your 14yo taking driving lessons or practicing driving?

[Anonymous]

DD believes she is the only teen in her group not learning to drive. I grew up in DC and back then it was never really a thing in my circle to be learning way before the test to drive.

I am surprised many are learning this early. I did not take lessons until right before my driving test for my learners.

[Anonymous]

Yes! The more practice before the test the better. Of course with you in the car.

[Anonymous]

Are you in a state where it’s legal to drive at 14?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD believes she is the only teen in her group not learning to drive. I grew up in DC and back then it was never really a thing in my circle to be learning way before the test to drive.

I am surprised many are learning this early. I did not take lessons until right before my driving test for my learners.

This is new to me - I didn't even know you could drive legally prior to 15 and a half...are things different than back in the day?

[Anonymous]

No, my 15 year 11 month old is just starting to learn. The brain needs to develop as much as possible. Start with a golf cart or go cart if there such a need. Driving isn’t even a thought for my almost 14 year old.
This would indicate to me someone is taking their parent’s car out on their own.

[Anonymous]

Op here. We are in the DMV but I did not realize there are places that will give lessons to teens before they receive their permits. I hadn’t really looked much into this because as I mentioned, I never pre-planned as a teen back then.

I’m curious if things changed when high schools stopped offering drivers Ed as a course?

[Anonymous]

Since when can 14-year-olds legally drive in this area?!

[Anonymous]

I guess if they're letting underage (for driving) kids drive on private property that's legal. But if they're letting them drive on public roads that's illegal of the driving schools.

[Anonymous]

No, on anything other than your own property that’s illegal. She’s “driven” lawn mowers and tractors at her cousins’. Will not be behind a regular vehicle until she has a learner’s permit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. We are in the DMV but I did not realize there are places that will give lessons to teens before they receive their permits. I hadn’t really looked much into this because as I mentioned, I never pre-planned as a teen back then.

I’m curious if things changed when high schools stopped offering drivers Ed as a course?

In Maryland, you can take the classroom portion of drivers ed at 15 and ahead of having a permit, but the required behind-the-wheel driving with instructors require a Learners Permit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since when can 14-year-olds legally drive in this area?!

When they are 15 and 9 months with a permit and supervision.

[Anonymous]

Young teens driving without permits is low class.

[Anonymous]

In DC, MD and VA it is illegal to drive at 14.
Your 14 year old is lying to you if she claims she's the only one not driving.
Sure, a few drive, especially if they're on their own rural property. But that is NOT the norm.

[Anonymous]

What? No

[Anonymous]

I have an almost 15 year old and know a lot of kids in the DMV who have learned to drive. No one is learning to drive or getting lessons at 14. I've known people where there is extended family in some square state and maybe they've driven around a property in that setting. But that's it.