Would you let your teens drive 7 hours on the highway?

[Anonymous]

No. Seven hours is a long time, even for an adult. I noticed when driving with my son that he gets tired when driving. I would be worried he could doze off or lose focus. Maybe if there was a non-driving adult in the car to help make sure he is alert or make him pull over and take breaks. But not with a younger kid as a passenger.

Fly them back or drive them back and then you return.

[Anonymous]

My kids will never be in the same car with one of them driving until they are adults.

This is an absolute no.

[Anonymous]

No. 7 hours is a long trip even for me, and I’ve been driving for 35 years.

[Anonymous]

Let them fly back. Over 4 hours is too much driving in one day for a new driver.

[Anonymous]

Fly them. So much safer.

[Anonymous]

Not if this is a decision being made for a drive that afternoon/ evening.

If he had all day to do it, we'd planned out the route ahead of time, he knew where he could stop for food / stretch legs / coffee shop etc, and was in no rush whatsoever, I'd let mine if he wanted to. But I honestly don't think he'd want to, and I would not force it. He's driven 2-3 hours a few times with DH or me in the car, and he does fine, but he gets tired and doesn't enjoy it much.

[Anonymous]

I'd fly him back alone.

[Anonymous]

A 7 hour night drive for a teen on unfamiliar roads? No.

[Anonymous]

I’d fly him back. That is a really long drive for a relatively new driver. And it’s also at high rates of speed. My 17 yo is a good driver but I was hesitant just to let him drive us to Richmond which is much closer, during the day, with me in the passenger seat.

[Anonymous]

I normally think a lot of parents on here are too protective, but there's no way I'd do this. Also, as someone who has gone through the many trips home/hospitalizations/long time care scenario, you have my deepest sympathy. But at the end of the day, unless this is a true emergency, you should go home as planned and then fly back out in a few days with a clear plan for your mom and your own family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would have them fly. Seven hours is a long drive for anyone. What the longest trip they’ve done alone?

No way would I let my teens drive 7 hours in their own. Fly him back.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, no.

[Anonymous]

It’s rare to see such agreement on DCUM. I sent them on a plane. They are safe at home in bed.

I will say my kid has maybe more experience in highway driving than it seems like most people’s kids have? He drove most of the trip till we got here and took another college tour and drove most of that. He pretty regularly drives to Baltimore and a few other destinations for extracurriculars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids will never be in the same car with one of them driving until they are adults.

This is an absolute no.

What?? So no driving sibling to school if they are at the same high school? That’s crazy.

[Anonymous]

Just curious - for those not comfortable with a high schooler doing this trip - what if they were in college and wanting to drive the 7 hours home? At what age would you be comfortable? I’m a “nervous Nellie” so always curious what others would do.