As my son approaches his sixteenth birthday, I find myself relieved that he shows no interest in learning to drive. Honestly, I have no desire to be the one to teach him—especially since I drive a manual transmission and I’m not exactly a model of calm behind the wheel. While I always prioritize safety and never text while driving, I can be quick to lose my temper with aggressive drivers or those who make sudden, unexpected maneuvers. My horn does get quite the workout.
Many articles have pointed out that today’s teens, including my son, are less inclined to embrace a car-centric culture. Instead of rushing into adulthood, they seem more focused on fostering online friendships. In some ways, I think that’s perfectly fine.
When I was his age, learning to drive felt more like an obligation. My mother pushed me to get my license so I could help with my younger siblings’ transportation. Back then, I didn’t have to navigate a graduated driver’s licensing program. I skipped driver’s ed entirely, wanting to save a half credit in high school. My first attempt at the driving test was a flop, primarily because I struggled with parallel parking—a skill that wasn’t necessary in my rural hometown.
Most high schools today have cut driver’s education programs due to budget limitations. The few that still offer them often rely on teachers without specialized training. Now, teens can choose from online courses, driving schools, or parental instruction.
In many states, new drivers aged 16 to 18 must complete a graduated licensing program that consists of three phases: a permit stage, a probationary stage, and finally, a full license. During the permit phase, they must drive with an adult who is usually over 25 and often a parent or guardian. This can involve logging between 30 to 50 hours of practice driving.
I remember starting to drive at 14, but my mom only supervised my road practice a handful of times. She would never have been able to dedicate 50 hours to teaching me while managing her other responsibilities.
Should parents even be the ones to teach their kids how to drive? After spending time in Germany, I observed that aspiring drivers there enroll in six-month courses taught by trained professionals. The focus is entirely on learning to drive without the added drama or stress. German drivers are renowned for their skills; they know how to handle roundabouts, execute zipper merges, and adhere to lane courtesy. This exemplary driving behavior stems from their commitment to thorough driver education.
Some states now require parents to complete a driver’s education course before teaching their kids. In places like Connecticut and Massachusetts, parents must participate in a two-hour class about the rules and regulations their teens will face before they can obtain a license. In Texas, parents must also declare their intent to teach their child how to drive.
With all these regulations, the joy of learning to drive seems overshadowed by bureaucratic hurdles. Driving is undeniably a skill every child should learn, much like typing. But with the numerous obstacles, it’s no surprise that many teens show little enthusiasm for getting behind the wheel.
So, I’ve decided that I won’t be the one to teach my son to drive. When he’s ready, I’ll leave it to the professionals.
For those interested in family planning, check out related posts on our blog like this one. And for authoritative resources on home insemination, visit Make a Mom and CCRM IVF.
Summary
In this article, the author reflects on their reluctance to teach their son how to drive, noting the generational shift in attitudes towards driving and the added complexities of modern driver education. They argue for the merits of professional instruction over parental teaching, especially given the various regulations involved.