My 16 year old daughter just got her license. Now she wants to drive all over the place, at all times of the day and night. Tonight, for example, at 10:30 p.m. she decided she wanted to go to a friend's apartment that is about 15 mins. away. I'm not yet comfortable with her driving after dark, but since I didn't drive until I was 22 I have no experience with what's normal at this age.
Would you other moms be comfortable with a teen girl driving alone after dark? What is the latest you would allow her out alone? What were your experiences? Thanks.
Hi my kids are not there yet, but I see the neighbors girls leaving at 11 pm and I think that is just crazy and unacceptable. If they are going to do something then they need to be leaving earlier
Hey Page... check with state of California. There is a curfew and I think it's 10pm. That would help mitigate any issues. If not, then the question must be posed.. she's only 16 ... what in sam hill does she want to go out at 10:30pm for? Prom night, special occasions ... ok... but just to randomly go some place? I wouldn't let her go.
Page,
I would have her stick to day time driving for a while at least a few months before going out at night. Not only are other drivers less aware at night, but there are a lot more teens out--therefore more accidents. Set the rules for her early so she knows what to expect. Have her go grocery shopping, get your car gassed up etc. and short trips in between so you know you are comfortable sending her out. Also, for the first couple of times at night, go with her. I hope this helps--this is what my parents did with me and to this day I have a perfect driving record.(so far).:)
Take care,
Molly
Hi Page,
Your daughter is a new driver. Simply let her know she must demonstrate ability over time before you will feel comfortable with her driving at night. She needs to earn your trust in her driving skills.
My answer to my own daughter would be that 10:30 is too late to be going any where. She has a 12:30 curfew on the weekends but 10:30 at night is not acceptable as a time to "decide" on something to do.
This is a tuff age (for the them and us).
You are in my prayers,
L.
Page,
I have one driving, and one going to be in a month.
Our first rule has always been we have to know where you are and when you will be back. Second rule, the county enforces a curfew, if you get caught, you will loose your car for one week. (they call the parents) Third rule, if it is after nine, you do not need to be leaving the house unless we ask you to run to the store or something. Bed time is between 9-10, no later, no exceptions. Hope this was helpful.
W.
Hi Page!
Of course, mine aren't this age yet. But when I got my license, I could only drive at night if one of my parents was with me. My mom always said that I would never learn how to drive at night unless I did it, but that she wasn't comfortable with me going out alone without any real driving experience. So - if I went, so did my parents. I think I must have been in college, or maybe the summer right before, when they finally let me drive places by myself after dark.
AND additionally my dad made a rule that I could not drive by myself at any hour of the day until I learned to change a tire. I thought he was sooooo unreasonable at the time, but I'm here to tell you that that skill has saved me numerous times, and I think in retrospect that it was a great rule. Also he made me learn to check tire pressure and check my oil.
dont alllow her out if you start now you'll never hear the end of it
