New Driver

[Pastis]

Eldest nephew has just turned 17 and, apart from a set of L plates for his birthday, tee hee, he's as keen as anything to get on the road any which way. This will happen in due course probably with an old banger but the current dilemma is set to unfold at the weekend.
A mate of his passed his test 2 weeks ago and wants to drive into the local town on Saturday night with eldest nephew and a couple of others. Among the peer group parents there appears to be a "6 month" rule going around which dictates a period of six months clean, solo, or adult accompanied driving before being let loose  .
This would mean that a night out with the lads at this stage is not on the cards.

I'd say it's not a bad idea and have said that across the water he'd have to wait until 18 anyway and then with speed restrictions for the first 2 years so he should consider himself lucky! I foresee raised temperatures at the weekend, slamming of doors and much teenage angst  , but what do you do?

[GROWLER]

Good idea on the face of it Pasty, but how will it be policed ey?

"Yea, ok, I'm going out on me own then"....cough....via me mates houses to pick 'em all up.

Lot to be said for 17 year olds being restricted to a 2 seater imo, similar to the Smart.
Why a manufacturer hasn't come out with a car specifically and suitably designed for 17 ish year olds is completely beyond me.
 
Growler Jnr is 17 this July, and we've been doing some insurance quotes.
Bloody outrageous is the werd that springs to mind.

I'm certainly NOT condoning driving without, but come on, £1500 for a group 1 insurance rated car is beyond most 17 year olds pockets, so is it any wonder many of them simply don't bother?

[Darwins Selection]

Eldest nephew has just turned 17 and, apart from a set of L plates for his birthday, tee hee, he's as keen as anything to get on the road any which way. This will happen in due course probably with an old banger but the current dilemma is set to unfold at the weekend.
A mate of his passed his test 2 weeks ago and wants to drive into the local town on Saturday night with eldest nephew and a couple of others. Among the peer group parents there appears to be a "6 month" rule going around which dictates a period of six months clean, solo, or adult accompanied driving before being let loose  .
This would mean that a night out with the lads at this stage is not on the cards.

I'd say it's not a bad idea and have said that across the water he'd have to wait until 18 anyway and then with speed restrictions for the first 2 years so he should consider himself lucky! I foresee raised temperatures at the weekend, slamming of doors and much teenage angst  , but what do you do?

The rule sounds very sensible although there will be angst of course.

Stick to them, if anything went wrong they would feel even worse for relaxing them just for a quiet life.

[Pastis]

Thanks both for your views... I've said my piece (from a distance) and it's much like yours. How you police it is indeed the question... and ultimately that's down to his parents. Quietly I hope they stick to their guns; they have my backing and I know that counts for something.

I'm hoping that if he does go out on the town on Saturday it'll be such a nasty shock to his naive system that he'll be a little more choosey in the future 

[GROWLER]

Thanks both for your views... I've said my piece (from a distance) and it's much like yours. How you police it is indeed the question... and ultimately that's down to his parents. Quietly I hope they stick to their guns; they have my backing and I know that counts for something.

I'm hoping that if he does go out on the town on Saturday it'll be such a nasty shock to his naive system that he'll be a little more choosey in the future 

My nephew...i think, the wifes sisters lad...has just passed his test, and bougft himself a car.
I rang him to congratulate and sympathise with him after having his test cancelled 5 times due to the weather.
However, I then launched into a stern warning regarding his driving standards, especially when he has all his mateys on board egging him on.
He does listen to me I'm pleased to say, as his Jock father is rarely around to have a conversation with him, but I have told him that he'll face the full roth and taste of Uncle Growlers bloody fury if I hear he's been in trouble with the plod and upset his mother as a consequence.
He may live 40 miles away, but I'll go 'round and confiscate his keys.

[Pastis]

Thanks both for your views... I've said my piece (from a distance) and it's much like yours. How you police it is indeed the question... and ultimately that's down to his parents. Quietly I hope they stick to their guns; they have my backing and I know that counts for something.

I'm hoping that if he does go out on the town on Saturday it'll be such a nasty shock to his naive system that he'll be a little more choosey in the future 

My nephew...i think, the wifes sisters lad...has just passed his test, and bougft himself a car.
I rang him to congratulate and sympathise with him after having his test cancelled 5 times due to the weather.
However, I then launched into a stern warning regarding his driving standards, especially when he has all his mateys on board egging him on.
He does listen to me I'm pleased to say, as his Jock father is rarely around to have a conversation with him, but I have told him that he'll face the full roth and taste of Uncle Growlers bloody fury if I hear he's been in trouble with the plod and upset his mother as a consequence.
He may live 40 miles away, but I'll go 'round and confiscate his keys.

    I may contact you for the script of that admonishment come the time 

Unlike my uncles  , I've been straight as a dye with this lad since the day he appeared and I know he appreciates it, although at times it's been uncomfortable for him, and me. Encouragement and support most of the time but the wagging finger and stern look has its effect... 

[Bar Wench]

All of my friends had this rule when they first passed their tests too. I've since discovered that the parents used to randomly drive around after them to do occasional checks that the rules were being stuck to. It also tends to help if all the parents are on board to. That way they can all look out for each other. If Jermeny's parents see Johnny driving round with people then Johnny's parents are called quick smart. Mind you we all also had curfews with the cars too in the early days. No driving after say 10pm tends to ensure that cruising isn't as much fun as it might have been.

At the time I thought it was all a bit harsh but in hindsight it is totally the right thing to do.

[Pastis]

All of my friends had this rule when they first passed their tests too. I've since discovered that the parents used to randomly drive around after them to do occasional checks that the rules were being stuck to. It also tends to help if all the parents are on board to. That way they can all look out for each other. If Jermeny's parents see Johnny driving round with people then Johnny's parents are called quick smart. Mind you we all also had curfews with the cars too in the early days. No driving after say 10pm tends to ensure that cruising isn't as much fun as it might have been.

At the time I thought it was all a bit harsh but in hindsight it is totally the right thing to do.

Good call, Wenchy. Thanks. I shall pass it on 

God knows, as DS says, if things went bad and the parents were lax ... 

[Bar Wench]

That as you say is the big fear. Luckily we were all ok. In fact the only horrific accident happened on a push bike. However, it does require CONSTANT VIGILANCE and for all the parents to be on board. One bad link in the chain and it can all fall apart.

[GROWLER]

Someone on another motoring enthusiasts forum that I frequent suggested that there is/was an insurance company that gave monster discounts to those 17/18 yr olds that were willing to restrict their hours of driving, including a curfew after say 9pm.
Get caught dis-obeying and you're nicked for no insurance apparently, which would lead to a ban.

Looked around in here via google, and even got in touch with Adrian Flux, but with zero results.
Apparently Norwich Union used to do summat along these lines, but not any more sadly.
Growler jnr would have fitted into that system nicely too, as he never goes out at night time.

[Darwins Selection]

In fact the only horrific accident happened on a push bike. However, it does require . . . all the parents to be on board.
One bad link in the chain and it can all fall apart.

"Surrey girl and both parents injured when all riding on a bicycle with a defective chain." 

[Pastis]

 

An eye watering image DS 

[Bar Wench]

In fact the only horrific accident happened on a push bike. However, it does require . . . all the parents to be on board.
One bad link in the chain and it can all fall apart.

"Surrey girl and both parents injured when all riding on a bicycle with a defective chain." 

Wasn't me! I don't do bicycles since the great Cambridge fire engine collision. 

[Snoopy]

In fact the only horrific accident happened on a push bike. However, it does require . . . all the parents to be on board.
One bad link in the chain and it can all fall apart.

"Surrey girl and both parents injured when all riding on a bicycle with a defective chain." 

Wasn't me! I don't do bicycles since the great Cambridge fire engine collision. 

Who came off worse ~ you or the Fire Engine?

[Pastis]

Well....

Apparently a low front (read foul, streaming cold) put paid to the Saturday night adventure. Good timing for half term, eh? 

A repeat request was made tonight and Sis and B-in-law put their foot down firmly denying same which led to a localised depression with weather turning sulkio in Hampshire with a chance of precipitation (teenage angst).

Prospects for the rest of the week are bright intervals, sunny spells but with occasional thunder storms if the parents aren't light footed, quick thinking and prepared to shell out for continuing diversions.

The general synopsis for the British Isles however is grim.