Car Is Ready

[Janet]

I think I told you all that my son bought a wrecked car and he and his dad fixed it up. Soon as I get a picture I'll post it. Well, it's done. My son will get his license on January 20th depending on when the license branch is open.

My husband had it at the shop where he works and we brought it home yesterday and Rick and I cleaned it all out. It looks so nice. Now comes the worry part.

I have my faith....but I am so frightened. How did you all get through your babies getting their license and a car?

He won't be driving it ALL the time. He bought the car with money he had saved, (he is so tight with his money) but he'll need gas and he doesn't have a job yet. He has plenty of money that he has saved working over the summer. He knew he'd have to pay gas and insurance as well and if he conserves he'll be able to make it past basketball practice and then get a part-time job.

I'm just a nervous wreck thinking about this. I'll probably lose my mind the first time he takes it out by himself. I do remember when I got my license and I had no doubt I could handle whatever came my way.....but Rick, I just don't know.

[RLC12345678]

Awe, Janet! Your baby boy is growing up!!!!!!!! My youngest sister is 16 and I swear I still look at her and think she is 8 years old. My mom has not let her get her license yet because she is not the best driver. She will get her license when she turns 17 in May. But I am a nervous wreck and I'm not even her mother! Sorry I don't have any advice on how to handle the situation because I'm sorta going through the same thing! EEK!

[DianaB]

When you have boys that are old enough to drive you HAVE to give them the talk about not speeding or acting up behind the wheel. Not just because they can get hurt but because insurance will eat them alive!! All it takes is an accident or a ticket and their insurance rates will go sky high and it doesn't go back down until their mid to late 20's. My son and son-in-law had high insurance rates because they wanted to act up behind the wheel and they dearly paid for it too.

My daughter, Jaci, got her driver's license last fall. I didn't have a problem with it, but she's my 4th child to learn how to drive. It's really convient that they can drive themselves around and you don't have to take them or pick them up.

[Janet]

I am looking forward to the convenience for sure...but we've had the "speed and accident" talk and if he was going to be later than expected to call or else I'd be in the hospital with a heart attack from worry.

Here is couple pictures of his car. It was a total that hubby and son fixed....1998 Plymouth Breeze.

[DianaB]

Wow!!! It looks really nice!!! It looks like it will be a great car for him!! They did a nice job!!!!

[Janet]

Thanks Diana...my husband has done auto body repair since he was 16 or 17 years old, so he knows what he is doing and is very good at it. We think it will make Rick a great car and hopefully a safe one.

[Tink]

That's a very nice looking car for a young driver Janet. I bet you're proud of your boy for being able to do this for himself.

I know it's hard to see your kids start driving, yet it's such a part of growing up and becoming independent, that it's become a rite of passage. What we have to try to do is to remember that we've been preparing them for this their whole lives and hope that what we've taught has sunk in. Knowing you, I dare bet your son will do just fine. He's had an involved, loving teacher to guide him.

[RLC12345678]

Wow! The car looks brand new!!!!!!! They did an AWESOME job on it! That surely is something for your son to be proud of. I'm sure he'll take care of it since, afterall, he is the one who "built" it, you know?

[Janet]

Well, his dad of course did most of the work, but the boy is learning. He is so proud of it. He told me as he drove us home in it tonight that he "just can't believe this is his car."

[Marilyn]

Janet, that's a beautiful car for him. The fact that he paid for it and had a part in fixing it up should make him more responsible with it. As far as how to handle it when they begin to drive.....I'm still adjusting. Each of our girls had a car when they turned 16. They got their license and a cell phone on their birthdays. It was really hard that first time they pulled out of the drive way alone in their cars. Anytime they drove for the first year they were required to call one of us when they got in the car and left, and when they arrived at their destination. This was part of the reason for the cell phone. When they turned 17 and had proven themselves to be responsible, they were given more freedom and did not have to call as much. Both of the girls have had some small fender benders. Nothing major, but then we gave them their cars. They did not have and still do not have any equity in their vehicles. This may have been a mistake on our part. Being girls and fearing for their safety from wierdo's out there, we got them late model slightly used cars for the dependability factor.

Wishing you the best girl. We are here for you if you need to cry on our shoulders when he leaves that first time.

[highlans]

Nice Car, u say get his licence does he have to take a test to go on the road over there?.

[Janet]

I know he took his driving test while in drivers training, but I don't know for sure if he has to take another one when he goes to get his actual license in 14 more days.