.. 
15 Year Old In Vette?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: OSHKOSH WI
15 Year Old In Vette?
I need your thoughts. My son gets his temps on Tuesday, of course I need to teach him to drive.
He just loves my vette, and shows it to all his friends whenever he gets a chance. I would love to run to the store with him and on the way back throw him the keys and say you drive us home.
I think that would be something he would remember forever that the first car he ever drove was a corvette! I know I sure would.
He has not driven a car before but he has driven my boats (a 30ft cabin cruzer and a 70mph Bassboat) he has also driven the 4-wheeler and stuff like that.
I really want to do this but of course I am scared poopless about something happening to my baby
So what do you all think?
He just loves my vette, and shows it to all his friends whenever he gets a chance. I would love to run to the store with him and on the way back throw him the keys and say you drive us home.
I think that would be something he would remember forever that the first car he ever drove was a corvette! I know I sure would.
He has not driven a car before but he has driven my boats (a 30ft cabin cruzer and a 70mph Bassboat) he has also driven the 4-wheeler and stuff like that.
I really want to do this but of course I am scared poopless about something happening to my baby
So what do you all think?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Originally Posted by MADDOG97
I really want to do this but of course I am scared poopless about something happening to my baby
So what do you all think?
So what do you all think?
For the record, I'd say
No way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 2
From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
I think you should give him a few months driving experience in a "normal" car before you allow him to test out the vette. Jumping into the deep end of the pool may be a little overwhelming.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: NY
I'm going through the same thing with my 16 year old daughter, she wants to drive the vette. But after three weeks of driving she is not coordinated enough to drive my vette in traffic.
Wide open place might be ok for your son, but in traffic my daughter is having problems judging speed around corners, braking distances, drifting from side to side ( staying in lane) etc.
I'd wait...
Wide open place might be ok for your son, but in traffic my daughter is having problems judging speed around corners, braking distances, drifting from side to side ( staying in lane) etc.
I'd wait...
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 1
From: Tampa FL
Originally Posted by MADDOG97
I need your thoughts. My son gets his temps on Tuesday, of course I need to teach him to drive.
He just loves my vette, and shows it to all his friends whenever he gets a chance. I would love to run to the store with him and on the way back throw him the keys and say you drive us home.
I think that would be something he would remember forever that the first car he ever drove was a corvette! I know I sure would.
He has not driven a car before but he has driven my boats (a 30ft cabin cruzer and a 70mph Bassboat) he has also driven the 4-wheeler and stuff like that.
I really want to do this but of course I am scared poopless about something happening to my baby
So what do you all think?
He just loves my vette, and shows it to all his friends whenever he gets a chance. I would love to run to the store with him and on the way back throw him the keys and say you drive us home.
I think that would be something he would remember forever that the first car he ever drove was a corvette! I know I sure would.
He has not driven a car before but he has driven my boats (a 30ft cabin cruzer and a 70mph Bassboat) he has also driven the 4-wheeler and stuff like that.
I really want to do this but of course I am scared poopless about something happening to my baby
So what do you all think?
i'd be iffy about just throwing the keys his way at 15. but hey, it's your car.
.. just a thought .. maybe some backroads would be better.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 1
From: Tampa FL
Originally Posted by JOE1998
I'm going through the same thing with my 16 year old daughter, she wants to drive the vette. But after three weeks of driving she is not coordinated enough to drive my vette in traffic.
Wide open place might be ok for your son, but in traffic my daughter is having problems judging speed around corners, braking distances, drifting from side to side ( staying in lane) etc.
I'd wait...
Wide open place might be ok for your son, but in traffic my daughter is having problems judging speed around corners, braking distances, drifting from side to side ( staying in lane) etc.
I'd wait...
i still get iffy when my g/f drives mine now, and she's almost 20, been driving since 15.
She's great wth the whole clutch thing .. but I only just the other week let her borrow it, when i needed to borrow her truck.
Last edited by Neablas; May 16, 2005 at 09:45 PM. Reason: for was spelt as more
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
When you say that you're worried that "something might happen to your baby", are you referring to your 15-year old or the car?!?
I agree with the "not yet" posts... driving is certainly a thrill for a 15 year old, but he needs more experience before driving your Corvette. Not only do you need to worry about punching the gas and wrecking the car, he needs to pay attention to traffic, kids playing on sidewalks, SUVs being piloted by drivers on cell phones, and everything else. I'm sure your boy is a good kid or else you wouldn't even be considering this, but there's just too much other stuff to worry about for a new driver. When he's ready and comfortable driving, he'll be able to enjoy the experience even more.
I agree with the "not yet" posts... driving is certainly a thrill for a 15 year old, but he needs more experience before driving your Corvette. Not only do you need to worry about punching the gas and wrecking the car, he needs to pay attention to traffic, kids playing on sidewalks, SUVs being piloted by drivers on cell phones, and everything else. I'm sure your boy is a good kid or else you wouldn't even be considering this, but there's just too much other stuff to worry about for a new driver. When he's ready and comfortable driving, he'll be able to enjoy the experience even more.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,770
Likes: 0
From: Sahuarita AZ
I would probably have my son get some driving experience under his belt first. Even then, I would take it to a fairly open area without much traffic and ride with him. It's okay for a 15 year old to drive the car (insurance notwithstanding), but you certainly have to take the proper precautions, because things do happen.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
If you have insurance that will cover it if anything happens, DO IT! I'm sure it would mean the would to him. You think he shows it off now? Wait untill he gets to tell everybody the coolest dad in the world let him drive it. To me, making someone smile is worth taking the chance.
Give him a GREAT memory to look back on. How happy would you have been if your dad would have done that for you?
I say do it.
Give him a GREAT memory to look back on. How happy would you have been if your dad would have done that for you?
I say do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,230
Likes: 0
From: Land of Sky Blue Waters
I've got a stepson who's taking driver's ed now and there is NO WAY he's touching the 'vette. We don't plan on teaching him to drive a stick for a very long time.... there is no need (other vehicles here that are automatics). I guess I'm of the thinking there is no sense in giving him a taste of it only to forbid him to drive it. He won't know what he's missing. Heck, I don't allow the 21 year old to drive it (which isn't the same as saying he hasn't driven it - without my permission).
Last edited by Postergeist; May 16, 2005 at 03:26 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
I agree with the open road suggestions or wait until late in the day on Sunday after the mall has closed and let him drive it around in the parking lot until you feel comfortable. In the mean time he can drive one of your other cars on the road. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 160
From: Orlando FL
IMHO....it appears that he has considerable experience in driving various expensive vehicles and you have trusted him with those. I would say go ahead....you did say you are going to be with him when you are returning from the store. I wouldn't fear it! 
Besides, if it were my '97 and by chance something did happen, look at as an opportunity to make a change. I'd go for it for sure!! I'll bet your son is very responsible....other wise you wouldn't allow him to operate the other stuff. Heck, I was driving tractors and pickup trucks on the farm at the age of 10!! Can probably still back a four wheel wagon into a barn stall with a tractor!!
Besides, if it were my '97 and by chance something did happen, look at as an opportunity to make a change. I'd go for it for sure!! I'll bet your son is very responsible....other wise you wouldn't allow him to operate the other stuff. Heck, I was driving tractors and pickup trucks on the farm at the age of 10!! Can probably still back a four wheel wagon into a barn stall with a tractor!!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,287
Likes: 0
From: york pa
Originally Posted by rcknusa
I agree with the open road suggestions or wait until late in the day on Sunday after the mall has closed and let him drive it around in the parking lot until you feel comfortable. In the mean time he can drive one of your other cars on the road.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,978
Likes: 1,854
From: North/Central NJ - a.k.a. Gotti in the CFNE section
St. Jude Donor '05
I don't know if this was said but is the car 6 spd or auto? If its auto the car is easy to drive.. he doesn't need to press the gas all the way down and since the car handles amazingly its probably easier to control then a car that doesn't handle fine. You have insurance, your in the car with him, and if hes responsible let him drive it.. hell be fine