Teaching your child to drive

Adrian_Thompson wrote:

Keith Tanner wrote: As far as I've been able to ascertain, every Brit learned to drive on an old Land Rover in low range in a field. They then got a Mini for a first car, which also taught them self-reliance and problem-solving skills. Me, I learned to drive in an old Land Cruiser in the Outback

Close, Dad ran Land Rovers, but I learnt in my moms BMW 2002 and my first car was an Imp not a Mini, but as I say, you were real real close.

We moved to the states a long time before I was old enough to learn to drive, but the last car my parents had there was an orange-brown Austin Maxi. From what they say it was a wretched car, and I'm glad I never drove it. Of course, the odds of it having survived until I was old enough were probably pretty small...

In reply to dyintorace:

I started teaching my son to drive a manual today...

...on YOUR car!

SVreX wrote: In reply to dyintorace: I started teaching my son to drive a manual today... ...on YOUR car!

I can't decide whether that would be exciting or incredibly scary

MrJoshua wrote: I can't decide whether that would be exciting or incredibly scary

Definitely both.

Actually, turns out it's a pretty good car to learn on.

The trans is notchy and clear as to what gear it is in.

The clutch is a little sloppy, and forgiving.

The only thrill is the power, but it turns out that was an advantage. It forced him to be VERY careful with how much throttle he gave it. While trying to learn how to release the clutch, being very gentle on the throttle is a good thing.

There were a couple of times he mixed up the throttle with the brake. THAT was worth a change of pants.

Did you put air in the tires?

(Shoulda put the drag tires on had him practice launches)

I learned how to drive in two vehicles: Geo Metro with the 5-speed and a three cylinder, and a 3.0 v6 Ranger, also with the five-speed. Really liked the Ranger!

For me stick was a bit much starting out. I learned in mom's Plymouth, and when I was ready my now ex B-I-L taught me stick.

The important thing is you're teaching her. I know too many parents making up bull E36 M3 reasons to not teach their kids to drive. I'll avoid a thread jack and save it for a dedicated thread.

Figured I'd resurrect this thread somewhat. My son got his learner's permit this week. We currently don't have anything with a manual trans in the fleet, so a variety of slushybox cars will have to do for now.

I have to say, I felt less stressed teaching kids to fly than to drive on the street. We've done some driving in parking lots, industrial parks, etc the past few months, but driving with traffic this week has been interesting. He's quickly getting better at the basics though.

Last night's ride home from dinner with my parents: <img src="" />