Should teenagers with learners permits drive on the interstate?




My husband had the bright idea to let our son drive on I-24 & I-40 this past weekend when we went to the Smokey Mountains. Keith has only driven on back roads in our rural area and once in the city. He didn't too well in the city driving so I was against him driving on the interstate. But my husband said that was the only way for him to learn. I think he needs more experience before he gets out on the interstate. But anyway he did drive on it and he did ok except for when he had to merge into traffic coming down the on- ramp. But I still feel its too dangerous for someone with little experience. What do you think?

If it were up to me, I'd wait until he had a LOT more experience before letting him drive on the freeway. I'm 27 and I still don't drive on the freeway all that much. Merging on/off ramps is still difficult for me.

I think a better idea is to let him go on main roads where the speed limit is 40-50 mph. That may be a better way to practice for the time being. Keep us posted, Ann!! :wave:

I was on pins & needles the whole time he was driving. I think he needs alot more experience before doing it again.

I was on pins & needles the whole time he was driving. I think he needs alot more experience before doing it again.
I don't blame you one bit for feeling that way. Has he only driven with you and your husband, or has he ever gone with an instructor?

Just with us, but he does fine on our rural roads, since theres not alot of traffic. He just needs more practice in heavier traffic. But this will probably turn me white headed. lol!

With how *I* drive, the interstate's really the safest place I could be :lol:
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Seriously though, when I first had my permit, I drove on pretty much everything but interstates. While there's always a bit of danger natural to driving itself, the only way to learn with driving is to do it yourself.

It's a hard call. I mean, a new driver needs to learn somehow how to drive on interstates, highways, freeways, and the only way is to have them do it. Of course, with a licensed driver.

I remember when I was 17 and taking drivers education in high school. One Saturday a group of us with the instructer went driving. He wanted us to drive on Pacific Coast Highway. Now, mind you, this is a fast and winding, curved road in Malibu, right on the coast. The instructor asked each of us abt our driving experiences. He felt I was the best one. I was DEATHLY AFRAID. He kept telling me to drive faster, since I was kinda going slow. I tell you, my fear eventually eased after that. Same thing with the freeway. If one is going to drive, they need to experience the various roads. Of course, it is best to do this when there is the least amount of traffic.

He needs to learn, but I don't want to be in the car with him. :lol:

Some people learn/adapt better on the interstate than on secondary roads and vice versa. It depends on the person. I learned how to drive in and around NYC and if you can drive there, you can drive anywhere lol

If they're going to live in an area with interstates/freeways, then they should. Once they get the basics down and master in town, then start the highway. On ramps, changing lanes, and off ramps should be priority. I see way too many people who cannot merge from an on ramp.

High speed roads can be scary, but they are a fact of life and yeah, learner's permits need to know them too.

I did the interstate in driver's ed and it was hard to keep it at 65 to be honest, because I'd done it so much with my dad, I was comfortable going faster. It was nice to be comfortable with all roads by the time I got to driver's ed. Because the girl I drove with didn't, and that was terrifying.

Hopefully, with a little practice he will get better. But I think we'll wait a little longer before he attempts the interstate again. My nerves just can't take it again so soon.