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Teenagers Driving

stepmomtotwoteenagers's picture

Submitted by stepmomtotwotee... on Sat, 07/23/2011 - 11:44pm

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Teenage Stepchildren

Hi all,

I have a question re: a 15 year old driving. My 15 year old SD has just got her drivers permit in USA. My husband and I have visitation with her and her younger brother for 3 weeks. Hubby has told her that he will let her drive our brand new 100K RV to help her get practice. She has been learning (to my knowledge) on a Toyota Echo. We live overseas and only see the children sporadically. Hubby tries to be "Disneyland Dad" on the trips we have with the kids (expensive holidays every time, presents etc). I am worried that it is now getting to the irresponsible stage. I have refused to be in the RV if she is driving (don't want to get myself killed), but he won't listen. Does anybody know the law surrounding this?? There is a court mediator involved and I have the BM's contacts details, but would really prefer to not handle things that way.

Can anyone help? Also, is there anywhere that I can get the "rules" in writing? I have looked on the DMV site and it asks for information that I would prefer not to provide (my name etc). I don't want there to be a "record" of an inquiry in case that is used against husband in future.

Help would be appreciated. Thanks

Anywho78's picture

Submitted by Anywho78 on Sat, 07/23/2011 - 11:47pm

The "rules" differ in each state. Try this site... http://education4drivers.com/permit-restrictions-rules.htm

Go by a local DPS & pick up a learner's permit packet from them...you should be able to find one via a simple google search Smiling

From what I've read, as long as there is a licensed driver in the vehicle, they can drive...unless you're talking an RV so big that you need a CDL to drive it (not sure how big the 100K is).

PLEASE let me know if your SD will be driving through Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe or Huntsville TX & I will ensure that I & my loved ones will be OFF THE ROADS for any time/date you give.

Best of luck!

**posted this on your duplicated post as well**

I would like to ad that maybe you should even call your local DPS...they can normally give you a quick response.

stepmomtotwoteenagers's picture

Submitted by stepmomtotwotee... on Sat, 07/23/2011 - 11:50pm

Hi Anywho78,

I will try the link you posted. Many thanks. Our RV is 33feet long. We will not be going through Texas at all. If anybody else would like a location heads up, please ask!!!

Anywho78's picture

Submitted by Anywho78 on Sat, 07/23/2011 - 11:54pm

I didn't see any restrictions on there that mention RV's...which is surprising. I'm sure they can't check all of the mirrors properly...I'm scared being around them on the best of days!

alwaysanxious's picture

Submitted by alwaysanxious on Sat, 07/23/2011 - 11:56pm

Aren't there issues with her needing to be on insurance or something?

I don't let SD15 drive my car. I don't want her to, but if asked I say because she is not on the insurance. Her BM can do all that crap, she has her full time and SD decided to live with her.

stepmomtotwoteenagers's picture

Submitted by stepmomtotwotee... on Sun, 07/24/2011 - 4:37am

I don't really understand what you mean here. I haven't used forums before yesterday and don't know what an rss is. Sorry

stepmomtotwoteenagers's picture

Submitted by stepmomtotwotee... on Mon, 07/25/2011 - 12:39am

Okay so here is an update (a very good one).

Yesterday hubby came home from work early. He said he needed about half hour of my time. I got an apology! He said he realized that he had made a huge mistake (not by telling his daughter that she could drive the RV, but by not discussing it with me).

Anyways, long story short, he has told his daughter that he made an error of judgement and that she will not be driving the RV. We are making progress!!!! YAY

stepmomismad's picture

Submitted by stepmomismad on Mon, 07/25/2011 - 1:43pm

stepmomtotwo... your last post is the best outcome... You and your husband should work for a united front on issues that will affect the whole family. However, regarding a young driver. Check your Insurance! My Insurance policy state that any driver under the age 25y on any of my personal vehicles is NOT INSURED. I signed off on that assurance, my 16yo SS is on notice; He can not drive our vehicles; he is not even allowed to "Reposition them in the driveway". If he "borrows" one it will promptly be reported as stolen. He must be able to provide and support his own vehicle. These are the same terms my BS had to follow when he wanted to drive 10years ago. It's a tough life, someone has to live it... why should it be me (all over again)?
So, while you and your husband are considering the driving of a teenager... read the fine print.