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Original poster

To buy a car that DSS can't learn to drive in?

33 replies

Digitaldedado · 06/05/2024 08:12

DSS is learning to drive, he hasn't shown a huge amount of interest to date. But we are trying to encourage him where we can and have bought him a pack of lessons, which are still to be used. But he's been out with DH and I for maybe about 10 hours, and 5 with his DM although she isn't keen to teach him due to the cost.
We are a one car family, and have no plans or intentions to buy a 2nd. DH has promised DSS he'd help him buy his own car when he goes to uni, I've committed to helping with the running cost until he starts working FT.
DH and I want to change our current car, however the car we want isn't suitable for a learner due to the power and insurance. Should we wait 9/12 months until he passes or just do it now and get him to learn through an instructor? Our main concern is we could wait for something that might never happen due to his current interest levels.

OP posts:
Halfemptyhalfling · 06/05/2024 08:36

He won't need a car when he is at university. It will just be a pain to look after. Passing his test before he goes will be a massive advantage as fewer young people are passing and he will have more choice of housing and jobs after university

Insurance for learners is reasonable but insurance for just passed is massive.

I would recommend giving him lessons and practice in your old car to try and get him to pass before university. Then when he has gone get your nice car

CarryOnCharon · 06/05/2024 08:35

Just get the car. Encourage him with lessons and the promise of a car.

InSpainTheRain · 06/05/2024 08:31

It's hard to learn to drive with only an instructor and no additional practise. I'd keep a car he can practise in and encourage him to commit to a date for his test

LaPalmaLlama · 06/05/2024 08:28

I think I’d just lay it down to him and say, look if you’re motivated to learn to drive we’ll keep this car another year so you can practice ( in which case book the lessons) but if you’re not bothered, we’ll change it now, so up to you.

QueSyrahSyrah · 06/05/2024 08:28

Why the rush if he's not bothered? As long as he's not asking for lifts all the time then leave him to his public transport until such time he decides to learn.

Peachy2005 · 06/05/2024 08:28

Tell him the situation and get a commitment from him to take it seriously , then book the first lesson with the instructor. He may like it better when he’s having formal lessons too. It’s better to have a car he can practice on, it’s too expensive with lessons only. If you change your car now, I think you’ll regret it.

Chausson · 06/05/2024 08:26

Leave it to professionals, plus unless there is some massive issue where he can’t take public transport do not buy a car for when he is at University. He will probably not be allowed to park on campus unless he has a blue badge.

TeeBee · 06/05/2024 08:24

There's nothing more stressful than teaching your own child to drive. Buy the car and leave it to the professionals. It's not as if he seems that bothered.