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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Driving with 2yo

29 replies

addictedtotoast · 07/05/2013 21:25

Passed my driving test last week. AIBU to think that I can drive with my 2yo daughter in the car after a couple of weeks.

OP posts:
Annunziata · 07/05/2013 21:26

The more you put it off, the more you will build up your nerves!

Does she still nap in the car? That's a good way to start, and then she won't distract you so much.

Annunziata · 07/05/2013 21:26

God, my English isn't working tonight. Build up your nerves in a bad way Confused

ceebie · 07/05/2013 21:28

I think my driving was probably safest when I first passed my test. I think you should be fine. Well done for passing!

Original poster
addictedtotoast · 07/05/2013 21:31

Thanks. I agree. My husband thinks otherwise....

OP posts:
zippey · 07/05/2013 21:32

Id say go for it, but Id also warn you that most accidents happen in the first two years after you pass your test (I might be making that statistic up)... Id also say that you are likely to be more careful... so I dont know.

Why not get the P plates out and the Baby On Board signs and go for it?

Original poster
addictedtotoast · 07/05/2013 21:35

Yes I think I am making myself anxious. I need to go for it

OP posts:
5madthings · 07/05/2013 21:37

Just do it, I haven't passed my test but do drive our cat, with do as passenger do its legal and we have the madthings in the car with us.

When I was first learning I went out without the kids but as I got better I started driving with them in the car.

FadBook · 07/05/2013 21:42

Have you got a nice neighbour or family to come with you for the first few times out? I felt more confident when another driver was with me and didn't really realise at what point someone wasn't with me iyswim.

You'll be fine I'm sure - congrats btw Grin

TwinkleTits · 07/05/2013 21:44

I passed this time last year and had a 1 yo and 5 yo and just got straight in my new car and went.

I was more nervous that I would have been if the kids werent with me, but its rare for me to be in the car with no child in it.

CreatureRetorts · 07/05/2013 21:46

YANBU. Your husband isn't exactly confident in your abilities is he?!

However I found that it was driving full stop that I was nervous about. Best thing was going for a solo spin - it felt great and it was only around the block but helped.

andubelievedthat · 07/05/2013 21:51

If the police ever stop you 5madthings, do post re same ,who would claim to be licence holder ,that cat your driving?

Original poster
addictedtotoast · 07/05/2013 21:52

Thanks for the advice. I have shown it to my husband.

OP posts:
5madthings · 07/05/2013 21:53

Lol dp as passenger of car it should say!

Princesspond · 07/05/2013 21:58

I passed my test two weeks before my second child was born, so within a month had to drive with a 2 year old and a newborn. Anyway that was the point, I needed to drive as it was going to make getting around so much easier. Just go for it, don't let your husband put you off

ceebie · 07/05/2013 21:59

I'm sure you could choose some short 'safe' routes initially, a 30mph area out of rush hour and where you know the roads well. In the worst-case scenario, child seats are pretty safe these days and your DD is extremely unlikely to come to any harm in the back seat.

PoppyWearer · 07/05/2013 22:08

Definitely go for a few solo-drives around the block first.

Otherwise, go for it! I passed my test only a couple of years before DC1 was born and I am a much better/more cautious driver when DCs are in the car, which is a good thing.

MolotovCocktail · 07/05/2013 22:09

It all depends on your confidence.

When we bought our most recent car, the salesman (who was lovely) asked me what I thought the biggest hazard was for a driver. I said something like the driver being distracted but he reckoned it was the driver not being in total control of the vehicle; of not feeling comfortable or being completely confident behind the wheel.

If you feel confident, then drive with your 2yo :)

NoTeaForMe · 07/05/2013 22:11

I passed my test when my daughter was 1, I driver her the very next day. I knew that the longer I left it the more nervous I would be! It's been absolutely fine!

5Mad I thought if was illegal to drive as a learner with minors in the car? if it isn't then it should be!

Original poster
addictedtotoast · 07/05/2013 22:13

I have visions of 5madthings driving a cat. Far more intetesting than my original post.

OP posts:
5madthings · 07/05/2013 22:14

No its not illegal and why should it be?

I have ,y provisional, have passed my theory etc, but cant afford to take the test at the moment. I took ,my instructors advice and asked them if I was OK to drive with kids in the car as well. Its not like passing your test makes you magically an OK driver, you are still learning once you have passed your test, should you have to drive for so many years once passing before driving with minors?

VisualiseAHorse · 07/05/2013 22:19

I just drove with my one year old in the back. I'm still a learner (can't afford that bloody test!), obviously OH was in the passenger seat.

5madthings · 07/05/2013 22:20

Yes I would like to drive a cat...it would have to be a BIG cat to fit me and the mad things Grin

5madthings · 07/05/2013 22:22

tea why should it be illegal, why do you think it was magically OK for you to drive with your child in the car the day after you passed the test yet 24hrs earlier wouldn't have been?!

tabulahrasa · 07/05/2013 22:24

I picked DD up from school while having lessons with my instructor, did practice with a friend with 3 children in the back and drove my DC alone from the day I passed my test.

Most journeys are taking the DC places, the quicker it bec

tabulahrasa · 07/05/2013 22:24

Becomes normal the better.