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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To put two 11 year olds in an uber?

151 replies

ohlookgreyvelour · 01/01/2022 19:55

Just had a message from one of my dcs friends mum inviting them both out for friends birthday next week, however we will all be back at work and are unable to take them directly to the place ourselves.

So I was I thinking that I could book them an uber to pick them up from home and drop them to the place, which is a 5-10 min drive depending on traffic.
Both dc are very sensible and are usually at home alone in the evening from 4.30pm until 6.30pm when do gets home from work, I don't usually get in until later.

The mum is unable to collect as she will be coming from work herself. So do you think that would be ok?
I don't want them to walk as it will be dark at that time and they would have to walk through quite a rough estate.

OP posts:
Offmyfence · 01/01/2022 19:56

Absolutely fine, don't forget they need masks!

changeyourname11111 · 01/01/2022 19:57

No I wouldn’t do that personally (or the walk in the dark). Can you ask someone you know (family member or friend) to drive them there instead?

Footnote · 01/01/2022 19:58

I would ask a local taxi firm rather than Uber. I think I remember that drivers who drive children to school are DBS checked? Perhaps they have someone who does that.
Could you or their other parent be on the phone while they are in the taxi or would you be unreachable?

Porcupineintherough · 01/01/2022 19:58

Personally I'd use a licensed taxi cab but other than that I think it's fine.

Offmyfence · 01/01/2022 19:59

@changeyourname11111

No I wouldn’t do that personally (or the walk in the dark). Can you ask someone you know (family member or friend) to drive them there instead?
Out of interest, why not?

Uber will know who picked them up and where they went!

What do you actually think might happen?

FoggySpecs · 01/01/2022 19:59

No, definitely not.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 01/01/2022 19:59

Doesn't Uber have a lower age limit?

NoSquirrels · 01/01/2022 19:59

Anyone else going who can help? How is birthday friend getting there if their parents are at work?

megletthesecond · 01/01/2022 19:59

No way.

Offmyfence · 01/01/2022 20:00

@FoggySpecs

No, definitely not.
Why not?
gogohm · 01/01/2022 20:01

Call a local taxi / mini cab company and ask if they have dbs cleared drivers - many contract for getting kids to school eg sen

Bussinbussin · 01/01/2022 20:01

I don't live in the UK but Uber is minimum 18yo where I am so maybe check their T&Cs.

Original poster
ohlookgreyvelour · 01/01/2022 20:01

Birthday child lives across the road from the location so will meet mum or be collected by her I assume.

OP posts:
Arubaa · 01/01/2022 20:02

I don't think uber will take un-accompanied under 16s. I would book a local mini cab.

SparklyLeprechaun · 01/01/2022 20:02

I don't think you can do that. I mean, you might get a driver who's willing to ignore the rules, but they are not supposed to take unsupervised children.

SlowBoiledFrog · 01/01/2022 20:03

Agree with licenced taxi firm not uber

Smartiepants79 · 01/01/2022 20:03

You might want to check that the taxi company are happy to carry unaccompanied minors.
School transport taxis have to have a chaperone it not sure whether it would apply to this scenario.
Is there someone who could recommend someone trustworthy?

AlwaysLatte · 01/01/2022 20:04

I definitely wouldn't, I would take the time off to take them. Or find a relative/family friend if really not possible.

Original poster
ohlookgreyvelour · 01/01/2022 20:04

Thank you I will definitely look into a taxi firm.

For those who say no, can I ask why?

I know myself I struggle with letting them be a little more independent, but they will have to travel alone at some point very soon as they'll be going to secondary so I have to let go.

OP posts:
Waxonwaxoff0 · 01/01/2022 20:04

I would find a local taxi company that has female drivers. This is what I do when I have to get a taxi on my own.

Invisimamma · 01/01/2022 20:05

I have an 11 year old. I wouldn't be comfortable with the arrangement. But I also don't leave him home alone yet (10-30mins here and there but no longer). They are still at primary school.

My 11yr old isn't street smart and would have no idea how uber works or what to do if something goes wrong, or doesn't go to plan. It's too much responsibility for that age.

Offmyfence · 01/01/2022 20:07

@Invisimamma

I have an 11 year old. I wouldn't be comfortable with the arrangement. But I also don't leave him home alone yet (10-30mins here and there but no longer). They are still at primary school.

My 11yr old isn't street smart and would have no idea how uber works or what to do if something goes wrong, or doesn't go to plan. It's too much responsibility for that age.

So you do leave him alone?
Original poster
ohlookgreyvelour · 01/01/2022 20:07

Unfortunately I can't take the time off, I'm in a new job and have already booked the day before as it is my dcs birthday.

OP posts:
AlwaysLatte · 01/01/2022 20:07

For those who say no, can I ask why?
It's still getting into a car with a stranger. I just wouldn't be comfortable with it.

Original poster
ohlookgreyvelour · 01/01/2022 20:09

Obviously I would be the one doing the booking all they would have to do is leave the house.

As I said they're very sensible and have been taught what to do in most situations.

OP posts:
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