17 year old not passed test - took my car out at 1am in the morning

[ThisBlueQuail]

My 17 year old son who has had 2 driving lessons took my car out at 1am in the morning - would you stop driving lessons?

I reported it as I couldn’t believe it either. Apparently OP checks out, so it’s scary that they walk among us …

Sorry but this cretinous arsehole should be nowhere near a steering wheel, any time in the foreseeable future.

Can't believe some of the people on this thread. He's committed a serious crime, something that people get imprisoned for. and some pople think an appropriate consequence of that is a pause to his driving lessons.

Absolutely mental.

I was just providing a POV, we only have limited info, I can assure you that I don’t sniff glue.

My point is more than 17 year olds don’t consider their actions or possible consequences. OP did not say he was not insured, he may be learning in her car, he may have had a driver in passenger seat, we don’t know the full detail, as I say I was just providing a POV that there should be consequences, and ones that matter to him.

FGS of course he's not insured if he has taken the car without consent. And even if by some miracle he is, he is still guilty of TWOC and driving without a licence.

Honestly, you're not helping here.

we all did it. Give him a proper telling off and withhold food for a week

Maybe some enforced litter picking and painting the neighbours fences then too?!

Obviously, if something more serious did happen, then there would need to be more serious consequences.

A few years ago local to me a 17yr old whose parents were on holiday took their car and had 4 friends join him. He crashed the car and tragically they were all killed. Imagine how two of his friends parents felt when they got that knock on the door and thought their kids were in bed! Also how his parents felt getting that phone call at 3am. Ban him from your car until he matures.

@ThisBlueQuail

This is the kind of reality check and hard learning lesson your son needs. He got away lightly, but he needs to realise the seriousness of his actions. Is he prone to impulsivity generally?

Young male adult drivers are the most likely to die unfortunately.

Could a chat from a Police officer help?

Good luck!

100% I'd stop their driving lessons! That's the nare minimum I would do, they would have other consequences to stealing a car and going off galavanting with it. If they want to learn to drive, they can pay for the privilege of learning by themselves after that stunt.

I'm another wondering if he was alone.

OP

I would be calling around any parents you know to let them know your DS is a twat and give them a heads up that their child might be thinking to do the same thing.

I gave no idea of punishment but whatever it is it needs to hurt. A lot.

I understand you not wanting to go to the police but I think you should consider it.

How does a "chat" from a cop provide a reality check? Should be arrested.

Alright, stick him in a cell for 24 hours, that might do the trick… release him with a caution (‘chat’ from a police officer…)

Do the please really arrest someone just because another person says they committed a traffic crime with no evidence?

They may speak to him. If he admits it informally they may arrest him and interview him under caution. If he doesn't then change his story or go 'no comment' then every possibility he'll be charged.

F he’d totalled your car the only way your insurance would pay out would be if you reported him for TWOC. So you’d have the choice of no payout or your son having a criminal record.

I’d redouble his driving lessons but ask him to reimburse you at a later date.

I'd report the car stolen and let him deal with the consequences.

100%!!!!
My son did the same but unfortunately he got caught the car was impounded which coat a small fortune to get back and went to court. He received a fine and 6 points on his provisional licence. He learnt his lesson the hard way as his insurance for a car now would be extortionate... he's opted for a 125 motorbike provisional licence at the moment until his points expire as he is now 21yrs old so not too to long. His bike insurance is still expensive but cheaper than a car

Absolutely stop them, hide your keys and tell them if they do it again you'll be informing the police.

No, I most definitely did not take my parents car without consent and drive it on my own before I had a licence.

My friends son did something similar and died (recently turned 18) this time last year, because he thought he was a racing driver at 6am on a country road. 🤦🏻‍♀️
Can’t say I was surprised as he was always acting the maggot but he was her only child.

Even if he passed his test, if he’s already making stupid decisions, he’s more likely to be another sad statistic in a couple of years time…!

If the son had been caught with no licence and no insurance the car may have been taken and crushed.

Yes

My daughter did this. She’s having driving lessons that I haven’t stopped (because I want her to pass her test sooner rather than later) but I have taken the keys away so there isn’t the option anymore.