Am I being over protective? WWYD?

[sphil]

We employ an 18 year old student through Direct Payments to play with Ds2
( severe ASD) for an hour after school every weekday. She usually takes him to one of a number of local parks, which are all walking distance. She passed her driving test two weeks ago and has just texted me to ask if she can take him to a park in the next town ( about 15 mins drive away). My instinct is to say no, until she's been driving for a bit longer ( she's only turned 18 a week ago) but am I being too fussy? Ds is generally well-behaved in a car, but can do things like open and shut electric windows and occasionally has tried to open the car door when we are on the move. I can warn her about all these things of course and she can use central locking etc (shes very sensible) but I wonder whether her inexperience might mean that shes distracted?

Opinions please - be honest.

I think I would wait a while too. She needs to get some experience first of driving on her own imo. Plus I know my own ds can do random things like shout suddenly which can be very off putting when trying to concentrate on road.

I agree with cansu. Looking after someone else's child is a big responsibilty, and the issue of operating the electric windows or opening the door could be difficult to handle if there are other distractions on the road even for an experienced driver.

I only passed my test 5 years ago, so I actually had lessons with my DC in the car, nevermind driving them round after I'd passed. I never really found it an issue tbh.

I think it depends on the person. I was still quite nervous driving just after I passed my test and DS still makes me jump now although thankfully it doesn't affect my driving as I sort of ignore it.

I think you are probably being over protective but I would be too so I agree. Perhaps you could politely say thanks for ghe thought but you would prefer her to stay local just incase he has accident etc.

I've spoken to her and was honest about Ds1's sometimes unpredictable behaviour in the car. She was fine about it and they have gone off to the local park, him on his scooter as usual. I know she was only asking to give him some variety - the park she was talking about is much bigger with more to do. Thanks for the advice everyone - I have to say that DH has just come home and agreed with me straight off - and he is MUCH more laid back than me

Her insurance would have to cover her for business use - rather than social, domestic and pleasure. That would increase her premiums - considerably at her age.

I was going to say about insurance. She would need to put that she was using the car for work and get work insurance.

I would wait a year. It's not so much the inexperience as that combined with her age. I'd be a lot happier after a year's practice!