(just)16 year old DD announced with 10 minutes notice that her 17 year old friend's friend (a boy I don't know) was going to pick her up (with friend) in his car to go out. She asked (which is good) although it had already been arranged 
This threw me as it's a first time her being a passenger with a young inexperienced driver/ stranger to her parents ( and PFB/only child) especially with very little notice. DH was around and also not crazy about the idea. However we realise we can't wrap her in cotton wool and she was honest about intention to go. DH said he would want to give the car (and secretly the driver!) a quick once over when he arrived with friend to pick her up. Apparently we were ruining her life and treating her like a baby. In the end after dramatics and saying she wouldn't go, DH was "allowed" to go outside and meet the driver (DH was brief and light-hearted and told me after that the lad seemed very nice/polite and car appeared new so not a rust bucket and nothing sporty) and they have just driven off. I feel weird about it all and conflicted. She is growing up and these firsts are hard. I can't help but panic about her safety but don't want to clip her wings. I fear my love for her could make me lose perspective. I would be really interested to hear views from other mums. Am I being OTT or are my feelings understandable? Thank you all.