NB This is a sponsored post.
One of the joys of being a Middle Aged Mama is when your kids learn to drive.
And I use the word “joys” loosely 
.
Call me chicken, but when Mr 20 got his Learner’s Permit I left the task of driving instructor totally up to the hubster; I knew my nerves couldn’t handle it. It was only as our son became more confident as a driver that I occasionally let him take the wheel.
Of course the tables have completely turned on me now. Last year Mr 20 bought a flash car – a black Nissan 350Z – and guess who is NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE IT?!
Miss 17 is happy to rely on public transport for the time being and has not yet gone for her L’s, so I have not yet had to endure go through the same with her.
A Good Driving Record
Mind you, both she and Mr 20 give a running commentary on my driving technique if they are travelling in the car with me. As I remind them, I have been driving since before they were born! And, I have only been booked once – over 25 years ago – when I didn’t come to a full stop at a “Stop” sign. I was turning left and it seemed safe, but in the eyes of the law that was just not good enough! I reckon that’s a pretty good track record.
Despite my years of driving experience, I’m the first to admit I’m not always the perfect driver. I’ve been known to take corners too close and have scratched my mags, and may (or may not) have reversed into things more than once (ahem). My car has a rear spoiler and I totally couldn’t see that darn shopping trolley / trailer / cross out which does not apply!
However when I saw this infographic of Defensive Driving Tips from the folk at Sinnamon Lawyers, I was pleased to note that on the whole, I am being a good defensive driver. These points are great for passing on to when your kids learn to drive – and for us older fogies Middle Aged Mamas too.
Who will be the driving instructor in your house when your kids learn to drive?! And how’s your driving track record?!
My husband taught both of our daughters to drive. Mistake being they both come up fast to a stop just like he does, I grip the door handle and turn my head.
LOL yep that’s scary 😉
All mine now have their licences and cars and it’s absolutely liberating. The boys were all shocking know-it-alls and I found it frustrating in the extreme trying to teach them to drive. We have terrible public transport up here so it was imperative they get their licences asap.
Yes I am enjoying Mr 20 being able to drive, though he very sneakily bought a 2 seater so he wouldn’t have to take people everywhere! Smart kid that one 😉
I’m thankful that I have a long while before my kids learn to drive. I got most of my training with an instructor because my mum didn’t have the patience and my dad was working but he did start me off in the manual truck and after a few tries told me to have a go at auto!!
Neither of my parents would teach me due to family circumstances, so I had to pay a driving instructor. It cost a fortune, but there was no prouder moment in my life than when I finally got my licence and could say, “I did it myself”!
I think I was the driving instructor for both of my kids as my hubby was either too busy or too chicken to do it. They seemed to prefer me as I am a little more relaxed than my hubby. He tends to get very nervous around inexperienced drivers!
Just between you me and the internet Kathy … I think that is why Miss 17 isn’t keen to start learning to drive … she saw what it was like for her brother!
I’m a better driver than my husband so the driving instructor would be me. Haha