Just add fuel for 17year olds?

~Chameleon~

motorguy wrote: »

So what job did your son have that he was able to have his own car on his 17th birthday and insure it in his own name???

Mate, you're really coming across as "well, all these poor people cant possibly afford to buy a car, so why let them get their test?"

He bought his own car and I paid for the first year's insurance. He's covered all his own costs since then as he runs a very successful business. The difference is that I don't treat all young people the same. I know very many young and responsible drivers as well as those who couldn't afford to drive until their late teens/twenties.

The OP was enquiring about obtaining a vehicle for her son that only requires him to pay for the fuel. So presumably, he can't afford to buy and insure a car without some sort of financial help. Hence my question as to whether he'd done any research into the cost of buying and insuring a car before actually taking his test.

~Chameleon~

motorguy wrote: »

That smacks of a "I'm considerably richer than yew" viewpoint on life.

Sad really.

Really???? :rotfl:


You know absolutely nothing about me or my family.

I wasn't even speaking from a personal standpoint but rather considering that due to the extremely high cost to young drivers these days that it's only the privileged ones that can afford to do it (legally). I certainly can't imagine a family living on benefits or low income would be able to afford it.

What is sad is that young people are penalised in this way as I actually do agree with you in that every 17 year old should be able to learn to drive and buy/insure a car without it breaking the bank or driving them (or their parents) into debt!

And with that, I'm out of this conversation as quite frankly it's becoming far too ridiculous and personal.

Oh and by the way. I'm not your "mate" and I consider it extremely rude to address a lady in that manner.

wongataa

motorguy wrote: »

It can hinder your employment because you can only get a job thats on your bus or train route.

I've a guy works for me, 26 years of age, didnt do his test when he was younger, now stuck in a job because its "handy to where he lives" - gets the bus to work every day, or if hes lucky, his girlfriend ferries him down. Totally regrets not doing his test - feels now hes too old and people would laugh at him.

Tell your guy he is an idiot. There is no shame in taking a driving test at 26. I passed mine when I was older than that. many people take tests when older. He doesn't have to tell everyone he is doing it if that would make him feel better.

motorguy

wongataa wrote: »

Tell your guy he is an idiot. There is no shame in taking a driving test at 26. I passed mine when I was older than that. many people take tests when older. He doesn't have to tell everyone he is doing it if that would make him feel better.

Aye i tell him regularly. I suspect it "suits him" not to, but hes really limiting his opportunities.

Herzlos

I don't see the problem with learning to drive and then not getting a car for a few years, it's very MSE as you'll get cheaper insurance having had a license for x many years over having just passed. If you're particularly rusty then you can always do a few hours refresher training with an instructor, but they would be unlikely to be any worse off driving wise than a new driver.

They've also got the added bonus that they can drive if required for work, emergency, convenience, whatever.