16 yesterday , learners permit today !

[fuzze]

My oldest son turned 16 yesterday and he passed his knowledge test to get his license to drive . He received a 92 ranger 4x4 as a gift from us, amongst other nice gifts , although he can't wait for the Z to get back on the road so he can learn a stick and really feel what it is to drive ! Remember the feeling of getting your license back in the day ,I know I couldn't wipe the smile off my face . Unfortunately things have changed over the years here in British Columbia and it now takes up to two years for a full license but he hopes to have it fully within the year . He's a great kid and we are very proud of Him .

Talk to you all later

Chris

[TomoHawk]

Well, I hope your boy has wisdom too. Too many kids here in the U.S. don't live long past getting their driver's license, because they don't realize how dangerous driving really can be. Some pedestrians too. I hope he realizes he's in a classic car, and treats it like one. Good luck to yer.

thxZ

[sblake01]

Well that a rather grim and sweeping generalization:rolleyes:

[bigoak]

Congrats to your son. Make sure he has it down pat before letting him loose with the Z.

Make him say "No Z's around trees" at least 2,000 times before he does...

Tell him to be careful out there. Drivers in Vancouver can be a little sketchy at times.

Cheers.

[sblake01]

Sorry Chris, I forgot to say congratulations to your son. I was somewhat blown away by Tomo's comment. If he's a good kid, like you say, he won't dissapoint you. My son has been driving for 11 years now and he has a better driving record than I did in my first 11 years.

[76Datsun280z]

Congrads!! Once he learns to drive the Z, he'll be asking ya' all the time!

[fuzze]

thanxz guys for the comments and encouragement for my new driver in the house . He is a good kid , very calm and so far he has made great decisions in his life . Now son # 2 could be a different matter as I've watched him carting and witnessed him on his dirtbike as well as bmx racing when he was real young and he has the speed bug bad . He has his eye on a sweet 5\10 in Coquitlam that is reported to be race ready , good thing he 's only 13 so I can still control him for a while '' if that is possible '' , more experienced parents can chime in at this point ! All in good fun though and we look forward to our boys enjoying datsun's for many years to come .

What a great board to belong to !

Later

Chris

[1 Bravo 6]

G'Day Chris,

Sounds like Dad and the sons all get along pretty well. That's great!!!.

When my son graduated from his first uni degree, we presented him with a well used but roadworthy Datsun Stanza. I figured that was the best way for him to "learn about cars". During the three years he had it, he installed a two way radio on the ceiling, painted it twice, (white then black, originally green), had the rear right brake lining catch fire, installed "Knight Rider" style LED's in the grill and blew up two engines. The car wound up in the wrecking yard, as did my Mazda ute when he discovered that it wouldn't take a bend in the road as well as a sports car would. After that, he'd learned his lessons the hard way and has developed into a reasonably safe driver. He's now 40 years old but I haven't even let him sit behind the wheel of my little "Precious" in case he reverts to his previous lead footed youth.

Rick.

:devious::devious:

[sblake01]

Though my son was never a 'lead foot' every car that he's owned in his 11 years of driving has found it's final resting place in the junkyard, except for the one he presently owns. 5 cars! A 88 Chevy Nova, which is really a rebadged 88 Toyota Corolla, a 89 Toyota Celica, a 86 Chevy Cavalier, a 86 Ford Taurus, and a 88 Honda Prelude. Ran the out of oil, or trans fluid, ran them until the suspension/brakes or electrical system gave up, etc. No mechanical skills, no knowledge of how a car works (except for stereo systems!) and no desire to learn. But he doesn't get tickets.

[Sailor Bob]

I can speak of a child driving a Z because I was about 18 when I bought my 71 (in Victoria BC). I am amazed today still by the fact that I survived. I was definately overwhelmed by the car, but managed to get a way with only a couple of relatively minor accidents (<$2000 - the car only cost $3000).

I did get some tickets, but the devil/car made me do it. Although I was inclined to behave poorly in the car I have to say I truely loved it - so I believe that your boy will enjoy it. Would have been pretty neat if my Dad had ponyed up for a Z when I was that age.

My kids - I have four: two oldest girls did driver training, youngest girl is doing driver training now and one boy who is 14 - couple of years to go for him yet, but he seems to have very little interest. I had to talk the girls into getting their licences - none of them were interested and neither has had an accident either (yet - fingers crossed).

A big truck (4x4) is a safer choice IMO.

Good luck

[ggarrard]

I distinctly remember my Dad handing me the car keys for the first time and telling me "If you put a scratch on my car I tear up your license"... I never marked his cars - (the first couple I owned were a different story..)

My son has a while to go before he drives on the road (he's 11) - but he is already talking about his first car/truck (he wants a big 4x4!!)...

The "fear of Dad" is always a good incentive....

GWGarrard

[Fun_in_my_z]

Well, I hope your boy has wisdom too. Too many kids here in the U.S. don't live long past getting their driver's license, because they don't realize how dangerous driving really can be. Some pedestrians too. I hope he realizes he's in a classic car, and treats it like one. Good luck to yer.

thxZ

Too many older drivers are Way to confident in their ability