The Big Test
Today we’ll be heading over to the fire station so Big can take his driving test.
Sigh.
This brings mixed feelings as you would suspect. But, I am so exited for him! Nothing gives you more freedom than a driver’s license. The rig he’ll be driving is a 1975 Ford pick-up (manual transmission of course). The wheels he and Big Daddy put on the thing make it look fierce, I’ll tell ya.
He’s already got a job. He’s gainfully employed at the local Taco Bell. (They’re busting his arse with hours this summer I’ll tell ya.) So he’s ready to go with the insurance payments and the gas bill-which with that beast- will be substantial.
He’s ready. Parallel parking may put a kink in his plans, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
However…he’s a boy-A sixteen year old boy.
Do I really need to say more?
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4 comments:
Sugar, it just seems so strange, alien, dangerous and wrong that a child of 16 can be allowed drive.
Okay, maybe it's just a European reaction thing, but I just don't understand how it is permitted. And I know you wouldn't try tell me American kids of 16 are more mature and responsible than European ones.
Explain to me why this is allowed.
Sweetie, I don't know how it's allowed. It just is. I got my license 22 years ago on my 16th birthday.
Kids are kids the world round, I think. Hormones kick in and take over at the same age no matter skin color or cultural differences.
How old do you have to be to drive in your neck of the woods?
And isn't our legal drinking age over here(21) high than yours?
It varies by the type of vehicle in Ireland (and the rules vary throughout the EU). First learner permits at:
16 for work vehicles (farm tractors) and low powered bikes
17 for vehicles less than 3,500kg fully loaded (cars)
21 for all buses, and heavy goods vehicles with trailers
18 for all others
Other conditions include passing a medical, theory test prior to application and sometimes being licensed fully on one type before applying for the next grade.
They must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver in the first year. The laws are to be made stricter, possibly including night-time curfews; higher penalties for certain offences like speeding; restricted engine size
Most EU states are far, far, far stricter.
Yes, 18 for drinking. Kids even younger will always manage to get drink somehow. Just as learner drivers will flout the restrictions. We have all these laws and a police force that don't/can't enforce them, so maybe the whole thing is academic.
Big got his permit at 15. He has to drive with a licensed adult and pass a eye test and a written or theory test. There are still some curfews enforced for 16 year old drivers mostly involving driving after dark.
I lived in Arkansas for awhile. At that time, you could get a leaner's permit a 14. We moved before I was able.
As far as the drinking age? Kids will get a hold of it if they really want it. I think its academic everywhere!
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