…and my baby is in the class. OK, so she’s going to be 16 in Sept and she’s taller than I am and she’s been practice driving since last Sept and her license means no more taxi duty for me… Still, I can’t believe my baby is taking driver’s ed.
<sigh>
These milestones in her life are making me feel old.
< FCM slips into a troubled reverie wherein said daughter heads off to college in 3 short years… >
FCM, tell your daughter that it’s a great joke to drive the car around before the instructor gets in. They always love this old classic, and it’ll help her out when he’s deciding who to pass or fail. Although my driver’s ed instructor expressed his appreciation in an odd way. Maybe driving 6 inches wasn’t enough?
And Ralf. Jr. is 11 going on 17. I’ll be in your shoes in about 4 years and change.
well, she was the only one in her class to score 100% on the simulator, she saw her first “Blood on the Highway” film, and tomorrow they start behind the wheel. I’m having flashbacks to my driver’s ed days - 30 years ago - our instructor LOVED taking us out on winding country roads. Ah, memories…
Say hi to Ed for me!
Took Oldest out for the first time tonight. Didn’t scare me as much as her mother did.
I’m a couple weeks over 16, and simulators are worthless, utterly worthless IMO. Real practice is needed, and plenty of it. Does she have her permit? I assume so, but on a rainy night, take her out to a deserted parking lot and let her drive and feel what its like to have no control of a vehicle! Snow is even better. After that, show her how to take turns at 90mph, pull out of a spin, do a big smoky burnout, and most importantly, how to race 
If you have a minivan don’t worry, they are more powerful than you think!
(Dont try to take a turn at 90mph in a minivan!)
She expressed a similar opinion of the simulator - saying that it’d indicate you were doing something wrong, but it wasn’t specific. She has had her permit since September, and Dad and I let her drive as often as possible - she’s doing well, tho she doesn’t always look everywhere she should. As for your practice suggestions, I think I’ll pass, but thanks anyway… We’re in Florida, so snow driving isn’t likely, and I do have a minivan that’s almost paid off, so she’s NOT gonna do donuts in it. 
What scares me is her father suggesting the next step is a motorcycle license.
<Mom twitches, shudders, whimpers, assumes the fetal position and sighs deeply>