15-Year-Old Avoids Learner's Permit Over Driving Death Fears

1 articles · Updated · Slate · Jun 11

A 15-year-old has refused for more than a year to start the permit process, telling his parent he fears dying in a crash or killing someone else.
The advice column says the resistance likely reflects anxiety, perfectionism and unease about a new stage of maturity, not simple defiance.
Slate advises calm, compassionate talks and support for the underlying anxiety, while suggesting a permit could be framed as an option rather than a commitment to drive.
The column warns against cutting off rides to force the issue, saying that would be punitive, could isolate him from friends and may worsen his mental health.
At 15, the teen still has time to learn, and the writer says growing desire for independence may eventually bring him to the DMV on his own timeline.

Sources

Why do we pressure anxious teens to drive when statistics confirm their fears are completely rational?

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