I have a 17 year old son and he'd love to get behind the wheel. Putting aside he wouldn't be as careful about parking and what not as I am, I'm afraid it would be too much car and too tempting for him to drive it fast. I wouldn't want him to hurt himself or others. He's a really responsible kid though. But I think back to what I would have done at his age.

Do you let them drive it?

 

No one knows your son as well as you do so it would be wise to use your best judgement. Being 17 doesn't rule him out as being responsible because I know a few young people with Porsche's who can maintain responsibility when behind the wheel, so if you have any reservations for any reason maybe you shouldn't let him.

 

I learned to drive on my father's old 996 cabriolet. He later gave it to me (I had JUST turned 18). I'd send your son to a few driving schools then gradually give him more and more access to the car.

As a very responsible driver I was able to take the car and respect it-- but of course having the ability and discipline to drive a 911 at such a young age is an individual trait. It can be learned, however.

 

I let the 18 yr old drive the 924S, hard to get into trouble with that car. When he has a bit more experience, I will let him take it for a spin. Right now he is at NYU and that's why my C2 is not a TT.

James Greer

 

you know your son better than any of us so the decision should be fairly easy...just off the top of my head i can list who i would and wouldnt let behind the wheel of my 911 just by knowing that person...it does take respect to drive one, but nothing your son cant handle im sure

 

my parents were always willing to give me the keys. I was at a Porsche club track event 4 days after I got my DL at 16, and doing laps at willow springs in the car in my avatar at 17.

Their answer to me was always "We know you'll be more careful than I would be." I was a lot more aware of everything that was going on around me than they were when driving. They gave me the chance to do the right thing and haven't had any reason to doubt me since. Actually, If we ever end up in a car together I'm ALWAYS driving.

I'm now a lifetime Porsche lover and it's the single biggest thing that brings my parents and I together.

 

BIG-time ditto.

 

My daughter's only 9 man..... but if she could drive "YES" I would..... It's not a big deal really.... IMO

-Eli

 

I drove all of my parents Porsches and taught myself to drive a manual in a 944 Turbo (when I was 14 ). My father used to let me drive with him in the car. Whenever he was out of town (a lot, usually 6 months a year) my mom would let me take the Porsches whenever I wanted to. She trused me, he didn't, anyways, nothing bad happened and he did not know I drove the cars like I did (to school & stuff) untill like a year ago. He tried being pissed at my mom .

 

OK, the consesus of eight so far is let him drive if you trust him. Here's a stickier question: He doesn't know how to drive a stick. Do I teach him on this car (our other cars are auto) and probably have to get a new clutch because of it? I don't know how else to teach him.

 

Rent a Kia for the weekend....teach him how to drive a clutch....turn it back in.... save your Porsche clutch.

 

Definitely try to find another car for him to learn on. Even after learning manual, the Porsche clutch still needs experience easing into 1st gear. Clutch replacement is costly for learning experience.

 

I was fortunate (unfortunate?) enough to learn to drive a stick in my dad's Viper GTS. The piles of torque made it easy to get going but anything less than smoothness led quickly to some smoky theatrics. Needlessly said I learned quickly.

He also let me drive the car fairly often - whenever I asked really. His cool attitude about it made me respect him, the car, and the privilege of driving the car even more, and I am glad he showed enough trust in me to do that.

I'd be very fair and reasonable about it and I think you'll find he'll gain your trust. Maybe not without a lesson or two, though, in puddle-induced oversteer first, as I learned that one by myself at the cost of a long row of hedges - and I was being careful!

 

Just read about this on another board. i think It'll answer your question.

"apparently the driver was a 19 year old son of a friend of the owner. Estimated to be traveling 100mph just a couple of blocks outside the exit from the concours grounds. This happened on a sweeping right-hander just before a roundabout. No one was hurt..."

 

i am the kid =P
but sadly, i only learn my lessons after i make the mistakes!