"Doofus" wrote --

It all depends on the maturity and responsibility of the person, and so
nobody can answer this question for you. As with any responsibility and
freedom given to kids, you start small and expand, building trust in small
steps. But never underestimate the potential stupidity of a teenager.

I'll have to go with that. Add responsibility slowly, building trust.
Still, it is all your call. My kids have made good choices throughout their
lives, and I have to attribute that to the values they grew up with.

I really did read something lately, that the dangerous driving group of
males between 18 and 25, is in large part due to their brain development.
This study said that the part of the brain that assesses risk, is not fully
developed until the age of 25.

My theory is that to help get them through that, you have to spell out
acceptable and unacceptable risks, situation, by situation, so they will not
have to think about making a decision, as it has already been discussed, and
made. You can never anticipate all of the situations, but you can come
close. That is really all that training comes down to, right?
--
Jim in NC