I was given the same opportunity at his age by my grandparents. They let me try their ride on mower.....I drove it right I to their back steps. Needless to say that at the age of 40 I haven't been on one since.
When I was 12, I drove their 4-wheeler---right into the electric fence. This time they did let me drive it again and I did get better. However, I was riding out in the fields one day and stalled it about 1/2-3/4 of a mile out. My grandfather had to walk all the way out to start it again for me. I was told I couldn't ride it again until I could start it. (It was a pull start) Again, needless to say, I never rode it again. To this day I even have an electric push mower. The electric cord is a pain, but I can start it.....
Long story short- my boy is growing up and so far he is a better driver than I was at his age. We'll see though, I will officially label him a better driver if he can refrain from driving into his high school in front of a bus full of students, a teacher AND the principal. (True story!)
