In California you must be 16 years old. Personally I think any younger than that isn't ready for such a huge responsibility. The stats aren't good on teen drivers. Teens often feel they know more than us grown ups and also have a feeling of immortality.

So, I would say since your son is so young that he not be given a set of car keys and free use of your vehicle. Til he is older and a more seasoned driver restrict his use of the car to transporting you as needed.

I was 18 when I got my license and first car. My son was 19 when he got his license. He has his first vehicle now at age 22. I still worry about him and he's always been like a mini adult. The product of being raised with adults and never baby talked. He's not so mini now of course. He chose a Prius which gives you an idea of his mind-set.

At your son's age I wouldn't even let my son get in a car with a friend who was a new driver. Out here under 18 can't have passengers who are under 18. Only over 25 licensed drivers can be a passenger.

I'm a mama bear. Just think about your son's safety first. Never assume anything. Such as he won't use his cell phone while driving...being a distracted driver. Our kids will often tell us exactly what we want to hear.

Take care and Happy Holidays!

The age is 16 where I live too, and I also think that's too young. 14 is just crazy.

I started driving when I was 15 and it was legal since I was working on a dairy farm. I was a good driver then and I'm a good driver now. Judge your young driver by their performance.

I was too chicken to get my drivers license until I was 20.

It was that dang movie in Drivers Ed. Blood and guts all over the Highway kinda thing .

14 does seem young to me . But as a back up driver , that sounds good .

Use this as a deterent to wards " You Know What " with hold the car keys

I was 25 when I got my license and I take it pretty seriously.. I don't drive distracted... insurance rates for young people are pretty high.. 14 does sound young but like others have said rate him on maturity.. I went through a drivers school and was taught good habits .. it makes a lot of difference in the way I drive.. you might want to consider a driver school... ((hugs)) polar

Everyone matures at a different rate. If he shows good competence & responsibility with school & other areas of life, and passes the tests, maybe he'll be ready.
Well thought out restrictions on his own usage of the car would be smart, and NO TEXTING.