Independence Delayed: A Teen Resists Learning to Drive

Slate's Care and Feeding columnist counsels a mother whose 15-year-old son is adamantly avoiding driver’s education, fearing death and showing anxiety and perfectionism. The response urges calm, compassionate dialogue to address underlying worries, consider a slower, teen-led path to obtaining a permit, keep transportation steady (not punitive), and help him build independence on his own timeline while maintaining connection with friends.