[in(s)ane]

Haven't read all the replies, but I grew up in a country town and I was taught to drive around age 7. Mainly because we did A LOT of camping in reasonably remote areas - Mum & Dad wanted to be sure I could drive to the nearest road/farm for help if it was required.

I don't think it's weird that he can and does drive, I do think it's weird he drives just 500m instead of walking/riding.

[BlondieUK]

Item - but you were taught to drive for emergencies, right? Not to drive 400-500m in a non rural-area every school day to cross the road, right?

[soontobegran]

STBG - I never said that you think it's ok for your kids: I am saying that I (and others) find your opinion to normalise the behaviour because you say that it's normal or common in rural areas. Understand?

TBH no I do not understand how me saying that I know this practice occurs in the country is me normalising the behaviour?

I know lots of things happen that I don't approve of, I guess you do too. Does that mean you never discuss these things or acknowledge that they occur?
Aside from that if you have actually read the entire thread instead of just focusing on what I have said you will find many 'real' country people who also say that it is 'common practice' and they don't think it is an issue...unlike myself!

[Indi]

I don't think it's weird that he can and does drive, I do think it's weird he drives just 500m instead of walking/riding.

This.

DD1 can drive - she is 8. She often drives the farm ute around the paddock while DH or I feed out the hay. She could easily drive up the driveway but doesn't, she would walk or ride a bike that distance.

[kadoodle]

He has to drive 500 meters? What - are his legs painted on?

This. DHand I both learned to drive on family farms as primary schoolers. But 500m is walking/pushie distance. If there are heavy vehicles using the road the parents need to A) cut a personal track on their property for him to walk/ride on or B) drive him themselves.

No wonder there is an obesity crisis out bush!