Joe driving - at 15!

Oh yes its legal! All over the Christmas holidays Joe studied a very dull tome on the rules and regs of driving in NZ. On the first day the AA centre was open for business, he took and passed his theory driving test. He is now the VERY, VERY proud owner of a Learner Licence. He is only allowed to drive cars up-to 2-litre, so he drives Tony's Mitsubishi Legnum (Tracey's Prado is a 3-litre). The car is an automatic, so Joe doesn't have to worry about gears yet. He wants to drive us everywhere, but so-far he is just doing half-hour type journeys in the area (but not into town). He is very careful, and doesn't get cross with Tony or Tracey giving him instructions, even though he knows the fine details of the NZ road system better than them! He is saving up for driving lessons, and can take another test in 6-months which allows him to drive alone or with a supervisor. He then has to wait 18 months to take another test which will give him a full licence (at 17) BUT if he takes a Defensive Driving Course (which he plans to do), he can get a full licence 6-months earlier, at 16 1/2! Thankfully insurance is cheap - because its not compulsory. It has cost us $65 (about £25) to insure him for this first year.