I think that AAA has an agreement with one or more rental companies guaranteeing rentals to any members over 18. Your child would need a debit or credit card in his or her name, as well (even if it’s parents’ account).
I will check with my son, who did the homework regarding rentals. It’s possible that Florida is unusual, but I think it’s an agreement AAA worked out.
AAA has a special agreement with Hertz. My son used their group code to rent.
Taking the bus on her own will also be an independence adventure. Also if she goes there, that will be how she gets home for T-giving.
I would drive her. In my opinion this isn’t about freedom and independence, this is about exposing your kid to unnecessary risk. Driving for a 3 hour stretch is tiring (I’ve done it a lot); you can make mistakes because you get tired or lose concentration. How you correct those mistakes flying down the highway at 70 mph has a lot to do with how experienced you are behind the wheel. Let’s compound that by adding darkness and reduced visibility.
I think it’s a safety issue and I think you’re asking too much of an inexperienced driver. If my kid were the passenger, I’d be like hell no; I’ll drive you both. Then you can get to school in one piece and have fun.
I think the bus is a good compromise. I wouldn’t worry about her driving up but you know they’re not going to get any sleep and three hours is a long drive home when tired.
If the car is in good shape and she’s not shown any patterns of poor judgment in the past, let her go. Just remind her that if any fatigue comes in, to pull over and stretch her legs. Our kids gain confidence and perspective by pushing their boundaries. My dad used to work a very strenuous job – 6 days a week, coming home after 9PM every day. On one day off, we had many families over for a get together. The kids (I was 13 or so) were going to walk to the Dairy Queen about a mile away. If we had enough bikes, we’d all ridden but we didn’t have enough for the visiting kids. We kids in the neighborhood had been going there probably since I was 8. I told my dad we were leaving. He said “No – you can’t. That’s too far.” I was shocked – having been doing it for five years already. But he just was never home when I was doing it due to work. It all worked out but it’s all a matter of perspective. To me, a 3-hr car drive, with a friend, in a good car, in good weather, doesn’t raise any red flags.
Suggesting a bus, to me, would signify HUGE lack of confidence of her by you. If she suggests it or offers hesitation, then go with it. Having her drive some long-ish trips beforehand sounds like a great primer for both you and her.
But that’s my risk tolerance level. I’m certain that this falls differently on my wife’s tolerance spectrum… Me, I’d send my kids halfway around the world if they showed me maturity to do so.
@woogzmama , thanks for the information. My child does have a major CC and has been utilizing Zipcar for some time, but never did an actual regular car rental due to age constrictions.
I’ll have to look into that!
If she did alright on the 100 mile drive she did with you, I would let her go. It sounds as if your H is confident in her ability and he also knows her driving skills. Tell them to have a full tank of gas and charged phones before leaving both ways. If you are really worried, ask them to pull over at the halfway point and check in with you.