When my grandson was 14 and before he had acquired his learners permit, he started to drive our golf cart under my supervision. We went everywhere - around both town squares (SS & LSL), over the Morse bridge, over the bridge to the prehistoric area, all the way to Lopez, across the intersection at Colony, day and night & even in the rain at night. I was with him all the way and taught him to use hand signals & flashers. Went down Canal so he could experience going through signals and gates. Went on streets, cart lanes, and multi-modals again day and night. I put him through every situation I could imagine.
When I was satisfied that he could solo in a golf cart we allowed it. I would trust his handling of our carts more than many full time residents, snow birds, or seasonals.
He now has his license and we went through the same procedure in the car before he was allowed to solo in The Villages.
My point is that we just didn't let him take off in the cart without some rigorous instruction and supervision. Luckily he's very responsible and understands what he's doing on the road.
Teach your grandkids what they need to know before allowing them to just take off in your cart.
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