[richl]

Does any one out there think that 14 is too young to drive golf carts in the Villages besides me? I do not feel they have the maturity and knowledge to drive safely around here especially with the very sharp turns at the tunnels. I thoink it is a matter of time before we have a serious accident if it has not already happened. I would be curious to see how others feel.

[rdhdleo]

Only if an adult is with them but not alone like many I have seen speeding around.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by richl

Does any one out there think that 14 is too young to drive golf carts in the Villages besides me? I do not feel they have the maturity and knowledge to drive safely around here especially with the very sharp turns at the tunnels. I thoink it is a matter of time before we have a serious accident if it has not already happened. I would be curious to see how others feel.

I do not let my 15 year old grandson operate the golf cart here. There are too many drivers that are lost, sightseeing, nearly blind, think golf carts are toys or in a hurry for happy hour. One problem is that too many grandparents don't want to say NO or are just happy to see the kids entertained and out of their hair.

[rubicon]

On the one hand residents desire to have their families experience "The Villages Lifestyle"and this is a good thing.

On the other hand residents need to educate their families about the do's and don'ts and to ensure that they are well acquainted and capable of driving this vehicle, after all it is a dangerous instrument in the wrong hands and certainly not a toy

[clekr]

I think since you generally driving on the road you should have to have drivers licence

[buggyone]

It is NOT a Villages policy but is the Florida legislature who made the age 14 for driving a golf cart.

Write or call your Florida rep, Mrs. O'Toole, and see if it be raised.

Her number is on the editorial page of The Daily Sun.

[ajbrown]

Yes I think for most 14 year olds it is too young to be driving around some areas of TV. Driving around TV requires a lot of skills you learn when getting your license, i.e., how to merge, how to yield, maybe pass a bike or walker safely. I would include how to stop, but that straight line is too easy for you all.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by buggyone

It is NOT a Villages policy but is the Florida legislature who made the age 14 for driving a golf cart.

Write or call your Florida rep, Mrs. O'Toole, and see if it be raised.

Her number is on the editorial page of The Daily Sun.

If I am reading it correctly, the city of Taveres has made the minimum age 16 to operate a cart on their streets.

Tavares, FL - Official Website - Golf Carts

In 2010, they considered only allowing licensed drives to operate a golf cart on the streets but the decided against that.

Tavares moves toward changes in golf-cart driving rule - Orlando Sentinel

[buggyone]

I wonder if the three counties and the towns that all comprise parts of The Villages could ever get together on such a ruling as in Tavares?

Since The Villages is not an incorporated town, it cannot pass rules like that.

[Mickedamouse24]

Anyone operating golf carts around The Villages should be licensed. That means at least 16. Grandparents need to learn the word "NO!"

[DonH57]

It would make sense if towns and cities made their own limits for whatever reasons they see fit.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by clekr

I think since you generally driving on the road you should have to have drivers licence

Originally Posted by ajbrown

I think for most 14 year olds it is too young to be driving around some areas of TV. Driving around TV requires a lot of skills you learn when getting your license, i.e., how to merge, how to yield, maybe pass a bike or walker safely...

I agree that 14 is too young. I think any driver of a golf cart, whatever age, should have a driver's license. And that includes older residents.

[JB in TV]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I agree that 14 is too young. I think any driver of a golf cart, whatever age, should have a driver's license. And that includes older residents.

[wendyquat]

Originally Posted by JB in TV

I agree that a drivers license should be required!

[Mallory]

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.