If he is an experienced driver, has the proper license and protective gear, and is not into taking dangerous chances, you should at least consider it. It's hard to not allow a 16 year old to do anything he really wants to do. If this would be a first time, with a 4-wheeler that does not belong to him, a short, safe drive would be best. Also make sure there is proper insurance coverage.

Depends on your reasons, give me a comment and I'll give you my opinion :]

I started riding a motorcycle at age 9 just got a quad and a new bike 3 years ago when i was 18. My brother was almost 16 and drove them as well. It just depends how mature your son is, will he be responsible or not while riding.

Well, you know your son. Is he reckless? Would he ride without a helmet? Would he listen to the stupid things that his friends tell him to do? If you answered yes to any of these, then maybe. But you know him. If you know he is going to be safe, then you may want to let him go. Because speaking from experience, He will probably just end up lying to you and going anyway, and then if he does in fact get hurt, you won't know where he is... (ok I used way to many commas in that sentence. If you think he will respect your wishes, then I don't think it really matters. also, find out where he would be 4 wheeling, as some trails are far to dangerous for a beginner to go on. It is up to you though.

i would like to think so. the one time i got straight A's in school (i think i was the 4th grade) my parents bought me a 4 wheeler. just make sure he's wearing the protective gear. i've wrecked on a quad thousands of times and i never really got hurt, except this one time... story time! when i was 14-15, i was riding a friend of mine's banshee (a 2-stroke 350cc 4 wheeler) at pismo dunes in southern california. now, pismo dunes is known for having razorbacks (like cliffs in the sand) all over the place. anyway, i was a pretty crazy kid, so i decided i was going to climb this giant hill and jump the quad at the top. i thought it was even ground at the top so i could get a decent jump out of it. i was WAY off. what it was, was a razorback right on the other side. so as i jumped this hill i went flying through the air and off this razorback and eventually got into a mid-air collision with another hill. ordinarily, i think i would've been alright. BUT, my helmet slammed into the handlebars, and because it was too big for my head, my face slammed into the front of the helmet. i chipped 3 of my front teeth and broke two of my molars, both of which went straight through my cheek. so now i have a nice scar on my face where i had to get stitches for that. so the moral of the story is, i think you should want to allow him to ride because those are good times, just make sure he's wearing protective gear (at least a GOOD helmet) and make sure it FITS.

I have to tell ya...he's old enough to drive a car and you don't want him to ride a 4 wheeler? I think that's wrong. But you have a right to feel the way you do.

Yes, does he drive yet? A helmet can be used to ensure that no accidents cause any type of damage. Have someone experienced to help get him going slow and make him comfortable. Usually people get in trouble or hurt not at the beginning or learning stage but when they become over confident after a little while and think they are pro. *Riding with an experienced rider will help more than anything else.

He is old enough to drive a car. Does he know how? What are your reasons for not wanting him to? Is it because youfeel he is reckless or maybe unqualified? I know may mothers who don't want their kids riding motorcycles at any age, even in their 30-40s. Is there a male head of the family who could lead the way and do this activity with him? That might be a way to show him some guidance and see what he is capable of, slowly giving him more responsibilities.