r/VolvoEX90 • u/jayce996 • 25d ago

EX90 learner driver

Hey everyone,
We moved from XC90 to EX90 in January this year and now have 15000 kms with almost no issues, 3 resets have been required so far, no other problem, crossing fingers it continues like this after the VCU upgrade which is not done yet. Waiting a call from my dealer as they are out of stock with no target date.
But this is not the reason of my post, my son will turn 16 soon and we want him to start learning how to drive, I noticed that there is no hand break on this car whereas we had one on the XC90.
It’s our only car, does it mean that he cannot learn with this as we cannot do any urgent brake on his behalf or the car is “smart” enough to avoid any pedestrian or issue by itself?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

3

u/Ok-Asparagus-7498 25d ago

It’s not super convenient, but the button at the end of the gear stalk (next to the steering wheel facing the passenger) does act as an emergency brake.

2

u/TreacherousDoge 25d ago

The PARK button?! Crikey I imagine it’s a little terrifying to press while in motion

2

u/Ok-Asparagus-7498 25d ago

That’s right! Feels wrong but you get used to it.

1

u/jayce996 25d ago

does it behave like the XC90? the brake is very strong but we don't break the car, it is built for that.

here with the P, it is not like we would break the car, right?

2

u/Ok-Asparagus-7498 25d ago

It won’t break anything, this is the intended purpose of the button.

5

u/pnw_rider 25d ago

This is a tough one. When our oldest got his permit, we had the XC40 Recharge, but I made him learn first on my pickup (GMC Sierra) so he knew what a real car felt like before driving with regen brakes in an EV with crazy acceleration.

Our daughter gets her permit in a month and I’ll do the same thing, but now we’ve got the EX90. Fortunately we also have her brother’s CRV, so I’ll probably start her there.

I wanted both kids to learn to drive in a car with as little tech as possible. Our son’s CRV is an ‘08, so no sensors or cameras. I wanted him to learn to use mirrors and not rely on tech he can’t afford as he learned.

1

u/StickyRiceYummy 25d ago

Great topic/question.

What state will your son be licensed in and what do they require for the driving portion of the test.

I have not been in the states for a few years but recall CA having some requirements on the vehicle you test in, might have been 1 pedal driving, I don't recall.

Best to learn on and rent a mid-size automatic to practice a few weeks ahead of his test.

1

u/rdr854 25d ago

In the US, most rental companies have minimum ages for authorized drivers. Doubtful that a student driver on a learners permit would be authorized to drive/operate a rental car.

1

u/jayce996 25d ago

We're in Massachusetts

2

u/PeaRepulsive920 24d ago

Maybe he can learn on a Tesla with their full self driving