[fragdude]

I would do what my parents did with me. They got me a used original Ford Explorer as the car that got me to school and something I could use everyday, but they also trusted me with our sports cars. At some point they (kids in general) are going to have to learn to be responsible.

Letting them drive the car when you are in it as well or going to an A-X/DE are also good ideas. Let them have fun, but under supervision at first.

Every kid is different, but you can't control everything. I don't know your son, but who is to say that he isn't an amazingly safe driver or that one day when you are out of the house he is going to take your car out for a joyride and total it.

Ultimately it's your final decision and you know your son better than anyone here and thus you have the best means to come to a decision.