I share your concern over the atrocities visited on this poor protector of our safety in so many dangerous environments worldwide*.
I hope they are enjoying being middle aged.
There was a similar one some years back where an enthusiastic kid got all the hardware to drive a NY(?) subway train. IIRC they didn't stop it until the end of the line, and the usual comment from the passengers was that it was an unusually smooth ride. He got something like a slap on the wrist and an invitation to apply for a job when he was old enough.Man who took Hamilton bus on joy ride 'did a great job' driving, left no dings, say police
If he's that good at driving a bus, give him a job.
And what about the driver who left for "a short break" without taking the keys?
Atari 800 - not a bad way to start learning from what I remember.