Does the kid ride with you and his mom on a motorbike? That's generally how the kid's learn from an early age. My kid is 13, when she visits Isaan she rides MB's around the village, but not on the main road. MB's are a way of life here, I'd say get the kid riding around under your supervision. Experience makes him safe.
Also get him started driving a car. 16 is way old enough to get started.