I have heard that state-of-the-art simulation machines exist for
learning to drive (similar to ones used to train airline pilots). I've
been thinking of starting my teenager off in one of these instead of a
real car. My question is: Do such machines exist? Do they work? Where
can I find one in the Los Angeles area that my son could use?

There is a driving simulator at UCLA, but I do not know whether it is
available for private use:

http://www.in70mm.com/newsletter/1997/49/d150_simulator/d150_driving_simulator.htm

The most high-tech and realistic driving simulator I've read about is
in Iowa:

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-12/NationalAdvancedDriverSimulator.html

http://www.nads-sc.uiowa.edu/

Here's another, less elaborate driving simulator:

http://www.fidelitytech.com/drivertrainer2.htm

I have not been able to find a simulator that your son could use as he
learns to drive. Apparently most simulators that are used
instructionally are training devices for big rig truck drivers (not a
good vehicle for a beginner, I would imagine.)

Sierra Onlline Inc. used to sell a good software product for PCs that
taught students how to drive. It can still be found for sale online at
many stores for about $40. (see links below.)

It covered both the knowledge tests (all states) as well as actual
driving practice with a steering wheel and pedals set attached to the
PC. I have personally used it (the first version Driver's Ed 98) and
can vouch for it. (I did drive already, however; I purchased the
software to improve my driving.)

Some places online where you may be able to buy this:
http://www.kis-mall.com/ProdInfo.asp?item=DRIVERED99
http://www.cdromshop.com/cdshop/desc/p.020626704908.html
http://www.e-dealsusa.com/245.htm

To find more places where you can buy this software:
://www.google.com/search?q=driver%27s+ed+99+sierra

This is the only software product for the PC designed for driver's
education. It is not a car driving game. Even though it may not offer
the feel of an expensive simulator, it is likely to have information
and practice lessons than a simulator.

P.S. The software did not include the steering wheel and pedals for
your PC.

You can buy those separately from Microsoft Hardware, Logitech, or
other vendors that make steering wheels and pedals for PC games for
about $50 to $150 retail. You may be able to buy them cheaper at
online auction sites or other discount merchants. (See links below.)

First do check the software's compatibility list to find out which
hardware vendors' steering wheel and pedal set works with the Sierra
Driver's Ed 99 software. I would suggest calling/emailing one of the
Online merchants selling the software and asking them before buying
it.

Microsoft Force Feedback Wheel
http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder/devices/FFBWheel/default.asp
Microsoft Precision Pro Wheel
http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder/devices/PreWheel/default.asp
Many wheels from Logitech (including ones with Force Feedback)
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?page=products/productlist&crid=30&countryid=19&languageid=1

You can buy them cheaper at online discount merchants. Try Yahoo
shopping, mysimon.com or eBay.

For some reason Sierra has discontinued many former software products
(including some very good ones) The Driver's Ed product is one of
those discontinued, but you can buy it at many online stores as
mentioned in my first commend.

I've used similiar machines in California, however they were about 30
years old. Are there new ones out there? Probably.
More information available at http://www.cheapdriversed.com regarding
driver education in California.

There is another good car driving simulator, and it's new.
The program itself and driving instructor's voices are in Deutch, English, French.
Also it includes traffic rules for a few countries.
There is free demo.

http://www.3d-fahrschule.de/uk_download.htm
http://www.3d-simulator.de/v3_demo.php?demoSelect=40 (about 30 Megs).

Of course, i was meaning drive education simulator, learing to drive simulator.
Also the price is 21.50 Euro/18 Euro.