Alan Brady is a writer who uses personal experience as inspiration to write about family, the environment, business practices.He currently writes for attorneys.com which locates local car accident lawyers.
As our kids grow up, there are a lot of scary things that we have to go through. One of these items is the process of them learning how to drive. Though it
is terrifying to think of our baby on the road with thousands of other drivers, it is a rite of passage in this day and age, and learning to drive is
almost a necessity. Here are some tips on handling the most challenging aspects of this rite of passage.
Learning to Drive
Everyone gets behind the wheel with a different level of experience. Some of us were allowed to drive our parents’ cars on the back roads from a very young
age. If you grew up on a farm, maybe you backed a truck down the driveway or managed the tractor for a few minutes. Whatever you allowed your child to do
in regards to underage driving, take this into account when they’re first learning to drive. Depending on their hand-eye coordination, they may not be the quickest to learn.
Additionally, parents aren’t always the best person to teach their child to drive. Over-familiarity leads to impatience, and may result in frustration for
both parties. Most states now require a driver’s education course in order for kids of certain ages to obtain a license. Even if your child waited longer
and is not required to take the class, a lot can be learned that will go toward making them a safe driver and help them in passing the licensing test.
Also, many insurance companies offer a discount for taking an accredited driving course.
Insurance Rates
Speaking of insurance companies, the cost of car insurance is only one of the expenses that may cause you to put off getting your teen on the road.
Insurance is higher for teen drivers because of their lack of experience. Luckily, for this very reason, many companies offer discounts; you just have to
know where to look.
Many insurance companies offer discounts for good grades. You can use this as an incentive to keep your child focused on their studies. If you are paying
their insurance, it is reasonable to require a certain grade point average in order for them to get their license. If they are paying their insurance, it
will still behoove them to keep their grades up and their costs down.
Some insurance companies are also offering discounts for keeping recording devices in the car in order to ensure safe driving. This is a good way to
instill safe driving habits in your child. See what other offers your insurance company has, and look into whether another company may be better for teen
drivers.
First Car
Some people don’t realize that they need to put their child on their insurance as soon as they get their license, not just when they get a car of their
own. If you wait, the insurance will back charge you for the time they did not have the license.
Adding another driver to the household may mean it’s time to add another vehicle as well. Sharing a car can cause disharmony and inconvenience. The process of earning a car can also teach a teenager responsibility. It also gives them something to be responsible for. Having to pay for gas and insurance will
teach them the value of money, and the cost of going out and having a good time.
Don’t feel under pressure to get them a fancy car that is out of your price range. Their first car doesn’t need to be a dream car, it just needs to be safe
and able to get them from place to place. If they are helping purchase their car, make sure that they know all the considerations that need to be made. You
might consider giving/selling them your old car and getting a new one for yourself. It may be more affordable for them, and a nice perk for you.
Though this may be a stressful time in your life, it is an important one in your teen’s. The whole process of learning to drive and getting their first car
is a great opportunity for personal growth. It also allows them a certain amount of freedom and responsibility, and gives you another person to be able to run to the store on last-minute errands.
