Is Your Teen Getting Ready to Drive?

I know we're not quite there yet. We have an 8 year old and a 10 year old. But believe me, I've already started thinking about it! I do have friends with teenagers and of course I can draw on my own experience as a teen too. You might want to keep these tips in mind before you give your kids that freedom and allow them this privilege...yes, because it is a privilege and not a right, as much as they would like to think otherwise.

• The more they practice, the better. I still remember learning to drive my dad's stick shift. I happened to have a horse at the time, and the only way to get out to the stable was with that car and its stick shift. I honestly was terrified to stop at a stoplight or intersection, I really was. So, over the summer, my German grandfather, parked me behind the seat of his car and had me practice day in and day out on a little hill in the backyard. That's how I gained my confidence. I also drove a lot with my parents in tow. There is no better way to learn than actual driving hours. Keep that in mind when your child still has their learner's permit and they consistently pester you to go out driving with them.
  

• Before they even begin to drive, have them sign a contract. The contract should outline their responsibilities as well as what will happen when they screw up. They have to learn about actions and consequences. They need to learn it early, before they make bigger mistakes later on on life. Here is an excellent example of the points to go over as well as a sample contract.
  

• Don't automatically give them a car. You will be missing a very valuable teaching moment, again about responsibility, delaying gratification and saving up for something before you go out and buying it. You can bet my kids will have afterschool jobs bagging groceries or whatever, to save up at least half of the cost of their car. Mom and dad pay half, kid pays half. Otherwise, they can share the family car, whenever you don't need it. Set these priorities from the get go.
  

• Share the car owning responsibilities. You don't totally want to throw them to the wolves just yet, but if they want to be a grown-up and drive a car, then they need to be a grown-up and take some more responsibility. Have them buy their own gas and maybe you can pay for their insurance. Whatever the cost of car ownership, share the burden.

Those are, I think, the highlights of your teen and coming-of-driving age. USAA also has a good article about teens, driving and finances, and of how that goes hand in hand. Encourage your child to do well in school, as this can be a big help in lowering your car insurance, cause you know it is going to go up dramatically, just having a driving teen in the house!

What tips do you have about teens and driving? What valuable lessons did you learn from your parents? What did you not know then but you know now?