Covering The Basics: What You Should Do Now That Your Teen Has A Driver's License
If your teenager has just passed his or her driver's test and now has a license to drive, you're probably feeling excited, but worried at the same time. You want to make sure your child is driving safely while sharing the road with others, not just for his or her own safety, but for the safety of others as well. Before allowing your teenager to officially drive your vehicle, there are some things you should do ahead of time.
Have a Talk About Texting and Driving
Most teenagers spend a lot of time on their phones to stay connected with friends via phone calls, text messages, and social media apps. However, all these things can quickly become distractions for someone who is behind the wheel. Thousands of accidents occur each year simply because people were text while driving. Before allowing your teen to use your vehicle, make sure you discuss the dangers of texting, talking, or using social media while driving. Set a good example and make sure you're not using the phone when you drive.
Add Your Teen to Your Auto Insurance Policy
If your teen is going to be driving around in your car, you'll need to add him or her to the auto insurance policy you have. Although adding a new driver to the policy may cost you a bit more each month, you should talk to a representative for the auto insurance company to find out if they offer any special deals and discounts for student drivers. Some of the insurance companies are willing to provide discounts to students who are doing well in school, which means you could potentially save money while making sure you have the coverage you need.
Set Limits on the Number of Passengers Who Can Ride in the Vehicle
It's not uncommon for teens to want to drive around with their friends. While you may not have a problem with your teen driving your vehicle with friends as passengers, you should make sure to set limits on the number of passengers who can ride in the vehicle when your teen is behind the wheel. The laws vary from state to state, but your teen shouldn't have more people in the car than there are seatbelts. Each passenger should have access to a seat belt while riding in the vehicle.
Now that your teen is getting ready to start driving because he or she has a driver's license, you may want to cover a few basics. Make sure you're having a talk about texting and driving, adding your teen to your auto insurance policy, and setting a limit on the number of passengers in the vehicle when your teen is behind the wheel.
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