Teenage Driving
When Is The Right Time To Learn?
Teenage Driving
I remember my 16th birthday like it was yesterday. I was at the license department when they opened ready to get my license. I had been driving with my parents for six months and was ready to be on my own. Things have changed a lot since then. The roads are far more dangerous than they were back then and many teens are choosing not to drive until they are a little older.
Car Key
I'm about to teach my fourth daughter how to drive and I am somewhat relieved she is not in a big hurry. It seems a lot of teens feel that way.
There are many reasons for this change in attitude among teens. One being the cost of transportation. It's expensive. Not just the vehicle itself but the insurance can be the deal killer. Teen insurance can be extremely high. In many cases it means a part time job in order to be able to afford the privilege of driving. Many teens would prefer doing school work and extracurricular activities instead of a part time job. As a parent, I'm all for this.
None of my kids have ever worked during the school year, summer jobs yes, but not during the school year. Instead they were getting good grades, playing in the band, speaking at debates, acting in the school play and so on. They were way to busy for a job, the way high school kids should be.
Another reason for the decline in teen drivers is the lack of drivers ed classes in the schools. These classes are essential for lowering insurance rates but when they are not available it makes it rough. There are places where you can pay to take the class, but that's not nearly as convenient as taking the class at school. In many cases it's cost prohibitive also.
Teenage driving restrictions can make a difference in whether teens want to drive or not. Restrictions like only one passenger under eighteen and driving curfews make is seem not really worth the effort, waiting a couple more years is not so hard.
The attitude of parents might also effect the way kids think about getting a license. Some parents encourage their older children to drive as soon as possible so they can help transport siblings from place to place. Other parents are more than willing to make themselves available to their children so they never feel they are a burden.
Personally, I am very comfortable with less teens behind the wheel. As long as they can stay focused on school and other activities, and still get from place to place, I am all for holding off a couple of years. That extra couple of years makes a big difference on the roads.
Connect With Your Teen : Unfit Youth : Teenage Piercing
Effective Teenagers : Teens And Preteens : Solving Parenting Problems
