by Rita Kimbro

Created on: July 31, 2009

Allowing a teen to drive is a privilege not a right. The most important factor in this decision is knowing the teen. There are some teens who can not handle the responsibility of driving. Society has made us feel that our teens are entitled to drive at age sixteen, simply because the law allows it, does not mean it is a right. If your teen is confident and reliable in other areas of his or her life, then the responsibility may be something they can handle. However, if they are easily led or have low self esteem, the ability and opportunity to drive may be something they can not handle.

The parents must set guidelines and enforce them consistently. The teen may resist initially, but this can be a useful tool for them to use to avoid peer pressure. For example, if the rule for using the car is no more than one other person allowed to ride with your teen, when that group wants to joyride, your teen can resist by saying they are not allowed to have more than one other person in the car. If your teen is aware that they will lose the privilege of driving if they violate the rules they are more likely to obey the rules. The sense of entitlement that many teens feel is because we are not clear that the opportunity and responsibility of driving is a privilege.

Responsibility for a car or the use of one is not something that should be taken lightly either. Sit your teen down and explain to them the expenses involved with maintaining a car such as insurance, repairs, and the financial responsibility of owning a car. Understanding the cost will give the teen a better appreciation of the privilege of driving. Making them responsible for their own insurance, whether it is the additional amount incurred for adding them to the family policy or the cost of their own policy. Having them be responsible for their own gas and maintenance on the vehicle they use is also a good way to teach the teen the cost of the privilege.

An automobile can be a lethal weapon in the hands of a teen, they can endanger themselves and others. Making sure they receive the proper training and personally taking them on the road multiple times yourself is very important. If you suspect your teen is involved with alcohol or drugs the privilege of driving should be suspended immediately by you before the tragic results happen. Be vigilant ,take notice of changes in behavior or grades if the driving is having a negative result on your teens life, don't hesitate to suspend the privilege.

One final observation, never make your child's driving privilege a result of your convenience. For example, you don't have time to take them to their events so it is easier to let them drive. The teen will use this to negotiate the privilege if you decide to revoke the privilege. For example if you take away the privilege, the teen will remind you that you will have to adjust your schedule to take them to their events. Always be prepared to give up the convenience if necessary.

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