| The day your child starts to learn how to drive is | | | | form if he or she is 17 or younger. In addition, |
| an exciting day for them-and a potentially | | | | your child will need to bring a Social Security card, |
| terrifying day for you! As you get ready to put | | | | as well as proof of identity and date of birth, |
| your teenager on the road toward driving | | | | which can include a learner's permit, a state-issued |
| independence, make sure he or she is prepared | | | | identification card, a passport or an official copy of |
| with this must-do checklist: | | | | a birth certificate. Photocopies are unacceptable, |
| 1. Enroll your teen in a driver's education course. | | | | so if you do not have the original birth certificate |
| Many high schools offer elective classes in driver's | | | | handy, you can order a copy well in advance |
| education to students throughout the year. | | | | through official document service providers, such |
| Independent, state-accredited driving schools that | | | | as VitalChek.com, a government authorized |
| offer weekend or evening instruction are also an | | | | service, or directly through your state's vital |
| option. In lieu of formal study, several states will | | | | records office or Web site. |
| accept proof of completion (signed by a parent) | | | | 5. Add your child to your car insurance. |
| of 30 hours of driving time. | | | | Discount insurance rates are popular for new |
| 2. Get in plenty of practice on the road. | | | | drivers, and prices vary from plan to plan. |
| Find an empty parking lot or a street with light | | | | Reduced fees for good students (B average or |
| traffic to start with driving basics, then move to | | | | above) are common, as are deals for teens who |
| more well-traveled roads and highways as your | | | | have completed defensive driving courses or |
| teen's skills and confidence increase. Consider | | | | remained accident-free for a year after receiving |
| additional formal training as well, such as | | | | their licenses. Contact your insurance agent to |
| specialized defensive driving courses and | | | | learn which discounts may apply to your new |
| high-performance driving schools that give teens | | | | driver. |
| hands-on training in driving during emergency | | | | 6. Discuss driving restrictions. |
| situations and bad weather. | | | | Many states have laws that restrict drivers from |
| 3. Study the written materials carefully. | | | | having more than two passengers in the car if |
| Each state has a driver's manual that outlines the | | | | the driver is under the age of 21, unless a parent |
| rules of the road, driving techniques, road signs | | | | or guardian is present or the passengers are |
| and other practical driving information. These | | | | immediate family members. In many states, the |
| manuals are provided to students enrolled in a | | | | supervising driver must be 21 or older, have a |
| driver's education course, or can be picked up at | | | | valid driver's license and must ride in the front |
| the local driver's license office. In many cases, you | | | | passenger seat. Check with your local Department |
| can find and download a copy of a driver manual | | | | of Motor Vehicles to see what rules apply where |
| from your state's official Web site. Interactive | | | | you live. |
| practice tests may also be available online. | | | | Parents should set their own limits until they feel |
| 4. Make sure you have an official copy of your | | | | comfortable with their teen's driving experience, |
| child's birth certificate and proper identification. | | | | such as no driving with passengers for the first |
| When you accompany your teen to the | | | | six months after receiving their driver's license, no |
| Department of Motor Vehicles to register for a | | | | cell phone use, restrictions on stereo volume and |
| learner's permit, you'll likely need to sign a consent | | | | setting a curfew to avoid late-night driving. |