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