Your Teen’s Learner’s Permit – A Parent’s Guide

3 Things You Need to Know Before You Give Your Teen the Car Keys

If you grew up in the days when you got your driver’s license on your sixteenth birthday and immediately drove off to pick up your friends, you may not realize that most states now have some kind of graduated licensing process. Teens can be very persuasive when they want to get their learner’s permit and start driving, so it’s essential to research your state’s laws beforehand.

Requirements

First, you need to be familiar with your state’s requirements, whether you’re just starting to teach your teen to drive or turning them loose for the first time:

The minimum age for a learner’s permit varies by state, ranging from 14 to 16.

Many states also have laws regulating how long a teenager must have had his permit before they can obtain a regular license. This period (for the states that require it) ranges from a few days to a year.

Many states also require that drivers with an instruction permit have a specified number of supervised driving hours and may break it down into day and nighttime hours. In addition, New Jersey requires that all drivers who are under 21 and don’t yet have a full license display a decal on any vehicle they drive.

Restrictions

Almost all states have some restrictions on teen drivers during the learner’s permit phase. Some of the most common include:

• Passengers: In many states, teens with learner’s permits may only drive with an instructor or a parent. Some states also limit the passengers of newly licensed drivers, letting them drive only immediate family members or up to one other teenager, for instance.
• Nighttime driving: Vermont is the only state that doesn’t have laws regulating nighttime driving for teens. Most specify hours during which teens can’t drive, while others prohibit teen driving between sunset and sunrise. Most make exceptions for work, school, or emergencies (this includes volunteer firefighters responding to a call).
• Cell phones: Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia ban all cell phone use (including hands-free) for teen drivers.
• Delay of full licensing: Few states immediately grant young teens full driver’s licenses. Most have a graduated process, removing restrictions as the driver matures and gets more experience. The age for full licensing ranges from 16 to 18.

Insurance

Most parents have a bit of sticker shock the first time they buy insurance for a teen driver. Teenagers have the highest accident rates due to inexperience and immaturity. All states except New Hampshire require at least liability coverage, so if you let your teen drive, they need insurance. Here are some things to consider:

Should I add a teen to my policy or get them their own? It depends. It’s usually better to add your teen to your policy so you can take advantage of any discounts you’ve earned. However, if you buy your teenager an older, low-value car, consider getting them their liability-only policy. Talk to your agent to figure out your best options.

Does my teenager need insurance coverage while learning to drive? Most states don’t require teens with learners’ permits to be insured; they’re covered under their parent’s policies.

What can I do to save some money on those sky-high rates? Ask your agent about any discounts that may apply to your teenager. Many agents offer discounts for good grades, for instance. Others have a tiered system with lower rates after each claim-free term.

Before you hand over the keys for that first lesson, ensure you understand all the requirements and restrictions that apply in your state.

Knowledge Practice for the Learner’s Permit

Sitting with your teenager when they study the driver’s manual and take the practice tests for the state’s knowledge test is a good idea.