So, Your 16 Year-Old Passed the Road Test, Now What?

First, you panic!  OMG, what was I thinking letting him get his license?    Is he covered if he gets into an accident?  So many scenarios start swimming in your head. 

Take a deep breath, and if you did your job as a parent and actually taught your child to drive (or even paid someone else to do it), and allowed as much practice as possible with you as the passenger, then you have to let go.  I’m not saying to let them have free reign with a car, but you should let them gradually work towards independence.    

What about insurance?  Generally, insurance carriers require you to disclose all licensed drivers in your household.  That means once your child passes his road test you need to notify your insurance company.  Since that insurance policy you have is considered a ‘contract’, you must abide by your insurer’s guidelines and terms of the policy.   Talk to your agent, they will let you know what needs to be done.  You might also find out, and be pleasantly surprised, that your son’s or daughter’s awesome grades could actually work in your favor and qualify for a Good Student discount.   

Finally, relax, if even a little.  You will quickly learn that it’s almost a relief that you don’t have to run back to the store for that forgotten item, send your son or daughter.  Ask them to take their little sister to the mall, or little brother to practice.  Every little bit of extra ‘road time’ helps, and you have to start trusting them at some point. 

Oh, and when they land that summer job, they can at least pay for their gas!

TIPS for Your Young Driver 

• Do not use your cell phone to Text or Talk while driving (it’s the law in NYS)
• Wear your Seat Belt, and make your passenger wear theirs, too.(it’s the law in NYS, too)
• Don’t Blast the Music.  You won’t hear that ambulance that’s trying to get by you.
• Obey the Speed Limit.
• Give driving your Full Attention.  Don’t play with the radio or your Ipod.
• Do not use Cruise Control in the rain.
• Obey ALL traffic lights and cross-walks.
• Be on the lookout for motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.
• Remember, driving is a Privilege you earn.

 Your SZW Blog Team