One of the most stressing milestones that a parent has to face is to teach their teenager to drive. Not only how to drive, but how to do it responsibly and safely. Teenage drivers have the most accidents, and fatality rates are the highest. Parents can help by teaching good driving habits.

Before your teen even starts to drive, you are teaching them through your own driving habits. Lead by example by obeying the rules of the road, not talking on cell phones, and always wearing a seat belt. Teenagers need to respect the law and wear their seat belts also. Every state has different laws and it is up to you and your teen to know what those laws are. Aside from state laws, boundaries should be set by you, as the parent. Boundaries such as how many passengers are allowed to be in the car, what times your teen is allowed to drive, and cell phone use while driving should be set in place before your teen gets behind the wheel alone.

Parents should take their teens out as much as possible to gain experience. Take them out at different times of the day, take different routes, and go out under different driving conditions. The more you take your teen out driving, the more relaxed you both will be when it comes time for them to drive without you. This is your chance to point out dangerous behaviors and situations.

There is also a financial responsibility when it comes to driving. Teens should know about the expenses of driving. Gas, repairs, upkeep, and automobile insurance should all be discussed with your teen. You should let them know upfront what is expected of them as far as how much they need to contribute to the financial end of driving. Some parents have their teens sign a contract that states the rules and consequences for breaking those rules, and in return the parent will buy the gas.

The bottom line is this, you know your teen better than anybody and you will have to decide if your teen is ready to hit that open road alone.