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For California teens, getting a driver license is an exciting rite of passage. For their parents, it’s a terrifying time – and with good reason. Statistics cited by the Automobile Club of Southern California, the odds are stacked against young, inexperienced motorists. Specifically, the data shows that these drivers are frequently involved in serious and fatal crashes.
As a parent, it is up to you to decide when or if your teen is ready to get their license. With that in mind, the most pressing question then becomes, “how do you know”? Unfortunately, there is no universal answer. However, the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides numerous resources to help you gauge your teen’s progress as they work their way through California’s graduated licensing system.
For example, the Parent-Teen Training Guide provided by the DMV includes comprehensive information pertaining to:
• The provisional license/instruction permit
• Parental consent and revocation of parental consent
• General requirements
• Topics for discussion
• Suggestions for behind-the-wheel instruction
The DMV also recommends that parents and teens discuss and sign a “contract” before beginning “supervised” driving practice. The agreement should state “the roles and expectations” that you and your teen have.
Finally, the DMV provides a “Safe Driver Check List” for use once the teen has fulfilled all of the practice requirements. It includes a list of skills that your teen should have mastered before taking the driving, written and vision tests necessary to obtain a provisional license. A list of questions to ask yourself about your teen’s readiness before he or she takes the test is included as well. Use it to make sure you have:
• Discussed important topics in the training guide
• Practiced driving in different conditions
• Practiced driving in different places
• Reached a clear understanding with your teen about your ability and willingness to have his or her driving privileges revoked under certain circumstances
Once your teen gets his or her provisional license, he or she will continue to gain valuable experience and confidence behind the wheel. But the more he or she drives, the greater the chances that he or she may be hurt in an automobile accident. If your son or daughter has been injured in a car accident, it is important to consult a dedicated attorney to evaluate his or her case. Contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today at 1-800-350-8888.
