The decision to buy your teenager their first vehicle or not can be a difficult choice for many parents.
On the one hand, you might think buying them a used or new vehicle will teach them more responsibility. It can free you from driving them to school, extracurricular activities, appointments etc.
On the other side of the coin, you may worry that having their own vehicle can lead to an accident sooner than later. Also, will they be responsible enough when it comes to taking care of that vehicle?
Given it is a tough decision for many parents, take some time to think things through.
That thinking may start when you stop by your local DMV to get reading materials for your teen to prep for the test. At this point, the clock is likely beginning to tick.
Making Sure Your Teenager is Responsible Enough
In mulling over whether to buy your teenager their own vehicle, keep these thoughts in mind:
1. Money – One of the biggest factors is likely to be money. Do you have the extra money in-hand for your son or daughter to have their vehicle? Not only will you have the cost of purchasing a used auto, but there is a registration fee and auto insurance. When you throw-in the maintenance that vehicle will need over time, is it worth it? Over time, letting your teen borrow the family vehicle on occasion may be the wiser choice.
2. Responsibility – Do you feel as if your teen will be 100 percent responsible in having their own car or truck? That responsibility will come into play the minute you decide on giving them the keys. Can you trust them to not only be responsible behind the wheel, but also take care of the vehicle’s needs? Although you may very well not expect them to pay for a new brake job or tires, you want them taking care of the vehicle. This means letting you know when something appears wrong with its functioning.
3. Drinking – While you would love to think your teen has never had alcohol, you also likely know the reality. Countless teens experiment with alcohol on a regular basis. As such, some put themselves and others in harm’s way when they get behind the wheel with a buzz going. Have the drinking and driving discussion with your teen if you buy them a vehicle. This will in all hopes reinforce to them that drinking and driving is a deadly mix. Remember, nothing good comes out of having a few drinks and then getting behind the wheel.
Not Driven to Lose Sleep
If you do go ahead with getting your teen a vehicle, don’t make it case where you have many sleepless nights ahead of you.
By teaching your teen the right way to drive and be responsible with the lives of others, everyone wins.
You should also make sure your teen understands his or her curfew.
Unless they are working a part-time job in the evening hours, they should be home at the required hour each night.
When you give your teen some responsibility, the goal is to hope they drive forward with it.