The three big questions

• When should I let my teen get a driver’s license
• How much should I let my teen drive
• Should I buy a car for my teen

Here are some guidelines that can help you determine the best answers to this.

Require your teen to meet the basic requirements of life before getting a driver’s license
Licensure is a privilege not a right. Just because a person has reached the legal age, it doesn’t mean she is mature enough. The three months before your teen is eligible for drivers license establish a minimum time period of expected behaviour. Set some reasonable expectations that have to be met. If your teen blows it, the clock starts over.

Establish age appropriate parameters
Don’t allow your teen to drive anywhere at any time she feels like it. That will happen soon enough.

Require your teen to meet certain reasonable requirements
Make sure she knows what your requirements are.