Should You Buy Your Teen a Car?

Driving can be dangerous for everyone, but it's uniquely dangerous for teenagers who are just learning the ropes. About 3,000 teenagers are killed in car crashes each year, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Parents who think of buying their teenager a car may feel like their kid isn't quite experienced enough. But if your teen doesn't have a car, then you'll have to keep driving them places. It's a tricky dilemma, but here are some factors to consider as you decide whether you should buy your teen their own car. 

See how they respond to stress

A teen who is driving needs to handful stressful situations, and we're not just talking about parallel parking. Think about how your teenager responds to other situations. For instance, when they took the SATs or ACTs, did they freeze up when the test started? Or did they attack it with gusto and intense focus? A test isn't the same thing as driving a car, of course. But it does illustrate that, by 16 or 17, you should have a baseline for how your teen responds to stress and anxiety.

Now, you can't exactly stage a near-accident and then see how your kid responds to it. But you're not powerless. If you live in a climate with harsh winters, you should already be teaching your teen how to drive in ice and snow. Take them to an empty parking lot and see how they drive on ice. Make sure they can drive slowly. Emphasize the importance of not braking hard if the car starts skidding, as that will only worsen the situation. 

Discuss expectations

If they pass your stress tests, then it's time to sit them down for a more extensive discussion about what, exactly, it would mean for them to have their own car. Driving isn't free, after all. Even if you buy them a car outright, you can expect your insurance premiums to go up, and going without Comprehensive car insurance isn't an option in this situation. Ask your teen if they're prepared to get a part-time job to help pay for car insurance and other expenses. 

You should also remind them that they won't be driving around town in a brand new convertible. There's no reason not to buy used when shopping for a car for your teenager. The risks of buying them a brand new car are just too high. Many adults with 20 years of experience behind the wheel won't even buy a new car for themselves.

If your teen whines or complains about getting a used car, that's a sign that they're not mature enough for any car. Never buy them a vehicle because they feel entitled to one. 

Set conditions (and revisit them as needed) 

You've decided that yes, your teen can handle a car. You've found a car that's affordable but still safe. But don't hand over the keys without setting conditions first. You might want to set rules that say your teen can only ride in the car by themselves or with an adult, for example. That's because a majority of teen crashes are caused by distracted driving. 

Speaking of distracted driving, you should also make texting while driving a complete dealbreaker. If you hear of your teen doing that, then you have to take away the keys for at least a week or two to let them know you're not joking. Texting and driving kills people every day, and you don't want your teen to become a statistic. 

If their car needs repairs, resist the urge to call the mechanic yourself. They're almost an adult, so they can do things like research windshield replacement in Orlando. You may very well have to pitch in on some of the costs, depending on what's wrong with the car. That's OK in some situations, but remember, they'll be out of the nest soon. You can't do everything for them.