Guest Author - Melissa D, Weise

If you are like most teens, you probably have to ask permission to drive. If this is the case, you also probably want the answer to be yes when you ask if you can go out. This is more likely to happen if your parents know you are a good, safe and responsible driver. The trick is proving this to them. After all, you memorized the drivers’ manual and passed the exam. Isn’t that good enough?

Maybe not. Parents are, after all, particularly worried about your well being and driving can be dangerous. In fact, fatal automobile accidents are one of the biggest killers of teens each year. So, below are some ways in which you can demonstrate to your parents that you can be trusted with their car and your life.

Get a reputation for safety.
Your parents don’t know that you always make sure to adjust your mirrors, never text while driving, use your blinkers and drive defensively because if you drive without them, they can’t see you. Because of this, make sure all your passengers know that you are a safe driver. Insist on the basic things like seat belts and no drugs or alcohol at all times. If you are consistent, your passengers will let your parents know.

You are the boss of the passengers
Be sure to let everyone in the car know that you, the driver, are the boss at all times. It is your responsibility to get everyone to where they are going safely and if that means you have to pull over until everyone behaves that is exactly what you will do. Teens with passengers are more likely to get into fatal accidents because they often succumb to peer pressure and don’t make them respect their authority as the driver. But now you know better.

Return the car as you found it
With the price of gas, make sure a borrowed car returns with the tank at the same level as when you borrowed it. Also, clear your trash and wipe up any spills. This will make the owner of the borrowed car more likely to let you drive it again in the future.

Pick your music before you move
Changing CDs, mp3 playlists and radio stations are another big cause of auto accidents with teens. Be thoughtful of this and make sure to pick your music before your leave.

Keep your grades up
Believe it or not, kids with higher grades often get a discount on auto insurance which can be a huge relief for your parents if they have to add you to their policy. Teen drivers can be very expensive and demonstrating you are responsible with your grades may make your parents more likely to allow you as a driver if they know they won’t have to pay as much for insurance.

Consider taking drivers’ ed
This also can lower insurance but it also give parents’ a peace of mind knowing that you learned what you need to know from a professional. Many schools offer it and some even have scholarships if you can’t pay out of pocket.

Be where and when you said
Finally, let your parents know where you are going and when you are coming back and do so. This is one of the best ways to show that your are responsible and reliable and encourage them to continue allowing you to go out and about.

Happy driving!