If your child is 15, 16 or 17, chances are he or she is thinking about the joys of the open road. To you, however, it may seem as if your child is still an immature kid, not ready for the responsibility of driving a vehicle. It is true that driving is a large responsibility: Your child will be in control of a large, heavy piece of machinery. And just because the legal age limit says your child is ready, doesn't mean he or she really is. However, there are some ways to tell if your child is ready to take the wheel:
HE/SHE CAN SAY "NO" TO PEER PRESSURE: Especially if your child is one of the first among his/her friends to drive, it's likely he/she will experience peer pressure. Other kids will want him/her to stay out later, drive to forbidden parties or "lend" them the car. If you've witnessed your child's ability to say "no" even in the face of peer pressure, chances are he/she will be able to stand up against friends when it comes to the car, too.
HE/SHE OBEYS RULES: Sure, every kid breaks curfew now and again. But if he/she is always sneaking around behind your back, breaking the house rules, or testing the limits you set, chances are he/she will so the same once he/she gets the independence of driving a vehicle. Cars offer so much more freedom, making it even easier to stay out late or participate in off-limits activities. If your child regularly rebels against your rules, chances are a vehicle will only add fuel to the rebellion fire.
HE/SHE IS FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE: With the responsibility of driving also comes the responsibility of burgeoning adulthood, and that means fiscal responsibility, too. Depending on your particular situation, you may want your child to pay for his/her own vehicle, fuel and/or insurance. He/she should be in a financial position where he/she is capable of meeting this responsibility.
