How to Help Teen Drivers Get Their First License in 2024 (Easy-to-Follow Instructions)
Parents helping teen drivers get their first license should sign teens up for driver education classes, finish supervised driving hours, and follow teen driving restrictions. 32 states require driver's ed courses for teens. In addition, newly licensed teens need insurance, and adding them to your policy is simple.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 25, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 25, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Helping teen drivers get their first license starts with enrolling your teen in a driver’s education course, completing supervised driving hours, and abiding by teen driving restrictions.
Most states require teens to take a driver’s education course. If this isn’t required in your state, it may still be a useful tool to help your teen driver drive safely.
The safer your teen driver is, the easier it will be to find affordable rates at the companies with the cheapest teen auto insurance.
If you’re ready to start comparing insurance rates for teenage drivers, use our free tool above.
- Step #1: Enroll in Driver’s Ed – Many states require driver’s ed for teen drivers
- Step #2: Finish Supervised Driving Hours – Certain amount of driving hours required
- Step #3: Follow Driving Restrictions – Always carry insurance and follow traffic laws
Step #1: Enroll Teens in a Drivers Education Course
As mentioned earlier, taking driver’s education is mandatory for teen drivers in 32 states. This course can be taken in person or online. The latter is the popular choice these days because of the convenience it offers.
Basically, a driver’s ed online course makes it possible for your teenager to learn wherever they are. If they have an Internet connection, they can access the learning materials whenever they want to.
An excellent advantage of an online course is that completion qualifies your teen driver for an auto insurance discount with many of the top car insurance providers. Check out our comprehensive guide on the best driver’s ed car insurance discounts to earn big savings for your teen.
Since teen rates are traditionally higher due to driving experience, it’s important find as many ways to save as possible. Check out the table below to compare teen car insurance rates by state:
Teen Drivers Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State
| State | Rates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $429 |
| Alaska | $457 |
| Arizona | $548 |
| Arkansas | $445 |
| California | $584 |
| Colorado | $474 |
| Connecticut | $592 |
| Delaware | $497 |
| Florida | $682 |
| Georgia | $564 |
| Hawaii | $579 |
| Idaho | $346 |
| Illinois | $360 |
| Indiana | $368 |
| Iowa | $346 |
| Kansas | $454 |
| Kentucky | $423 |
| Louisiana | $660 |
| Maine | $722 |
| Maryland | $421 |
| Massachusetts | $500 |
| Michigan | $325 |
| Minnesota | $808 |
| Mississippi | $485 |
| Missouri | $416 |
| Montana | $443 |
| Nebraska | $378 |
| Nevada | $262 |
| New Hampshire | $524 |
| New Jersey | $447 |
| New Mexico | $362 |
| New York | $494 |
| North Carolina | $459 |
| North Dakota | $515 |
| Ohio | $478 |
| Oklahoma | $379 |
| Oregon | $480 |
| Pennsylvania | $376 |
| Rhode Island | $475 |
| South Carolina | $728 |
| South Dakota | $490 |
| Tennessee | $476 |
| Texas | $435 |
| Utah | $509 |
| Vermont | $447 |
| Virginia | $350 |
| Washington | $378 |
| West Virginia | $397 |
| Wisconsin | $365 |
| Wyoming | $507 |
| District of Columbia | $412 |
Another good thing about an online course is that your child can study at their own pace. If there’s a topic they don’t fully understand, they can opt to allot more study time on it. They are not pressured to keep up with the pace of other students, which is the case in traditional driver’s ed classes.
What’s your role as a parent in this aspect? Well, you can take charge of searching for a good online driver’s ed course.
Did you know that the fail rate in most states for the DMV written exam is high? Most teens fail the test on their first attempt.
Hence, it is important that you carefully select the program you’re going to enroll your child in. Ensure that it is a DMV-accredited online driver’s education course. Furthermore, check if the program has been successful in helping students pass the DMV written exam. Look for testimonials from old students on the provider’s website or on online business directories.
The existence of these driver education laws that require teens to take formal driving lessons doesn’t prohibit parents from playing an active role in this endeavor. As well, parents who teach teens to drive safer will have less expensive rate increases on their auto insurance.
Learn More: 6 Reasons Auto Insurance Costs More for Young Drivers
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Step #2: Complete Supervised Driving Hours
Most states have a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. In this program, teen drivers need to go through stages and fulfill some requirements before they can get their full license. This system is meant to lessen car collisions involving new teen drivers.
Different states have different rules for their GDL programs. However, a common requirement is for teenagers to undergo hours of supervised driving. This is on top of the mandatory hours of hands-on training under a professional driving instructor.Brandon Frady Licensed Insurance Agent
In Georgia, teens aged 16 must finish 40 hours of driving under supervision to obtain their Intermediate or Class D license. Of the 40 hours, 6 must be completed at night.
Read More: When should I add my child to my auto insurance?
In most states, a parent or a guardian needs to certify in writing that the child has completed the mandatory supervised driving hours. Clearly, this is one requirement wherein your child would need your help.
Step #3: Follow Teen Driving Restrictions
Your child needs to comply with some restrictions until they earn their full-privilege license. This may include a so-called driving curfew wherein they cannot be behind the wheel during a period of time, usually at night until dawn. They may also be prohibited from driving with a passenger below 21 years old.
Most states also have a zero tolerance law which strictly prohibits teens from drinking and driving. Breaking this law will result in expensive teen car insurance rates, possible loss of license, and the need to get high-risk car insurance coverage. Check out our guide titled “Cheap Auto Insurance After a DUI” to discover more.
There’s also the anti-distracted driving law which bans the use of electronic devices while a person is behind the wheel.
You need to see to it that your child follows all the rules. Plus, they will most certainly need some insurance, as driving without auto insurance is illegal, so knowing which companies might provide the cheapest teen auto insurance is important, and ensuring they know where their insurance card is and what it covers is also critical.
If they fail to comply, their permit can get suspended, jeopardizing their chances of getting their full license.
Why Some States Require Driver’s Education for Teens
For one, there are laws in most states that oblige new drivers, particularly those 19 and below, to take formal driving lessons. This requirement usually includes driver’s education and behind-the-wheel training.
Driver education is the so-called knowledge part. This is where students learn about how automobiles work, traffic regulations, safe driving practices, etc. Meanwhile, the behind-the-wheel course is where students learn how to drive. It’s all about hands-on training with a professional driving instructor.
Read More: Could you pass a driving test?
In places like Georgia, the requirement is at least 30 hours of driver’s education and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. A certificate of completion is provided once students finish these courses. This certificate is then submitted to the DMV as part of the licensing requirements.
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Another reason for this change is that parents have little time to spare because of their jobs. Employees spend an average of 40 hours a week in their work. On top of the 40 hours, many of them clock in an additional 7 hours of overtime weekly.
In a 2015 Pew Research survey, 56% of the parents admitted that they struggle to balance their family and career obligations.
Meanwhile, a study by charity Working Families and Bright Horizons showed that at least 40% of parents claimed that their jobs have prevented them from tucking their kids to sleep.
Given this picture, it is not hard to fathom why most working parents these days opt to take a backseat when it comes to their children learning how to drive (plus adding a teen to your insurance can be costly).
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More About Helping Teen Drivers Get Their First License
In summary, getting a driver’s license is not going to be a walk in the park for your teenager. They are going to need all the help you can give to succeed in this endeavor, and you should also make sure they are properly insured when they do get their license.
So, be there for this important milestone. Trust us; you won’t regret doing so. If you’re ready to start comparing teen insurance rates, use our free quote tool below.
Learn More: Should I add my teenager to my auto insurance policy?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of online driver’s education courses compared to traditional in-person classes?
Online driver’s education courses offer convenience, flexibility, and the ability to learn at one’s own pace. Students can access learning materials from anywhere with an internet connection and study at their preferred time. They can also spend more time on challenging topics without feeling rushed.
How many supervised driving hours are typically required before a teenager can obtain their driver’s license?
The number of supervised driving hours required varies by state. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements to know the specific hours needed. Typically, these hours are in addition to the mandatory hands-on training under a professional driving instructor.
Are there any benefits or discounts offered by auto insurance companies if my teen completes a state-authorized driver education course?
Auto insurance companies may offer auto insurance discounts if your teen completes a state-authorized driver education course. It’s recommended to check with your insurance provider to see if they provide any incentives for completing such courses.
Enter your ZIP code into our quote comparison tool below to see how much you could pay for insurance with a driver’s education discount.
What steps should I take to ensure my teenager understands and follows the rules of the road?
To ensure your teenager understands and follows the rules of the road, provide clear guidance and reinforce safe driving practices. Set expectations, such as adhering to driving curfews, avoiding distractions, and obeying traffic laws. Regularly communicate and discuss the importance of responsible driving.
Should I consider purchasing a separate vehicle for my teen driver?
Whether or not to purchase a separate vehicle for your teen driver depends on various factors, including your financial situation, insurance costs, and your comfort level. Adding your teen driver to your existing insurance policy and sharing a vehicle can be more cost-effective, but it’s important to consider your specific circumstances.
What factors can affect the cost of auto insurance for teen drivers?
Several factors can impact the cost of auto insurance for teen drivers, including their age, driving record, type of vehicle, location, and the coverage options chosen (learn more: Top 7 Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Rates). Insurance providers consider these factors when determining premiums.
What is the best car for teen drivers?
Reliable vehicles with good safety ratings are the best cars for teens to drive. Driving these types of vehicles will also help keep teen auto insurance rates lower (read more: Does the car a teen drives affect auto insurance rates?).
Why are there driving restrictions for teen drivers?
States vary in what restrictions they place on teenage drivers, but most prohibit driving at certain hours in the middle of the night and restrict how many teenage passengers can be in the car. These restrictions are intended to limit dangerous driving times and situations for new drivers.
Why is teen auto insurance so expensive?
Teen drivers are less experienced, which makes them more likely to crash and file a claim. If a teen has an accident or ticket, auto insurance rates will be much higher (Learn More: Cheap Auto Insurance for Teens After an Accident).
How long is a junior license?
It depends on the state, but most junior licenses last until a driver turns 18.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
