Being a teen has never been easy with taking on challenges and grappling with temptations – especially when you’re a young driver. According to CBC News in August 2016, a 15-year-old boy had his new vehicle impounded after police caught him driving without a license on a cul-de-sac in St. John’s. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary say the teenage was also issued several tickets.
When your teenage child acquires their driver’s license after passing his/her driving test, the onus is on you to ensure that you take precautions until they have adequate experience. Steers Insurance has been leading the way in car insurance brokering for over 80 years as a locally owned and operated company with 10 locations across Newfoundland & Labrador. This is where our insurance brokers can help to make sure you have the right type and amount of coverage for your teen driver. Getting a driver’s license is a seminal moment for every Canadian teenager. Here are some steps you can take to help set your child up for success.
The first step is the same in all the provinces: Pick up a copy of your provincial driver’s handbook for your teen to study. He or she will have to pass a written test demonstrating knowledge of traffic regulations and basic driving skills, and must be 16 in order to take the exam.
With a learner’s permit, your teen can now drive, provided there is a fully licensed adult driver in the car. As parents, ensure your teen is confident enough to handle driving on their own; speak to them about distractions from the phone, music, eating food and passengers; how to handle emergency equipment kept in the car like jumper cables, flares, and flashlights; and, controlling their emotions to avoid situations like road rage and racing – making them aware of the impact that unsafe driving can have on car insurance costs.
While driving without a driver’s license or insurance is foolish, it is also illegal as is driving while intoxicated with either alcohol or drugs, or without a seat belt. You should discuss behaviour that will increase their safe operation of a vehicle such as observing driving rules at all times as well as behaviours that will result in their driving privileges being withdrawn. Learning driving skills at reputable driving school can also help them learn and understand practical lifesaving driving habits. Finally, remember that kids learn a lot from watching adults, including you; so lead by example.
Before you let your teen get behind the wheel, contact your Steers Insurance provider. The cost of adding a teen driver to your policy will depend on a number of factors, including the type of car(s) you drive and where you live. Rates may vary among providers as well.
If you have questions about adding a teen driver to your policy, another insurance issue, or would like an auto, commercial, home, mortgage, pet, travel insurance, or employee benefits programs quote, call Steers Insurance toll free at 1-877-478-3377 or at 709-722-1532 in St. John’s today.