By Marilyn Thomas
Recognized as a societal rite of passage, many teens anxiously await the day they can legally sit behind the wheel and commandeer a vehicle. With careful preparation, proper resources and strong support, parents can guide their teens as they maneuver this milestone and ensure that these fledgling endeavors are achieved independently, safely and successfully.
In South Carolina, driving can begin at age 15 with supervision upon receiving a learner’s permit from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV’s website (scdmvonline.com) provides relevant information about the specific requirements (application, documentation, testing, insurance, costs, etc.) for obtaining a learner’s permit as well as an official driver’s license. Before an official license will be granted, auto insurance must be secured for the driver.
“When our clients’ children begin to drive, there is always concern that comes with lots of questions,” said Michael Farrell of Farrell Insurance Agency. “Questions ranging from what the price of coverage will be to what their specific coverage needs are.
Basic Driving Resources
Insurance Rate Search Engines:
Lexington County Driving Schools:
• ABC Driver Training abcdriverstraining.com
• Baldwin Driver Training baldwintraining.com
• Eagle Eye Driving Academy eagleeyedrivingacademy.org
• Lexington Driving Academy lexingtondrivingacademy.com
Safety Information:
• Alive at 25 Defensive Driving Program scnsc.org/defensive-driving/ alive-25
• U.S. Department of Transportation Safety Ratings nhtsa.gov/ratings
State Driving Regulations:
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) scdmvonline.com
• South Carolina Department of Public Safety cdps.sc.gov/driving-south-carolinawhat-you-need-know
Vehicle Finder and Maintenance:
• CARFAX Used Cars and Maintenance App carfax.com
• Kelley Blue Book Search Engine and Maintenance Guide kbb.com
Understandably, there can be some stress and anxiety at this time.”
“Each carrier offers discount packages for things such as driver training, being a good student and using the carrier telematic programs,” said Farrell. “Telematic programs show driver habits — if hard braking, lane departures, following too close, or speeding occurs. This technology can help young drivers become more aware of their actions and also reward their safe driving by offering a lower insurance premium to their parents. We suggest that parents ask their agent what discounts they are eligible for.”
Distracted drivers are the main reasons for new driver accidents. Drinking, eating or changing the radio station is a manual distraction. Talking with other occupants in the car can be a mental distraction, so it’s important that parents encourage their children to limit the number of occupants in their car. Distractions can be visual, such as looking at a phone. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, dialing a phone number while driving increases your teen’s risk of crashing by six times, and texting while driving increases the risk by 23 times. Ideally, phones should be kept in the glove compartment or front console.
Driver’s education reinforces the seriousness of these dangers, and within the greater Midlands area there are a number of established certified training programs for beginners. These schools provide fundamental classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction that focuses on road regulations, defensive driving and skill requirements. Alive at 25 is a supplemental driving program sponsored by the National Safety Council Southeastern Chapter, which promotes safe driving skills. “About 50% of South Carolina public high schools require their students to complete Alive at 25 before they can purchase a parking pass,” says Taylor Harrison, the nonprofit’s director of marketing and operations. “This ensures students receive this important behavioral-based training before they drive to school on their own.”
As teens earn driving privileges, parents may opt to purchase an auto for the young person’s personal use. Kelley Blue Book’s website (kbb.com) assists potential buyers in identifying the ideal car for their situation. Because the welfare of the driver is a primary concern, safety rankings of vehicles can be located through a searchable website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Getting a license and finding the right car is just the beginning of responsible vehicle ownership. To ensure an auto operates optimally and safely, it must also be maintained. In addition to its used-vehicle search engine, Carfax (carfax.com) offers an app that shares recall alerts and service reminders, tracks car maintenance and locates reputable mechanics by zip code.
Brian Tuten, co-owner of The Muffler Shop of Columbia, suggests preparing young drivers for the more frequent incidents they may experience. “When my kids first started driving, I wanted to make sure they knew a few basics: how to jumpstart their car, to notice the tread on the tire, how to change a tire, that if any warning lights come on, let someone know,” he says. “You would be amazed at how many people see the oil light come on or the temperature gauge is reading hot and keep on driving it. This can make a minor repair turn into an expensive repair. Regular maintenance can help prevent a lot, but making sure they are prepared is never a bad thing and is a good life lesson if roadside service is not available.”
Every parent is encouraged to talk to their teens about defensive driving. “There are a few things drivers can do to help protect not only their vehicle but the driver and passengers as well,” said Absolute Glass co-owner Mary Anne Jones. “Make sure you have good quality glass. In the state of South Carolina, chips and cracks in windshields are usually covered under comprehensive insurance. Safety issues could result if windows are not repaired or replaced.”
With proper education, a trustworthy vehicle, safe practices and parental support, a young driver can mature into a responsible motorist with minimal mishaps. And that leads to independence and a future filled with unlimited opportunities.
