For many teenagers, getting their driver's license is a right of passage. While getting a driver's license does offer up more freedom, both for teenagers and their parents, there is a lot of responsibility involved with driving. Making sure teenagers are prepared for these responsibilities is very important. There are plenty of things about driving that are apparent to adults who have been behind the wheel for awhile but that are not obvious to new teen drivers. Here are three things that teenage drivers should know before getting into their own car.

Car Costs Involve More Than Just Gas

One issue that teenagers often run into is that they underestimate the cost of owning and driving a car. Car registration and title fees can range from a few dollars to over $50 depending on what state the driver lives in. It's also important that a teenager knows that they need to have their car registration in their car in case they get pulled over by the police. Owning a car also involves paying for maintenance, insurance, and new tires. The average annual cost of owning a car is $8,698. Making sure that this is affordable, either by getting a job or having help from parents, is an important step for any teen new to driving.

Insurance Costs Can Be Reduced

Car insurance can be overwhelming for teenage drivers. Not only is it expensive, but policies can also be confusing. There are a couple of different ways to go about insuring a teenager. Teenage drivers can be added to a family insurance policy, or they can purchase their own policies. Either way, there are some ways to reduce the cost of insurance. Being a good student can actually lead to car insurance savings. Students need at least a 3.0 grade point average to qualify for this type of discount. The amount saved varies from company to company. Other ways to save include having a good driving record, purchasing a safer car, and upping the deductible on the policy.

They Are More At Risk

Telling teenagers to be safe on the road is not enough. They also need to know that they are at a higher risk for crashes than any other age group. Teens 16 to 19 are three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers age 20 and up. Driving safety courses are a great way to educate teens on the risks and responsibilities of driving. These courses can also help lower insurance premiums.

Before getting into a car, there are a few things teenage drivers should be aware of. Teenagers need to know that driving costs include more than just gas money, and things like car registration and regular maintenance are requirements for a road ready car. Teens should also know that there are ways to reduce their insurance costs. It's also imperative that they know the risks of the first few years of driving and that they consider taking courses that can help them become better drivers.

For more information about car service and registration, talk with professional companies, like B & K Auto Tags.