I am going to turn 16 in about one month. In my home state of New Hampshire, that means that I can drive if there is an individual 25 or older in the front passenger seat of the car with me. In New Hampshire, this so called “learner’s permit” (there is no physical permit), is earned when an individual turns 15 1/2. This situation varies by state, but I have some tips and opinions on the situation.
In order to find out the exact rules for your state, visit your state website, a police station, or a state DMV facility. Rules can vary greatly state by state. Some states allow learner’s permits as young as 14, while other states require you to be 16. Also, some states require the individual to take a test to obtain their permit, while others don’t. For example, New Hampshire does not require a test or any sort of registration. You simply can start driving at 15 1/2, provided you have a suitable adult with you and a form of identification.
So, we have now arrived at the point where I will spew my tips and opinions at you… Have fun!
- If your child has a learner’s permit, let them drive as much as possible. Unless your child is a danger to humanity when they are behind the wheel, they can only get better as a driver. The more hours a driver has, the better. Also, most states require a considerable amount of logged driving hours to be licensed. For example, New Hampshire requires 40. That may not sound like much, but it can be harder to get than one would imagine.
- Drive in all sorts of weather conditions. I’m not saying your child should start out driving in a snowstorm (although my first experience was during one); the more they are exposed to, the more prepared they will be. In New Hampshire, it is snowy for about 5 months of the year, so take advantage of similar opportunities. The more chances you get, the better off you are.
- Drive a variety of vehicles. The more diverse your driving experience is, the better off you are. I have driven a variety of vehicles, ranging from large pickup trucks to sports cars. Given this, I am confident that I can drive most automobiles. As an added bonus, you can find that you prefer to drive one type of motor vehicle more than other types.
Hopefully, your child will have a successful time with their learner’s permit and will get their license with flying colors! If you need any tips, this could help.