Driving Alone

Congratulations! You’ve passed your driver’s test at the DMV. This is an exciting time in your life. You’re on the road to independence, but you’re not there yet. You have the highest risk of crashing the first 6 to 12 months of driving on your own. That’s why you have to follow your family's "House Rules" and Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, as well as let your parents continue to supervise your driving practice.

As you work toward getting your full license, it may seem like there are too many rules and restrictions. You just want to drive, and they’re holding you back. You don’t have to like them, but you do have to respect them.

Your state has restrictions about when and how you can drive. Your parents may have rules about not driving your friends around and other potential distractions. You also will have your own rules everyone must follow in your car.

Instead of seeing these rules as keeping you from where you want to go, try to view them as helping you get there. They will allow you to gain the experience you need to ultimately be free to drive anywhere, anytime!

Now’s not the time to question these rules. Team up with your parents (or another trusted adult) to understand the laws and set rules you agree on.

• Find out what restrictions apply in your state.