| The day your child starts to learn how to drive is an | | | | state-issued identification card, a passport or an official |
| exciting day for them--and a potentially terrifying day | | | | copy of a birth certificate. Photocopies are |
| for you! As you get ready to put your teenager on the | | | | unacceptable, so if you do not have the original birth |
| road toward driving independence, make sure he or | | | | certificate handy, you can order a copy well in |
| she is prepared with this must-do checklist: 1. Enroll | | | | advance through official document service providers, |
| your teen in a driver's education course. Many high | | | | such as VitalChek.com, a government authorized |
| schools offer elective classes in driver's education to | | | | service, or directly through your state's vital records |
| students throughout the year. Independent, | | | | office or Web site. 5. Add your child to your car |
| state-accredited driving schools that offer weekend or | | | | insurance. Discount insurance rates are popular for |
| evening instruction are also an option. In lieu of formal | | | | new drivers, and prices vary from plan to plan. |
| study, several states will accept proof of completion | | | | Reduced fees for good students (B average or |
| (signed by a parent) of 30 hours of driving time. 2. Get | | | | above) are common, as are deals for teens who have |
| in plenty of practice on the road. Find an empty parking | | | | completed defensive driving courses or remained |
| lot or a street with light traffic to start with driving | | | | accident-free for a year after receiving their licenses. |
| basics, then move to more well-traveled roads and | | | | Contact your insurance agent to learn which discounts |
| highways as your teen's skills and confidence increase. | | | | may apply to your new driver. 6. Discuss driving |
| Consider additional formal training as well, such as | | | | restrictions. Many states have laws that restrict drivers |
| specialized defensive driving courses and | | | | from having more than two passengers in the car if |
| high-performance driving schools that give teens | | | | the driver is under the age of 21, unless a parent or |
| hands-on training in driving during emergency situations | | | | guardian is present or the passengers are immediate |
| and bad weather. 3. Study the written materials | | | | family members. In many states, the supervising driver |
| carefully. Each state has a driver's manual that outlines | | | | must be 21 or older, have a valid driver's license and |
| the rules of the road, driving techniques, road signs and | | | | must ride in the front passenger seat. Check with your |
| other practical driving information. These manuals are | | | | local Department of Motor Vehicles to see what rules |
| provided to students enrolled in a driver's education | | | | apply where you live. Parents should set their own |
| course, or can be picked up at the local driver's license | | | | limits until they feel comfortable with their teen's driving |
| office. In many cases, you can find and download a | | | | experience, such as no driving with passengers for the |
| copy of a driver manual from your state's official Web | | | | first six months after receiving their driver's license, no |
| site. Interactive practice tests may also be available | | | | cell phone use, restrictions on stereo volume and |
| online. 4. Make sure you have an official copy of your | | | | setting a curfew to avoid late-night driving. |
| child's birth certificate and proper identification. When | | | | For almost 20 years, VitalChek has provided |
| you accompany your teen to the Department of | | | | Americans with official government issued vital |
| Motor Vehicles to register for a learner's permit, you'll | | | | records, including of birth certificates, death certificates, |
| likely need to sign a consent form if he or she is 17 or | | | | marriage records and divorce records. We do this as |
| younger. In addition, your child will need to bring a Social | | | | an official service provider for over 600 government |
| Security card, as well as proof of identity and date of | | | | agencies in the United States. |
| birth, which can include a learner's permit, a | | | | |