Looking for a fun and exciting place to take a vacation? Look no further than Texas! From lounging on the beach to amusement parks and historical places, there’s something to do that everyone in your family will enjoy.
Because Texas is so large, and there are so many things to do, taking a road trip is the best way to experience the Lone Star State. Unfortunately, that also means you’ll end up spending countless hours behind the wheel.
But maybe not! If you have a teen, you may want to let them get some time behind the wheel. It gives them a chance to practice their driving skills, and it gives you a break! Just make sure you follow these tips to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable while your child drives the car.
Make Sure It’s Legal for them to Drive
It isn’t uncommon for families to let their kids practice driving the car in and out of the driveway before they get their permit, but driving on the road is illegal. Before you let your child take the wheel, you have to make sure it’s legal for them to do so in Texas.
If they haven’t gotten their permit yet, it means helping them practice with ePermitTest so they can pass. Once they have their permit (or their license), they can legally drive in Texas. However, it is important to be aware that this may not be the case in other states. That’s an important consideration if you’ll be passing through other states on your way to Texas.
Make Sure They’re Comfortable
There’s a lot you can do to make sure your teen is safe on the road while they’re driving, but part of making sure they’re safe means making sure they’re comfortable.
That includes doing things like:
- Helping them adjust the seat
- Helping them adjust the steering wheel
- Helping them adjust the mirrors
- Letting siblings stay at the hotel while you go out
It also means asking if they would like to practice while you’re on vacation. The idea of practicing in an area they are unfamiliar with may be scary, and they may decide they don’t want to practice on vacation after all.
Decide Where They’re Going to Practice
Just because your teen is pumped to practice driving while you’re on vacation in Texas doesn’t mean you should let them take the wheel whenever they want. You have to think carefully about where you’re going to let them practice driving.
Some places to practice driving are better than others. For example, brand-new drivers would do well to practice in a parking lot, while those with a little more experience may be ready to try driving in town.
It is important to understand your child’s level of skill before you determine where they’re going to drive. If they’ve never been on the interstate before, letting them get behind the wheel outside of Dallas is a bad idea.
Letting Them Drive Without You in the Car
Have a teen with a license? Legally, they can drive in the car on their own while you’re on vacation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should.
Just because your child is ready to drive at home alone doesn’t mean they’re ready to drive alone in an unfamiliar place.
It’s best to keep trips short if you’re going to let them drive alone. For example, let your teen drive down the road to pick up pizza for the family while you stay back at the hotel.
Rental Cars
You may feel comfortable letting your teen drive your car, but that doesn’t mean they are able to drive rental cars. If you decide to rent a car for your road trip, chances are, it’s better to let your teen ride shotgun instead of in the driver’s seat.
The minimum age for renting a car is 25. You can rent a car at an age of less than 25, but it’s going to cost a whole lot extra. In addition, the very youngest age is 18. If you let a younger child drive, or if you allow a child to drive who isn’t listed on the contract, you could owe a lot of money in the event of an accident.
Going on vacation in Texas might be the perfect opportunity for your teen to practice driving! Then again, it may not. Make sure you follow these tips to ensure you’re comfortable, your teen is comfortable, and letting them sit behind the wheel is legal.
