During prom season the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reminds parents to encourage their teens to drive safely. One of the biggest status symbols amongst teens is a driver's license. Parents no longer have to do the driving - the teen can get places like the prom, on his or her own. Some teens however, may be pushed to drive by peer or parental pressures before they feel ready.
Parents often have many concerns and fear for their teen's safety on the road.
In 1998, more than 6,300 teens died in motor vehicle collisions. When a teenager obtains a learner's permit they can start learning to drive with an adult present in the car to supervise and teach. In most cases the best way for teens to learn to drive is through a driver's education class. These classes are often sponsored by schools. In many states, completing a driver's education course results in reduction of the teen's automobile insurance costs.