While it’s true that the number of teen drivers has decreased since the Great Recession, there are still plenty of 16-year-olds eager to become newly minted drivers. If you have a teen in your home who is ready to get behind the wheel, it’s going to have an impact on the overall family budget, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Giving your teen the opportunity to drive is a great way to teach them lessons in responsibility and money management. Here are several things you need to consider when budgeting for a teen driver:
Define the Ground Rules…and the Consequences
Driving is a huge responsibility and no teen should take it lightly. Make your rules and expectations crystal clear and lay out what the consequences will be for breaking them. Consider drafting a contract for your teen to sign that lays out the behavior you expect.
Share the Expenses
Teens who really want to drive should also be willing to work for it. Take into account all the costs of driving including insurance, buying gas, vehicle maintenance and paying for damage or repairs not covered by the cost of insurance. Decide together what your teen can realistically afford to pay for and hold them to it. If they miss a payment or fall behind, revoke their driving privileges until they pay up. 
Look for Insurance Discounts
Adding a teen to your insurance will likely be costly, but there are ways to soften the blow. Many insurance companies will offer discounts for teen drivers who have completed formal driver’s ed training. Some will also offer good student discounts of as much as 15%. Discounts and amounts will vary by state, so be sure to shop around and compare before you commit.
Cap the Mileage
Consider putting a mileage cap on how much your teen is allowed to drive each month. It will help cut down on fuel costs, vehicle wear and tear and also help them make decisions about when it’s worth it to drive and when it makes more sense to find a ride, walk or take public transportation.
Take Advantage of Free Labor
If your teen wants to drive but isn’t working a paying job, let them earn driving privileges by doing work around the house. Things like yard work, cleaning the garage and of course, washing the car, are all good ways to keep your teen busy and show them that driving isn’t a given, they have to work for it. Plus, it will buy you some free time and save you from paying someone else to do the jobs.
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