There have been numerous studies conducted regarding the driving habits of younger people, particularly those who have just received their driver's license. For the most part, both parents and insurance companies share a common goal; to keep young drivers safe. However, a parent looks for the best and most affordable insurance for their young driver, or in this instance, their asset. On the flip side, the insurance company is looking at how much risk is involved in covering this young driver; they too, are looking out for their assets. Unfortunately, this is where the common goal road separates and conflict arises.

The cold hard truth is young drivers are usually more of a risk or liability than experienced drivers. We have learned from scholars and scientists that young and inexperienced drivers have less developed cognitive, psychomotor and perceptual skills than more experienced drivers; this contributes to the poor judgment decisions our children make. Cognitive skills include the knowledge of making well informed decisions and the use of personal risk assessment. Psychomotor skills are those that are used to handle the actual vehicle, like steering, braking, and manoeuvring in certain situations. Lastly, perceptual skills, such as, the ability to detect harmful driving environment, like when you are driving in the rain you need to take into account speed of your auto and slow down. Without these core concepts, drivers are at risk of endangering themselves and others on the roadway. Therefore, in order for both parties, the parents and the insurance company to meet their goal, often times the parents must give in to higher premiums in order to insure their young drivers.

There are many additional factors that account for the higher premiums associated with covering younger drivers. For example, speeding is often times fun and exciting for young drivers. It's often socially accepted and not frowned on by their young peers. Younger drivers are also easily distracted when carrying passengers, particularly their friends. They also have a bad habit of not wearing their seatbelts; it's not considered "cool". Both stress and fatigue can play a role on awareness levels of young drivers, too.

It's a horrible but true statistic, most deaths that occur for the age group of 15-24 are those caused by automobile crashes. Therefore, it's not only important to train and practice when you are a beginning driver, but be aware of the overwhelming statistics that claim young lives every year. Furthermore, parents need to be aware that children age 17 to 20 are three times more likely to be involved in serious crashes than those drivers over the age of twenty-one. Even more alarming, those parents with male children of driving age are even more susceptible to road crashes.

However, there is an answer that makes both parents and insurance providers happy when it comes to young drivers. Most insurance companies offer parents the option of having their young drivers complete some type of driver safety training. This will not only teach the young drivers safe driving skills, but it can drastically reduce the costs of insurance premiums. These driver training courses will teach young drivers to develop their skill in dealing with real-life situations that occur on the road. Topics that are covered range from teaching young drivers how to observe potential hazards, proper braking techniques, developing low-risk habits and driving skills, as well as driving defensively. All courses are open to drivers under the age of twenty-five that have a valid licenses, even those driver's with a P-plate can take the course. Many times insurance companies will offer these courses free to those that have comprehensive insurance policies, although some do charge a small fee. It's well worth the cost of the courses because not only will they save parent's money in the long run, but it teaches younger drivers the skills they often need to survive or avoid an accident.

Often times, parents are deterred on giving their children the necessary driving experience because of the insurance risk for them when their car is driven by someone with a learners license. It is recommended that young drivers get at least a total of 120 hours of driving experience while having their learner's license; but unfortunately statistics show most learners' only get half that amount. Because the concentration on practice and experience has increased due in part to insurance companies conducting surveys and research; many now offer parents the ability to accompany their learning driver without paying additional premiums. This should act as an encouragement for increasing on-road driving experience for younger drivers. However, it is important that parents check with their insurance companies prior to letting their learner driver's get behind the wheel.

There are several other factors that parents need to consider when teaching their children the rules of the road. First, parents need to discuss safety issues regarding driving prior to ever leaving their house. This can be done by the parent or by hiring a professional instructor who provides lessons on driver safety. At this time, learners need to concentrate on the rules of the road, gain basic knowledge of laws and procedures. Parents should then concentrate on the actual 120 hours of driving practice that their child will need. If a parent feels that a professional instructor is needed at this time, there are plenty to choose from. Most insurance companies can recommend both professional instructors and driving schools that are available to those drivers with a learner's license. It is important, however, that parents remain involved during this time. They should never leave the entire learning experience to the professionals; as parents you should always be the best teacher for your child.

Before insuring your learner driver, you may want to contact several different insurance companies. Most experts recommend getting at least three quotes when shopping for insurance rates. You, also need to keep in mind those cars that are modified or those that are newer and more expensive will also cost you more to insure; this is true no matter what the age of the driver. Always ask the insurance agency about discounts that are available for young drivers; such as how much will your premiums go down if your child completes a defensive driving course offered by the insurance company? Together, both you and your insurance company can reach a common ground on the best and most affordable insurance available for your young driver.