But owning a car is a tremendous responsibility because it not only affects the life of the driver and his/her passengers, it also carries implications for other road users. It is always an exciting time when a new driver gets their car, but this excitement needs to be tempered by the knowledge that adult behaviour is now required to run it. The hallmark of this responsibility is the knowledge that using a car has to carry personal risk and, just like driving it, the maintenance of it has nothing to do with anyone else. It is entirely in the care of its owner.

If a youngster is old enough and responsible enough to have a car, they are responsible enough to pay for its insurance too. It is unfair to expect the parent to shell out for insurance, even if they can afford it, because it does not help the child to develop responsibly or appreciate what will be involved to keep that car on the road. One cannot have the benefits of a car but expect one’s parents to carry the tab. That simply passes the buck for something important to the driving process.

Taking charge of their lives in every respect is the best way to teach youngsters their independence, to build their confidence and self-esteem and to demonstrate their value. When parents do everything for their children, they rob them of the opportunity to learn to do it for themselves and the pride, satisfaction and joy they get from its completion. Young teens should pay for their own insurance when they get their new car. It starts them off in the mature and responsible way they need to go on and should instill a more mature approach to their driving.