Nervous about your teenager getting their driver’s license? This can be scary for many parents. Your child is experiencing a new level of freedom, and you want to ensure that they’re as safe as possible driving without an adult for the first time. Use the helpful tips below when visiting a car dealer to make sure that you choose the right vehicle for your son or daughter.

How to Choose Cars for Teens 

1. Make Sure It’s Safe

You want to buy your child a vehicle that is as safe as possible. When looking at specific makes and models, check to see what rating they’ve been given by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which set standards on features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency brakes. 

2. Buy Used

Whether your teen backs up into a mailbox or bumps into the curb, minor new driver mistakes can cause superficial damage that will be less noticeable on a used car. Additionally, since the cost of replacement is lower, you may save on insurance rates. As long as you make sure your used car still has up-to-date safety functions and isn’t falling apart, a used vehicle is a smart choice for your teen’s first car.

3. Look for Lower Horsepower 

Speeding is responsible for roughly 1 in 3 traffic deaths. Performance and sport vehicles with high horsepower engines might tempt your teen to speed. Look for low horsepower models while your teen is still learning responsible driving habits. 

4. Find the Best Fit

Large SUVs are often hard for teenagers to maneuver. They’re more difficult to park, especially in tight spaces. Conversely, smaller vehicles don’t offer as much protection in crashes as larger vehicles. Compact SUVs offer the best of both worlds: large enough to fare better in collisions, but small enough to feel comfortable. 

5. Test Drive 

Your child needs to make sure they’re comfortable in the car they’ll be driving everyday, especially because it’s their very first one. Go to a car dealer and test out your options. Try driving different makes and models, going over the pros and cons of each with your son or daughter. 

Searching for affordable and safe vehicles from a car dealer that puts their customers first? Look no further than the Paniagua Auto Mall in Dalton, GA. They provide fair and honest deals for all of their customers. They also have trade in options, so you can swap your current vehicle. Visit this car dealer online or call them at (706) 529-1919 for more info on their services.