Coming of age is a very proud moment for teenagers. For some, that means being able to drive and the freedom that comes with it. Yet, a growing number of students are not getting their license when they turn 16. And some are driving anyway.

Driving without a license is illegal and not a good idea or a safe one. It can lead to a million different situations, and none of them are ideal. Teens who want the freedom of driving need to follow the rules and get their license.  

If you are in a wreck, whether it is your fault or not, not having a license can lead to a delay in being allowed to apply for a license, a refusal of insurance to pay for damages, and even criminal charges – especially if someone is hurt. The financial implications can be crippling for the teen and for their family.

More important, though, is the loss of life and health that can come if you are not properly trained to drive. When attending drivers ed or taking online classes, you are given resources so you can know what to do in every situation. You practice while you have a licensed driver in the car. The training is not a guarantee that you will not have a wreck, but it will help you know what to do to avoid one and, also important, can help you know what to do if a wreck does occur. 

For example, if you get in a wreck you would know what measures to take. Call 911, access the damages, NEVER run, and stay put. Leaving the scene of an accident, whether you caused it or not, only exacerbates the negatives that are already happening. 

There are plenty of reasons to not get a license when you turn 16. Not enough time, no one to help you, being afraid of driving, worried that the process is too complicated – there are valid reasons. However, until you have gone through the training and have a license in hand, stay out from behind the wheel.