American culture is full of all kinds of family traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Sunday dinners, family gatherings, summer camps, and secret recipes are some of the most time-honored customs practiced throughout the country; But one of the most influential and memorable American customs is teaching your teens to drive.

Unfortunately, letting your teen get behind the wheel of a car can be illegal in certain circumstances, even if it’s just a few innocent laps in an empty parking lot. In fact, many parents and guardians are breaking the law when they allow their children to drive for the first time, unaware that they are at risk of being criminally charged. If your child is still too young, does not have legal permission, and does not have insurance, he could face criminal charges if you allow him to drive.

So before you decide to teach your teen to drive, make sure you have all the information you need to stay legal while doing it. After all, it is a moment to be thoroughly enjoyed and a memory to be revered. Read on for 3 tips to help you make your moment legally permissible.

1. Get a legal driving certification

If you are teaching your child to drive before he takes a driver education course, make sure you get a legal driver’s license. Below a certain age, a teenager can receive his Learner’s Permit, which allows him to drive legally as long as there is a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old (varies by state) in the vehicle with him at all times. The age limit and requirements for obtaining a learner’s permit vary from state to state. Check with your local DMV for information specific to your city of residence.

For example, in Indiana:

• 15-year-olds who are enrolled in a driver’s education program can get a learner’s permit;
• 16-year-olds who are NOT enrolled in a driver’s education program can get a learner’s permit;
• Teens who are 16 years and 90 days old and have completed a driver education program can obtain a probationary driver’s license;
• Teens who are 16 years and 270 days old, and have NOT completed a driver education program, can obtain a probationary driver’s license;
• An 18-year-old can obtain a full driver’s license without restrictions.

Fountain:
Indiana DMV

2. Get insurance coverage

After the law allows your teen to drive, you must still obtain adequate insurance coverage through a valid auto insurance provider. The policy must be active to be legal. Although many states do not require coverage during the learner’s permit phase, it is mandatory everywhere once a provisional license is obtained. Check with your local DMV for specific insurance requirements in your state.

3. Clarify your traffic laws

The driving laws have changed quite a bit since you learned to drive, probably anyway. So before you start teaching your child to drive, be sure to review the current traffic laws. Not only have the traffic laws changed, but the restrictions for certain types of driver’s licenses have also changed. Know all this information so you don’t pass on inaccurate driving knowledge to your teen driver.