Oh the joys of parenthood! When your teen becomes of driving age, more often than not they'll be asking for their own car. What should you look for in a car for your teenage driver? And what should you expect of them?

While safety is certainly key when looking for a car for your teen, the safest option doesn't always mean the newest vehicle. Especially if the car is just going to be used to get from school and work, nothing fancy is really needed. Making sure the vehicle is in proper repair is the most important thing. Your teen will have plenty of time to earn their own money for that new car they want - it can come much later in life.

Rules need to be established when you suddenly have a teen driver. They must know where you stand, and understand your expectations of them with certainty. These ground rules should be in place before you ever hand over the keys. Doing this you will greatly reduce the number of conflicts that may arise and it just may help you feel more confident about their safety.

These ground rules should include not only rules for the road, but for their behavior and grades as well. Their driving privileges should hinge on a variety of different tasks and obligations they have as being a part of the family. It is important to make clear that certain things are required while they are behind the wheel. Such things as wearing a seat belt, rules about being on the phone and text messaging, and even operating their MP3 player. Let them know if their phone rings, they need to pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot before answering.

Rules as to how many passengers may be in the vehicle should be set too. There are different rules in each state, but parents should let their teen driver know who can and cannot be in the car with them as well.

Nighttime driving, speeding, seatbelts and alcohol use should all be addressed long before they take the wheel. Set clear and firm rules with harsh punishments for breaking any of them. This is not only for their safety, but the safety of others.

Be a strong parent, set the ground rules and follow through with consequences. If these rules are established in the beginning, they will be easier followed than if you make them later in their teen driving years.