Can Teen Drivers Buy a Car in Their Name?

teenage driver

Purchasing your first vehicle is an exciting milestone, but it’s one that teenagers may have to wait to experience – if they want to register the car in their name, that is. Minors (17 and under) are also unable to purchase their own car insurance policy, lease a vehicle, or finance one. 

There are loopholes, though. If a teen driver’s guardian is paying for the vehicle and acting as cosigner, they may be able to buy the car in their own name. Or if no loan or financing contract is involved, a teen driver may be able to buy a car in cash. But again, they won’t be able to register or insure it if they are under the age of 17.

Read on to learn more about keeping first-time drivers safe on the road.

Safest Hyundai for Teens

According to consumer reports and reputable auto industry publications, here are the best cars for teens, the Hyundai edition: 

Small Sedan: Hyundai Kona

Latest Starting Price $24,000 MSRP

2025 Hyundai Kona sedan

Midsize Sedan: Hyundai Sonata

Latest Starting Price $28,000 MSRP

2025 Hyundai Sonata sedan

Small SUV: Hyundai Tucson

Latest Starting Price $32,000 MSRP

2024 Hyundai Tucson SUV

Midsize SUV: Santa Fe

Latest Starting Price $34,000 MSRP

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe brown SUV

EV: Ioniq 5

Latest Starting Price $66,000 MSRP

2025 Ioniq 5 SUV

Top Standard Safety Features To Look For When Buying a Car

Collision Avoidance and Alerts

  • Forward Collision Warning: 
    • Alerts drivers when the front of their vehicle is about to hit something.
  • Forward Automatic Emergency Braking: 
    • Brakes automatically to avoid or decrease the impact of a front collision.
  • Pedestrian Detection: 
    • Warns drivers of people in front of the vehicle.
  • Cyclist Detection: 
    • Sends a warning if cyclists are detected.
  • Lane-Departure Warning: 
    • Warns if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring: 
    • Alerts if there’s a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: 
    • Warns of cars approaching from the sides when reversing.
  • Reverse Collision: 
    • Warns of something behind the vehicle once it’s put in reverse.
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking: 
    • Brakes automatically if a rear obstacle is detected.
  • Intersection Assist: 
    • Helps avoid accidents at intersections.

Driver Assistance

  • Adaptive Cruise Control: 
    • Adjusts speed to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
  • Lane-Keep Assist: 
    • Helps keep the car centered in its lane.
  • Highway Driving Assist: 
    • Maintains speed and lane position on highways.
  • Highway Driving Assist 2: 
    • Partially automates driving on highways, including steering, braking, and accelerating.
  • Stop-and-Go Adaptive Cruise Control: 
    • Keeps distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
  • Traffic-Sign Recognition: 
    • Recognizes road signs and displays them on the dashboard.
  • Park Assist: 
    • Helps position the car in a parking space.

Parking and Visibility

  • Surround-View Camera System: 
    • Offers a 360° view around the car to aid in parking.
  • Front Parking Sensors: 
    • Alerts the driver if another vehicle or object is close in front when parking.
  • Head-Up Display: 
    • Projects speed and directions on the windshield.
  • Blind-Spot Camera: 
    • Displays video of the blind spot when signaling to turn.
  • Automatic High-Beam Headlights: 
    • Adjusts headlights for better visibility without blinding others.
  • Rearview Camera:
    • Offers a view behind the car when backing up.
  • Rear Parking Sensors: 
    • Beeps to alert the driver if something is too close when reversing.

Enhanced Monitoring & Alerts

  • Tire Pressure Warning: 
    • Alerts if the tire pressure is too low.
  • Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers: 
    • Activate automatically when it rains.
  • Vehicle Exit Warning: 
    • Warns passengers of cars or cyclists approaching from behind when opening doors.
  • Driver-Attention Monitoring: 
    • Detects signs of drowsy or distracted driving.
  • Rear-Seat Alert: 
    • Reminds the driver to check the back seats for kids or pets before leaving.

exterior of Wolfchase Hyundai dealership in Memphis TN

Need a Good Car for First-Time Driver, Shop at Wolfchase Hyundai

Here at Wolfchase Hyundai, we’re happy to provide local families with a wide selection of vehicles to suit every lifestyle and budget. We even have low-cost, high-quality vehicles available for less than $25,000! Our team has also made it simple to finance and service your new ride, so get started today!

New SUV | New Sedan | New EV | Used Cars | Financing | Service Center | Contact Us | Visit Us

Hyundai offers industry-leading safety features, putting the latest technology to use to keep drivers safe on the road ahead. In fact, Hyundai is acclaimed by some of the top safety organizations. Shop at Wolfchase Hyundai today!

FAQS

Can teen drivers lease a car?

No, teenagers are not legally permitted to lease a vehicle on their own because they are not able to sign a contract. Keep in mind that a parent or guardian may co-sign on their behalf, but this is highly discouraged because the co-signer is held responsible if the teen driver violates the lease terms.

Can a teen buy a car with a cosigner?

No, you must be 18 to finance a vehicle. The lender may ask for your parent or guardian to co-sign even if you are over 18. Keep in mind that a failure to make payments will not only impact your credit but your co-signer’s too.

Can I drive a car under my parent’s name?

As long as you’re listed as a driver on their car insurance policy, it is perfectly legal to drive your parent’s vehicle. While there’s typically no age limit for remaining on your parents’ policy, you’ll likely need to purchase your own policy when you move out permanently.

Can teen drivers get an auto loan?

No, you must be 18 years old to legally sign a contract, such as a loan. Plus, a minor can’t register a vehicle in their name or purchase car insurance.

Can teenage drivers drive their siblings?

In certain states, new drivers with a Conditional License can drive their siblings if they are getting them to and from school. 

Otherwise, new drivers with a Conditional License can’t have more than two passengers under 21 in the car unless they are with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. Your local DMV (online or in person) can provide more specific details for your state, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Can teenage drivers rent a car?

Car rental companies require a driver to be at least 18 years old, with the minimum age specific to the state. A driver’s license and proof of insurance is often needed to rent a vehicle.

What age can a teen drive unsupervised?

The age that a teenager can drive without an adult varies based on state. Here’s the breakdown:

Minimum Age: 16

  • States: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Minimum Age: 16.5

  • State: Massachusetts

Minimum Age: 17

  • State: New Jersey

If you meet the minimum age requirement for your state and have a Special Restricted or Conditional license, you may be eligible for a Special Restricted license with a waiver as young as 15 years old. The Special Restricted license with a waiver allows you to drive to work or extracurricular activities until midnight. Check with your local DMV for your state’s details.

Can teen drivers drive at night?

Not on an instruction permit because a parent or guardian must be along for the ride. 

Some states have intermediate teen licenses that restrict whether they can drive at night, with any passenger(s), and/or only to and from school or work, especially at night. Please check with your local DMV to learn more.

Can teen drivers have passengers?

No if they have intermediate teen licenses that restrict. 

These are licenses that offer restrictions like they can’t drive with passengers, can’t drive at night, and/or can only drive to and from school or work. If they have a normal driver license then yes, they have some rules as any adult driver. Please check with your local DMV online or in person for the most accurate information for your state.

Do teens expect their parents to buy them their first car?

Each family is different, so we suggest doing what’s best for yours. While some parents are able to provide their teen with a vehicle, others are not in the financial position to do the same. To learn more about your financing options, get in touch today!

Should I let my teen buy their own car or buy it for them?

Like most decisions, there are benefits and drawbacks to both options. For instance, buying your teen a car frees you from carpool duties and gives them a much-needed sense of independence. But it can also be a major financial burden.

What are the hidden costs of parents buying their teen a car?

In addition to upfront costs (loan payments, etc.), be sure to factor in the following costs associated with car ownership:

  • Fuel cost
  • Routine maintenance and repairs
  • Car insurance

What are the advantages of buying my teen a new car?

First off, new cars offer the latest safety tech, loaded with features that provide much-needed peace of mind. From blindspot monitoring to back-up cameras, newer vehicles are strategically designed to prevent collisions.

How do I check for a safety rating for a vehicle?

These independent organizations are widely regarded as reliable sources: 

What are some good websites for honest reviews on cars?

Here we offer some of the automotive industry’s most respected sources for vehicle reviews, distinctions, and awards: 

Do teen drivers have more auto accidents?

Yes, teens ages 16 to 19 are more likely to get in an accident than any other age group. Certain behaviors, like not wearing a seatbelt or driving while distracted, increase teens’ accident risk drastically at night or on weekends.

Do teens text and drive more than adults?

As a matter of fact, adults are more likely to text and drive than teens. A survey by the AAA Foundation found that 45% of adults admitted to texting while driving, compared to 31% of teens.

Why are teen drivers overrepresented in fatal crashes?

Lack of driving experience is to blame, making teens more prone to distraction – with the two most common being cell phones and passengers. 

Reckless behavior, like speeding, is another reason that teens are overrepresented in deadly accidents. In fact, reports show that teen drivers are involved in more speeding-related fatal crashes than other age groups. We recommend sharing this information with your teen driver to promote safe driving.

Are teens more likely to drink and drive?

Teen drivers are actually less likely to drink and drive than adults. 

However, their crash risk is much higher when they do, even when blood-alcohol (BAC) levels remain low to moderate. Combining the effects of alcohol with teenagers’ inexperience behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster.

Do teenage drivers actually wear their seatbelts?

According to the CDC, teens and young adults often fail to consistently wear their seat belt. Among teen drivers and passengers 16 to 19 years old who were killed in car crashes in 2020, 56% were not wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred. And 43.1% of high school students in the United States do not always wear a seat belt when riding in a car driven by someone else, according to 2019 data.

When is it more dangerous for teens to drive?

Driving at night is more dangerous for all drivers, but especially teenaged ones. According to the CDC, here’s what you need to know:

  • The fatal crash rate at night among teen drivers (ages 16 to 19) is about 3 times as high as that of adult drivers (ages 30 to 59 years) per mile driven.
  • 44% of motor vehicle crash deaths among teens ages 13 to 19 occurred between 9 pm and 6 am, and 50% occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in 2020.

Do teen drivers speed more often?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teen drivers have crash rates nearly 3 times higher than drivers 20 and older (per mile driven). Immaturity paired with inexperience on the road leads to speeding. Plus, the CDC reports that: 

  • Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and to allow shorter distances from the front of one vehicle to the front of the next.
  • 35% of male drivers and 18% of female drivers (ages 15–20 years) who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the crash in 2020.

It is important for parents to share these facts with their teen drivers to promote responsible driving habits.

Are teens prone to distracted driving?

Yes, teens are more likely to be distracted. According to the CDC, drivers ages 15 to 20 are more likely to be distracted than drivers 21 and older. In 2019, among U.S. high school students who drove, 39% admitted to texting or emailing while driving at least once during the last 30 days.

What are the most common reasons for teen driver fatalities?

According to IIHS, teen drivers’ fatalities are often due to four main factors: driver error, speeding, passengers (mainly other teens) and night driving.

Which age group has the highest risk for motor vehicle accidents?

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are more likely to be involved in car accidents than drivers from any other age group.

Disclaimer by Wolfchase Hyundai:

Wolfchase Hyundai believes the information and specifications on this website to be correct at the time of publishing.

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