Driving a car is risky business. It may feel like freedom to you, but young, inexperienced drivers are more likely to crash than experienced drivers.

It's OK to be eager to get your license and be able to drive yourself places. It's exciting! But don't hurry too much. Take your time to become a good driver before you get your license, and you will reap the benefits. You'll keep yourself, your friends and family, and others on the road much safer.

This is why Virginia requires teen drivers with learner's permits to practice driving for 40 hours before they can get their driver's license. Ten of these hours should be at night. The parent or guardian who must ride with you is there to pass onto you what they've learned through years of driving. This is in addition to the seven hours of behind-the-wheel training young drivers must get in driver's education.

The DMV offers a number of safety tips for teen drivers. In addition, here are some things to remember when you're learning to drive:

Stay focused when you drive. Most teenage passenger deaths occur in crashes when other teens are driving. Crash rates are higher for young drivers who have three or more passengers in their cars than when driving alone. Don't blast music, call or text your friends, or apply your makeup while driving.

Don't drive when you are tired. Driving while drowsy is said to be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. The best way to handle a situation where you are too tired to drive is not to drive at all. If you're already driving, pull over and take a nap or call somebody for a ride home.

Avoid risk-taking when you drive. Speeding, not wearing your seat belt, and mixing alcohol and drugs with driving are all bad news. They increase your risk of crashing and hurting yourself or other people. You could even lose your license for being so reckless. Why risk your health and your life (as well as the life of others)?

Listen during driver education class and study what you learn. Sure, school might be boring and feel like a waste of time sometimes. However, driver's education is a subject you actually want to learn about! It can teach you lots about something you can't wait to do―drive a car. Pay attention in class and learn all you can. Then when you get behind the wheel, you will be able to apply what you learned to a real-life situation.

Teens in their first years of driving have a higher crash risk than more experienced teen drivers. You can lower this risk by practicing safe driving. It may also keep your insurance rates low, and help earn your parents' trust so they allow you to drive more often.

As you get older, your judgment will get better and you will be less likely to make dangerous mistakes. Experience will make you a better driver. However, it's best to avoid getting in an accident in the first place. So be smart and drive safely.

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