Spring Means New Grads and New Missouri Drivers

Spring brings greener pastures and new beginnings!

Spring is also time for graduation for high school and college students. Remember what it was like to walk down the aisle to your alma matter’s song and throw your graduation cap in the air? It is a special day for those completing their education. You might be thinking about getting your new grad an even more special gift. A car. If you are considering giving your grad the gift of a car for their accomplishment, Missouri Driving School has these tips to help you in your decision.

Why is a car a good graduation gift?

A car gives your new graduate the mobility they require to find a job or attend college classes in the fall. Your graduate has probably not saved enough money to purchase their own vehicle outright, and their current car may be breaking down every two miles. A reliable vehicle saves your graduate form recurring repair costs, and modern vehicles are also offer better gas mileage. Remember, your graduate doesn’t have an excuse not to come home for a visit with a reliable car.

What amount should you spend?

Your personal economic circumstances are the deciding factor when you purchase a car as a graduation present. Establish a realistic budget, and consider pooling financial gifts from relatives and friends to purchase a car. Consider what the needs of your new graduate are. Do they need a reliable car for long road trips? Do they use their vehicle for business purposes? Will a small hatchback perform better than a large SUV? Of course, consider what you think the graduate might enjoy. A minivan with wood paneling might be a reliable form of transportation, but likely won’t capture the heart of a high school senior.

What should I prioritize?

Utility and safety are the first things to prioritize when choosing a car for your new grad. If they are moving to a snowy climate, consider an all-wheel drive vehicle for safer maneuverability in bad weather. If a crowded city is the destination, consider a car that can fit into tight spaces. When car shopping, safety should also be at the top of your list. Check out ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which annually ranks the safest cars in different categories, from minis to large pickup trucks.

What about other costs?

Total cost of ownership is an important factor in choosing a car. This includes gas, insurance, and required maintenance. A nifty foreign sports car might put a smile on your grad’s face, but they could be frowning soon when faced with costly insurance and higher maintenance costs because parts are hard to come by. Consider low mileage cars with the balance of manufacturer warranty still in effect.

Is a car really the right gift for my graduate?

Only you can answer that question. If you are considering a car for your graduate, you should also consider the gift of driving lessons. Whether your graduate is just now deciding to tackle learning to drive or they might need a refresher after studying too hard, give your grad the gift of driving lessons from the gift of driving lessons from the professionals at Missouri Driving School. Not everyone gets their license when they turn 16. Learning to drive is a milestone that opens your loved one to the world around them. The gift of a vehicle and learning how to drive it go hand in hand!

Missouri Driving School is the only name you need to remember to teach driving on the streets of St. Louis. Lessons are performed in our vehicles. We use newer mid-size cars equipped with dual brake controls to ensure safety. Scheduling time is flexible between 8am and 8pm Monday through Saturday Our instructors are professional, courteous, patient and experts in what they do. The gift of driving lessons will lower the stress of you teaching your new grad to drive, and you can rest assured that your grad is in good hands with great driving instructors. Springtime brings new life to the world, and new beginnings to your graduating student. At Missouri Driving School, driver’s education is our top priority. Call us at 314-849-4590 today.