Big smiles, cameras flashing, keys being handed over and grasped quickly and eagerly by a young hand – yes, your teenager just passed his driving exam.

While your teenager was driving with his learner’s permit, you hope that you’ve instilled in him a good sense of driving responsibility, and that he will respect the laws. But did you also teach him about auto insurance, and how he can keep his premiums lower? Sometimes providing a good incentive – such as saving money on insurance – might help to keep him a safe driver.

Here are some tips to share with your teenager about auto insurance discounts:

* Keep up the driver training — Taking a state-approved defensive driving course may decrease your auto insurance rates. And it never hurts to refresh your skills, especially if you’re a new driver.

* Earn good grades – As a teenager, and a full-time student, your good grades may qualify you for a discount on auto insurance. So keep up the school work in all subjects, earn good grades, and apply the recognition not only toward your auto insurance, but your future as well.

* Drive a safe vehicle – Having factory-installed anti-lock brakes, safety features like airbags and factory-installed motorized seatbelts, as well as anti-theft systems can help qualify you for discounts on your auto insurance.

Another way to keep car insurance rates for teenagers down is by concentrating on the cars teens buy. For example, a sports car will typically have a much higher rate of insurance than a mid-sized sedan. Having a less expensive car to insure will help to keep costs down.

Finally, always using safe driving practices will help a young driver keep his insurance rates down by maintaining a clean driving record.

Yes, you’re going to worry when he pulls out of the driveway for the first time – and many times following, but if you’ve prepared your teenager the best you can to handle situations on the road while he’s behind the wheel, he is well on his way to following safe driving practices.