Steven Anderson, an apprentice mechanic, died when his Renault Clio was in collision with a Citroen Picasso on the A93 Aberdeen to Banchory road, near Crathes Castle, on Sunday morning.
The 17-year-old - the second local teenager to lose his life on Deeside in three months - had bought the car the night before and was understood to have been on his way home, after filling up with petrol, when the tragedy happened.
Speaking exclusively to the Piper from the family home at Park Smithy, Drumoak, his grieving father, Derek, said: "It is just an awful waste. He had so much going for him. He had a short life but he crammed a lot in. I was just so proud of him but I never got the chance to tell him."
The former Drumoak Primary School and Banchory Academy pupil had worked as an apprentice mechanic at Framor Garage, in Banchory, since leaving school a year-and-a-half ago, having had an interest in motors since he was a small child.
His mother, Wilma, said "He was just a very happy-go-lucky, cheeky (teenager]. He was never sad.
"He loved his work and his cars. We are all just gutted. It is a big shock - our worst nightmare. I don't think it has really sunk in."
She added that his twin sister, Jenna, was finding it particularly difficult to come to terms with the family's loss. She said: "She is finding it really tough. She said she feels like she has lost her other half."
Jenna was one of the first people to be told that her brother had been involved in an accident after receiving a call from a friend on Sunday morning. The family immediately drove up to the scene, just minutes from their home, where their worst fears were soon realised.
Mr Anderson, whose car was insured for just half an hour before the accident, is also survived by two elder sisters, Lisa, 21, and Donna, 22, who said: "We are all going to miss him. He was a pain in the neck but you miss it when he's not here. He was just a normal little brother."
His father said his son "knew all the right buttons to push to wind people up" but added that he was a star pupil at Aberdeen College, where he attended on day release through his work.
Headteacher at Banchory Academy, Sheila Di Maio, also paid tribute to the teenager, who had passed his driving test in November, just 10 days after his 17th birthday.
She said: "He was such a lively, well-liked lad and he will be sadly missed. He was very bright with a lovely family and it's such a tragic loss for them. Obviously our thoughts go out to them at this time. It's just such a waste of a young life."
She added that counselling would be offered to pupils who feel they need it.
Only three months ago, pupil Alex Alex Michalski, also 17, died when the car in which he was a passenger was involved in an accident on the B9077 South Deeside Road.
Mr Anderson was the sole occupant of the car when the latest tragedy happened around 10.50am on Sunday. Police, ambulance and fire crews attended but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene
A family of four, including two young children, who were in the Citroen, had to be taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, although their injuries were not thought to be serious.
Superintendent Harry Thorburn of Grampian Police's roads policing department, said: "Steven is the latest in a long tally of young motorists who have lost their lives on North-east roads in recent months.
"He had only recently passed his driving test these tragic circumstances underline the need for young motorists to drive within the limits of their ability."
Road surfaces were wet when the accident happened and officers also called on motorists to drive according to the conditions.
Inspector Ian Kirkwood, also of the force's roads policing department, said: "Given the amount of rain we've had recently affecting most roads in the north east I would ask motorists to take this into consideration and drive according to the conditions"
Following the crash the A93 at the scene was closed for several hours and local diversions were put in place.