When teens learn how to drive a car, everything is new and things as simple as starting the ignition, operating the windshield wipers and using the gas pedal have to be learned. Teaching teens how to drive properly and safely takes time and patience, but will help them be better prepared for their future on the road.
Helpful Information for Teen Drivers
Learning to Drive
It's not as easy as it looks! The volume of skills and awareness a new driver is required to learn and pay attention to include:
- Road signs and conditions
- Speed
- Weather
- Other drivers
- Vehicle handling
- Pedestrians and animals
Assisting New Drivers
Driving will probably not come naturally to most teen drivers. Learning to drive is most effective with the assistance of an experienced driver. When your teen driver is on the road after having been properly educated, you gain invaluable peace of mind.
There are many simple things that can be done to help teen drivers:
- Set a good example.
Your teen is watching you and registering your driving habits. From the very first time they were placed into their car seat, to riding in the front seat with you, they are likely noticing things like:
- Distracted driving (phone calls or texting)
- Seatbelt use
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
By demonstrating good driving habits, you establish a proper driving foundation for your teen.
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Rehearse driving situations.
Talk to your teen about different driving situations and how to properly react. Your teen will be better equipped to safely deal with dangerous situations if they occur. Play ‘what if’ to rehearse driving situations.
- Practice, practice, practice.
One of the best things you can do for your new driver is give them the gift of your time and practical driving experience. Often, tentative or indecisive drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents. Setting aside time with your teen driver will help build their driving competency and confidence.
- Enroll your teen in a driver’s education course.
While you may practice with your teen and teach them all you know about driving, there are also valuable courses in which you can enroll your teen driver. These courses are taught by instructors to provide more real life experience and offer feedback from another point of view.