During Your Teen's Learning-to-Drive Period
While your teenager is practicing for his or her drivers' test, take these smart suggestions to heart:
- Get a View from the Copilot's Seat. Those roadside mailboxes aren't quite as close as they seem. But, if you're usually the driver, it could look as though your teen driver is about to run them over. Remember, the road looks very different from the passenger seat. Get used to that perspective before driving with your teen. You'll both be glad you did.
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Act as the "New Driver." Take this challenge: Practice playing the role of the "new driver" with an experienced driver giving instructions. You might find being told to "turn left," "turn right," "pull in here," or "stop" can be awkward—and downright annoying! This experience can help you better understand how your teen feels when he or she must take direction from you.
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Stay Alert. This probably won't be a problem, since it's a fortunate parent/guardian indeed who can relax while his or her teenager is driving. Remember, the minute you start to relax can be the minute your teen needs your help. Be comfortable, but be alert.
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Set Realistic Practice Goals. The number of times you practice with your teen has been shown to be more beneficial than the amount of time you spend per practice session. Try to keep initial sessions to 15-20 minutes during daylight and break if either of you become tired or frustrated.
Rules for Teens Who Have Their Licenses
Don't just hand over the car keys to your teen once he or she has his or her driver's license. The National Association of Independent Insurers (NAII) says parents and guardians should develop rules such as these for teens about the use of the family car or the teen's own vehicle.
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If your state law doesn't restrict teen driving hours, establish your own "house rules" regarding driving hours.
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Insist that safety belts be worn at all times by all occupants of the car. By decreeing that no one may drive or ride in your family vehicle without buckling up, you'll also discourage the tendency for too many teens to pile into the car -- an especially dangerous practice.
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Only allow new drivers to use the car for specific destination trips, such as to the library or to the store, to discourage unnecessary driving.
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Accompany your teen when driving. Allow him or her to gain as much driving experience as possible while an experienced driver is present.
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Ease your teen into more challenging driving situations, such as expressways and inner-city traffic.
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Set rigid rules against drinking and driving and don't hesitate to enforce them when necessary. If liquor has been used, have a backup plan ready that will allow your teen to get home without driving.
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To instill a sense of responsibility, require your teen to shoulder a portion of the expenses for gasoline, vehicle maintenance and insurance. This will create awareness that there's more involved with having a car than driving. Consider making the teen earn driving privileges through household chores or academic performance.
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See that your teen has a safe car to drive. Have a car with airbags, anti-lock brakes and other features that reduce the risk of injury in an accident. Also remember there's less risk of injury with larger cars.
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When the time comes for your teen to buy a first car, try to influence the decision. Whereas teenagers might be more concerned with looks and extras, point out how safety features should also be given serious consideration before a buying decision is made.
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Set a good example for teens yourself by adhering to traffic laws and safe driving practices. Remember: Your child is watching and learning from you and may tend to mirror your driving habits -- good or bad.
Get our free "Teaching Your Teen to Drive (Without Driving Each Other Crazy)" brochure
We know that you want your teenager to learn safe driving techniques. But, we also understand that you're not a certified driving instructor. No problem! We're created a 12-page handbook called "Teaching Your Teen to Drive (Without Driving Each Other Crazy)." It's a great companion for all parents and guardians, especially those who must complete parent/guardian-supervised drives required by graduated licensing laws.
This free booklet includes:
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Staying Cool as a Copilot
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Helping Your New Driver See
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Following the Traffic
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Controlling Speed
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Safe Space and the Vehicle
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Deciding When to Go
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Communicating on the Road
This training guide helps families prepare driving lessons together.
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