Teaching Your Teen to Drive

Learning to drive is a rite of passage for most teenagers. As it’s the first taste of freedom for most young people, teens are typically eager to get behind the wheel as soon as possible. Teaching your teen to drive can help them to pass their test more quickly and reduces costs too. However, teaching someone to drive isn’t always easy – particularly when it’s your own son or daughter!

If you want to teach your teen to drive safely and with the minimum of stress, take a look at these top tips…

Don’t force the issue

Although most teens can’t wait to start driving, this isn’t true for everyone. If your kid isn’t showing any interest in getting behind the wheel, don’t pressure them. Similarly, if they feel nervous or apprehensive about driving, don’t force the issue. 

Let your teen take their time when it comes to learning to drive. Nervous drivers can inadvertently cause accidents, so let them build their confidence before they take control of a vehicle. 

Start out in good conditions

Driving in poor conditions is more dangerous. Rosenfeld car accident lawyers deal with plenty of incidents that occur when roads are wet or icy, so don’t risk teaching your teen to drive when the weather is bad. Although all drivers should feel confident driving in a range of conditions, maneuvering a vehicle across ice doesn’t need to be the first skill your teen learns. 

Teach your teen about vehicle safety

As well as teaching your teen how to drive safely, it’s important to teach them how to maintain a vehicle too. Checking tire pressures, topping up the windshield wash and testing the lights are all essential elements of vehicle maintenance. Even if your teen will be sharing your vehicle, make sure they know everything they need to about keeping a car safe on the road. 

Go through the theory

Before your teen gets behind the wheel, take the time to go through the theory of how a vehicle operates. They don’t have to know the ins and outs of engine construction but they do need to know what happens when you change gear and why. 

Today’s vehicles are well-equipped to automatic gearboxes, advanced braking systems, and airbags, but this doesn’t mean your teen doesn’t need to know the basics of how a vehicle operates. By increasing their understanding, they will have a more informed view of how the car will behave on the road. 

Stay calm

Teaching someone to drive can be a nerve-wracking experience. Your teen is going to be nervous, so help them by staying calm. Even if they do something wrong, stall the engine or miss a turn, don’t let your frustration or nerves get the better of you.

Starting Out on the Road

Although people are often eager to get their driving license, learning to drive gradually gives them more time with an instructor or mentor. By taking a steady approach to the frequency of lessons and practice time, you can ensure your teen has the opportunity to learn everything they need to before taking their test.