1. KNOW THE LAWS CONCERNING TEEN DRIVERS

There are new laws concerning young drivers that have been adopted since you were in the process of getting your first driver’s license.  These laws pertain to the eligible age teens can get their temporary permit, how long they have to hold their permit, the hours parents must drive with their teen, and mandatory Driver’s Education.  There are also laws concerning how many non-family passengers may ride with a teen driver under the age of 17, seat-belt usage, restricted driving hours, and losing driving privileges due to at fault crashes or moving violations.  Go over the basic “Rules of the Road” with your teen.  Don’t assume they know the ins-and-outs of driving.  It’s very important that they know the Right-of-Way laws.  

 

2.       START SLOW

Don’t expect to put your teen behind the wheel, and on the road without some preparation.  Take a few sessions showing them what to do while you, yourself, are behind the wheel.  Remember, there a several ways to learn; by watching, listening to instructions, and then hands-on practice.  Go over the vehicle controls, such as gas pedal and brake, gear shift lever, turn signals, windshield wiper controls, as well as dashboard lights and gauges.  For their first few sessions have them in a parking lot, no cars close by, and let them get the feel of the movement of the car. You can also set up a slalom course, using traffic cones or plastic milk jugs, in a straight line 20-30 feet apart, and teach them to steer through the course.  This is excellent practice for the maneuverability course they are required to pass for their road-test.   Once you both feel comfortable with their ability to control the vehicle, move the next session to a low traffic setting, maybe a quiet residential street with no side parked cars.

3.      REMAIN CALM AND COOL

If you show them that you are nervous and are expecting them to make a mistake, your teen will be tense and more likely to mess up.  Encourage them, and give praise when due.  For example say, “You’re doing a real good job maintaining the speed limit” or “I like the fact that you are paying attention the warning signs”.  If your teen does make a mistake, such as turning too tight and heading for the curb, firmly take control of the wheel and redirect the car(it helps to go over this course of action before you have to put it in play).

4.        GRADUALLY ADD MORE INTENSIVE DRIVING ENVIRONMENTS/SKILLS

Once you’ve covered the basics, expose your teen to high-pressure situations, including night driving, bad weather, crowded streets, and open highways.   Always discuss the situation before getting on the road,  and teach your teen to plan ahead, adjusting their travel times for adverse conditions.

In each session, give your teen “what-if” scenarios.  For example; What would you do if that car backed out in front of you?, or What would you do if the child riding his bike on the sidewalk suddenly darted out into your path?”.   Point out that they should cover the brake anytime they  see a hazard.

5.       DISCUSS EACH DRIVING SESSION

At the end of each session, ask your teen how they think they did in the session, and what they could do better.  Go over your observations, both good and bad, and again, encouragement goes a long way.

6.       TALK ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DISTRACTIONS

Explain the dangers involved with taking your eyes and attention off the roadway, even for a few seconds.  As an assignment, have them look up the statistics of teenage deaths and injuries due to distractions behind the wheel.  Also talk to them about the dangers of driver impairment, such as drugs and alcohol, driving while tired, and how emotions can also affect their driving.  Set your rules concerning their limitations and let them know your expectations.

7.       PICK A DRIVING SCHOOL WITH A GOOD REPUTATION

Talk with your friends and family members who have had their teens going through this process recently, and ask them how their experience went.  Don’t put off Driver’s Education until the last minute.  Give your teen plenty of time to finish their course with no pressure of their temporary permit expiring.  A good quality Driver’s Education course takes time and should not be rushed. 

8.       REMEMBER, THE SKILLS YOUR TEEN LEARNS DURING THIS TIME WILL GO WITH THEM THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFE

It is important to remember that although they will continue to improve over time, the basics that they learn early on in their driving experience, is what they will continue to build upon.  And it is your responsibility, as a parent, to always show respect for the laws and rules that give order to our streets and highways.