Teaching your teen to drive: Parents are the best teachers

It seems like you just finished changing diapers and kissing boo boos and now your teen wants to learn to drive. Car crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths in the U.S. Commit yourself to providing your teen everything he or she will need to take this next step towards adulthood.

Many states have graduated license programs that allow privileges to increase with experience as teens learn to drive. Teens receive learner’s permits before age 16 ,but they must take an approved driver course and hold this permit for 6 months. Teens must log a specific number of supervised driving hours. Once passing the road test, teen drivers receive a provisional license for 18 months. Many states restrict cell phone use and passengers during this stage. After 18 months with no violations, teens graduate to a regular driver’s license.

Before your teen drives

Kids hop in and out of vehicles every day without having a clue how a car works Before you let your teen strap on a seatbelt in the driver’s seat, you should provide a basic lesson on the gauges on dashboard and other everyday equipment. Explain the rearview and side mirrors, seatbelts, heater/AC/defrost, wipers, and headlights. Educate her about the speedometer, gas, odometer, and warning gauges/lights. Show her the gearshift, brakes, parking brake, and gas pedal. Walk the outside of the car and explain tire inflation and fuel. Arming your teen with this information will lessen her anxiety when learning to drive.

Your teen’s safety is your primary concern. Let him know you won’t tolerate cell phone usage or distractions while driving. One of the most difficult things to teach a new driver is that he should be constantly aware of his surroundings. Remind him that he is driving a 4,000 pound vehicle with the power to do great harm to others and himself.

Basic Driving Skills

There’s no point in having a heart attack, so start that first ride in a parking lot in full daylight. You’re sure to be jerked around as your teen figures out how to smoothly depress the brake and gas pedals. Practice is the key to learning to drive. Teach your teen to pull in and out of a parking space, back the car straight, and make smooth left and right turns using the car’s signals.

On the Road

You teen’s first real trip should be on a residential street. Try to take him through everything: speed limits signs, stop signs, left and right turns, intersections, and 2- and 4-way stops. Your teen should be proficient at all of these tasks before moving on to a road clogged with other drivers and pedestrians.

Once your he has mastered learning to drive in the neighborhood, move to the main roads. Don’t be surprised if your own nerves get a little frayed. Take him through lane changes, intersections with traffic lights, and U-turns. Emphasize safe driving distance and placement of the vehicle in relation to others. Don’t attempt night or freeway driving until your teen is skilled at driving on residential and primary roads.

Parking

You have to admit, sometimes even you have trouble parking the car. Let your teen repeatedly practice parking the car. Cover all kinds of parking: 90-degree, parallel, diagonal, and throw in some practice on a 3-point turn, too. Don’t omit parking practice; there’s no point is risking a crushed front fender!

Many parents forget that setting a good example for their teen is a great aid in helping him or her learn to drive. Wear your seatbelt, obey speed limits, use signals, and be a courteous driver. By being thorough, you can teach your teen to be a responsible and safe driver.