Parents' Tips for Better Driving Teens

Teaching teenagers how to drive isn't easy, but with the proper guidance and assistance it can be done. Here is an article I wrote about this topic.

Driver's Education Tips for Parents - How to Effectively Teach Your Teen to Become a Safe Driver

Are you a parent or guardian of a student driver? Teaching your teen to drive can be a bonding experience. You can be the one who teaches them how to drive safely and responsibly. Whether you plan on teaching them alone, or want to work with their driver's education teacher, there are many things you can do to help them learn how to drive.

Here are a few tips and guidelines on what you, as a parent, can do.

• Communication is perhaps the most important thing. You can't simply lecture or yell at your teen if they make a mistake. You must first offer them clear instructions on what to do. Be patient. Encourage them to ask questions. If they mess up, stay calm and explain to them what they did wrong in a positive manner.
• There is a set number of hours that a student driver must practice driving in order to be eligible to take the road test. The number of hours may vary from state to state, so find out what they are in your area. Help them make a log of their practice sessions. List the times and add in details about each practice session, including the roads and weather conditions.
• Find out what the laws are regarding nighttime driving with underage drivers. There is usually a set time each night during which students with learner's permits can practice. Make sure you teach them how to turn the headlights on, and when and where it's appropriate to turn on the bright lights and low beams.
• It's always best (and common sense for that matter) to start out in a vacant parking lot. Take things slowly and easily - there is enough time for them to progress before they take the test. Also, make sure they learn how to pull into a parking place. Use objects such as crates in place of cars in an empty parking lot.
• As your teen becomes more experienced, you can allow them to venture out on more difficult roads. Also, try to arrange a practice session when it's raining. Let them get an idea of what it's like to drive in poor weather conditions.

No matter what happens, don't panic. If you panic, your teen will feel nervous or even scared, and this will only make things worse. Try to stay calm no matter what. As long as you take things slowly and communicate with them effectively, they should do all right. If the student driver is also taking a driver's education class, you should keep in touch with the instructor that everyone is on the same page.

This is just the beginning. There are more helpful driving guides on the internet that will help parents and teen drivers both. Help your child understand the rules of the road. You'll find some interactive driving guides and courses that will really help.

I hope this article helped you,

Nadav

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