As a parent, watching your teen get ready to drive can bring a mix of emotions — pride, excitement, and maybe a little anxiety. As important as it is for them to gain their independence, it’s also critical to make sure they’re well-prepared before hitting the road.
They need to learn basic driving skills and traffic laws, as well as know how to safely handle inclement weather and what to do if they get pulled over. A great driver’s ed course paired with the right support at home can play a huge role in setting them up for success. Here are just a few things parents of new drivers need to know.
The Importance of Understanding Driving Laws
Before your teen gets behind the wheel, they’ll need to have a solid understanding of your state’s driving laws. This includes the basics — like yielding the right-of-way, following traffic signs, and obeying the speed limit.
Many states also have laws that pertain mostly to teens. This includes graduated licensing programs. Other driver’s license restrictions may also apply, such as curfews or limits on how many passengers they can have in the car.
Benefits of Defensive Driving
The term “defensive driving” gets thrown around a lot, but it’s more than just a buzzword. At its core, it’s all about being prepared for the unexpected and staying alert to potential hazards. Defensive drivers make a habit of being proactive rather than reactive while driving.
By learning to anticipate other drivers’ actions, teen drivers will be better prepared to avoid dangerous situations. They're also less likely to get into accidents. For example, they’ll instinctively watch for things like sudden lane changes, cars merging onto the highway, and drivers not signaling before making a turn.
Speed management is another important part of defensive driving. While it’s important to follow the speed limit, it’s equally important for your teen to know when to slow down. This includes reducing speeds in poor weather, heavy traffic, or unfamiliar areas. Defensive drivers adjust their speed based on road conditions so they have the time they need to react.
Supporting Your New Teen Driver
There are some things you can do to ease your mind and help keep your teen driver safe. First, maintain open communication about driving expectations and rules. Have regular conversations about what you expect from your teen when they’re behind the wheel. This may include sticking to curfews, limiting distractions, and always wearing a seatbelt. You might even consider formalizing rules with a signed parent-teen driving agreement.
Second, parents should always lead by example. Whether you realize it or not, your teen is watching your driving habits. If you want them to avoid texting while driving, make sure you’re not picking up your phone while behind the wheel. Also, demonstrate safe behaviors like using turn signals, obeying speed limits, and staying calm in traffic.
Choosing the Right Driver’s Education Course
A great driver’s ed program prepares teens to handle real-world driving situations safely and with confidence. Here are a few key things to look for when choosing the best driver’s ed course for your teen:
Up-to-date curriculum: Make sure the course covers the latest traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and defensive driving strategies.
Experienced instructors: Look for programs that offer instruction from professionals with real-world driving experience. Skilled instructors can provide valuable insights and tips that go beyond what’s in the textbooks.
Flexible scheduling: Teens have busy schedules with school, sports, and other activities. This means flexibility is key. Online driver’s ed courses allow students to learn at their own pace and on their own time.
Interactive learning tools: Engaging tools like quizzes, simulations, and videos can help your teen retain important information.
Practicing Safe Driving Habits
Once your teen starts driving, they need plenty of practice. This will help them develop strong and safe driving habits. Encourage your teen to get behind the wheel in a variety of conditions, including driving in the rain, at night, and during heavy traffic.
It’s also important to reinforce basic safety measures every time they drive. Remind them that seatbelt use is non-negotiable — for both the driver and any passengers. It’s one of the simplest ways to stay safe on the road.
Finally, don’t forget to talk to your teen about limiting distractions. Phones, loud music, and even friends in the car can make it harder for new drivers to focus. Make sure they understand the risks of distracted driving and set clear rules.
Building Confidence Behind the Wheel
Building confidence behind the wheel requires time and patience. Start by gradually exposing your teen to more complex driving situations. Begin with quiet, low-traffic areas. Then work your way up to busier roads, highways, and challenging conditions like rain or driving at night.
Celebrate small victories, like successfully driving through a tricky intersection or safely merging onto the highway. Patience is also key. Remember that mistakes will happen. Helping your teen learn from them in a calm, supportive environment will give them even more of a confidence boost.
Leveraging Technology and Resources
Technology can be a powerful tool in helping teens become better drivers. There are plenty of driving apps that can track driving habits, offer feedback, and help your teen learn safe practices.
Interactive learning tools, like driving simulators, are also great for practicing in a risk-free environment. These tools help teens build skills in areas like parking, lane changes, and defensive driving. This practice can help teens feel more comfortable when they hit the roads.
Set Your Teen Driver Up for Success
Helping your teen become a safe and responsible driver is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. Encourage regular practice and reinforce safe habits to help them learn the skills and mindset to stay safe behind the wheel.
Updated 10/08/2024