Tips For Teaching A Teenager To Drive

Never lend your car to anyone to whom you have given birth.” ~Erma Bombeck

Your teenager has probably been counting down until that magical day when they are deemed old enough to drive. If I could give you one piece of great advice, it would be…get them enrolled in Drivers’ Education! I say that for a couple of reasons:

1. Drivers’ Ed teachers are professionals.
2. Teenagers don’t always listen to their parents.
3. Parents don’t always have enough patience when it comes to their teenagers.

But even though they are enrolled in Drivers’ Ed, you will have plenty of opportunity to ride with Junior while he/she is still learning, and there is still a lot you can teach them.

Remember, the moment your teenager starts learning to drive is big milestone in their life. It’s a time filled with excitement and anxiety. As a parent, you will play a crucial role in shaping your teen’s driving habits and ensuring their safety on the road.

Tips for teaching your teenager to drive…

1. Start with the Basics: Before going out on the road, be sure your teen has a solid understanding of the basics.
   • Even if they’ve done all this in Drivers’ Ed, go over the vehicle’s controls, such as mirrors, seat adjustments, and dashboard instruments. Explain the importance of adjusting the side and rear-view mirrors to fit their visual needs.
   • Familiarity with these fundamentals helps build your teen’s confidence and lays the groundwork for a safe driving experience.
2. Choose the Right Place to Learn: Begin driving lessons in a calm and quiet environment, such as an empty parking lot, before moving out into traffic.
   • This provides your teen with the opportunity to practice the important maneuvers, such as braking, accelerating, and steering, without the added stress of other vehicles on the road with you.
   • Gradually progress to busier streets as your Junior gains confidence and skills.
3. Emphasize Defensive Driving: Teaching your teen defensive driving techniques is crucial for their safety on the road.
   • Instill habits such as:
     • maintaining a safe following distance
     • scanning the road for potential hazards
     • anticipating the actions of other drivers
     • staying alert
     • avoiding distractions, such as texting or adjusting the radio, while driving
4. Practice in Different Types of Conditions: Have your teen drive in various conditions to ensure they develop all the skills necessary for safe driving… helping them prepare for the challenges they may face on the road.
   • practice driving during different times of the day
   • in a variety weather conditions
   • on different types of roads
5. Take it Gradually: It’s important to gradually increase the complexity of driving situations as your teenager becomes more skilled.
   • Start with simple routes and progressively advance to more challenging elements, such as heavy traffic, highway driving, and navigation through complex intersections.
   • This  helps build confidence and competence in handling various driving situations.
6. Encourage Open Communication: Establishing open communication with your teen is vital during driving lessons.
   • Create a comfortable environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns.
   • Encourage them to share their experiences and feelings about driving, which allows you to address any fears or uncertainties they may have.
7. Be A Good Example: Teens often learn by observing their parents. Your actions speak louder than words, and being a responsible driver will influence your teen’s behavior behind the wheel. Set a positive example by…
   • demonstrating safe and responsible driving habits
   • avoid aggressive driving
   • obey traffic laws
   • practice patience on the road
8. Reinforce the Consequences of Irresponsible Behavior: Make sure your teen understands the potential consequences of irresponsible driving behavior. Such things as:
   • the importance of obeying speed limits
   • wearing seat belts
   • avoiding distractions
   • Reinforce the legal and personal ramifications of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Teaching your teenager to drive is a big responsibility, but with patience, communication, and a focus on safety, you can help them develop into responsible and confident drivers.

Something else you will need to consider when your teenager begins driving is insurance. Give us a call, we’ll help you get the right coverage.

(425) 391-8731

At Whitcomb Insurance, we care about your future, and we would be happy to sit down with you, answer any questions you might have, whether it’s about auto, homeowners, small business or life insurance. You can count on us to be totally honest and upfront with you!

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