Professional driving lessons can set you back hundreds of dollars. But when it comes to teaching your son or daughter, sometimes your guiding hand can be just as good in getting them ready to drive on their own. Here are some helpful tips when teaching your teen how to drive.
Make Sure Your Student Has a Student or Learner’s Permit
To start your teenager on the right track, it’s important that they get a valid student or learner’s permit. This will allow them to drive under the supervision of an experienced driver. Without it, any kind of driving (particularly on public roads) will be considered illegal.
The requirements for a learner’s permit varies from state to state. Normally, you need to be at 16 years of age and a resident of the area.
Practice On Long Empty Roads
Take the time to find a long stretch of empty road to serve as your training area. The ideal location is a paved lot with few or no obstacles. Make sure that the ground is level so your teenager doesn’t have to deal with inclines.
An inexperienced driver should never learn to drive in areas of dense population or high traffic. Find a road that is as far away from pedestrians and other cars as possible to avoid accidents.
Don’t Rush Through the Lessons
Everyone has to start somewhere, and driving is no different. Be prepared for a lot of starting and stopping, especially if you’re teaching your teenager to drive a car that runs on manual transmission. Make sure you start with the basics and don’t continue on until your student has gotten that down to a tee.
While it’s good to have a curriculum ready for your driving lessons, don’t burden yourself by following it to the letter. Take your time and make sure you don’t rush your student through the fundamentals.
Keep Your Hand on the Handbrake at All Times
Professional driving schools usually have an independent steering wheel and brake pedal on the passenger side of the car. This is to give teachers complete control over the car in case a student loses control.
Unfortunately, you won’t have that luxury. Instead, make sure your teen starts slow and keep your hand on the handbrake at all times. This will allow you to stop the car at any time, granted that your teen is driving slow enough.
Teach By Example
Take your teen with you when you’re driving, but make sure to set a good example when behind the wheel. Follow the traffic rules and be respectful of other drivers.
But don’t simply leave your student to watch you, say what you’re doing aloud and why you’re doing it. It’ll be easier for them to understand the hows and whys of driving. The lessons don’t need to stop just because your son or daughter is in the passenger seat. You can make every drive an educational one.
Stay Calm But Be Firm
Like any good teacher, you have to learn to be patient with your teen. Don’t lose you cool even when it seems like your student isn’t following your advice. Be firm, but stay calm. Losing your temper will only aggravate your teen even more.
During the first few lessons, your son or daughter will be hard pressed juggling both your instructions and the controls of the car. Don’t make it any harder than it already is by barking orders and aggravating the situation.
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