Is it time for someone in the house to start learning how to drive? If so, make sure they get off on the right foot from day one.
That said having to teach your teen son or daughter how to drive can be a harrowing experience for some parents. This is especially the case for those who are short on patience.
With that in mind, what practices will you exhibit when time for a learner’s permit to when your teen gets a license?
Teaching Your Teen the Right Way to Drive
So that your teenager learns the right way to go about driving from day one, remember these three tips:
- Driver’s education – Your teen will need to receive the right education from day one. Along with taking driver’s education in school, your teen should also turn to you for driving tips. Before they go for their learner’s permit and then their license, make sure they are well educated on road rules. This will make it easier for them to pass both tests. When your teen is a passenger with you, make sure you are teaching them the right ways to drive and avoid bad habits.
- Avoiding bad habits – Would you consider your teen to be quite responsible at this point in their life? Driving takes a lot of responsibility. As such, make sure your teenager understands what he or she is getting into. They must drive away from distractions that increase odds of an accident. Make sure they do not use their cell phones while behind the wheel. They also need to never think it is okay to drink alcohol and drive. Not only is it illegal, but they could end up in an accident that changes your lives forever.
- Care of the vehicle – A good way to teach your teen responsibility is by making sure they care for the vehicle. Whether the family car or truck or one your teen has on their own, vehicle maintenance is critical. Not only does it mean the vehicle is likely to last longer, but it improves their chances of getting home safe. If your teen only wants to drive and not take care of the vehicle, sit them down and have a good chat over this matter.
Keep Rules in Place
Even with your teen now driving, it is important that you keep rules in place.
One such rule would be their curfew.
When a teen has access to a vehicle, he or she may want to push their curfew times a little bit. Unless your teen is working a late night part-time job to help pay for things, they need to stick to a curfew.
Vehicle accidents can also be more prevalent in the late evening/early morning hours. This is when drivers tire and the road can be harder to see.
Last, if your teen is in an accident, remember that their well-being is most important.
From there, sit down and discuss the accident. Remember, one can learn from such an incident.
As you look to get the new driver in the house started off on the right foot, preach safety and responsibility.