Easy Plans for Parents to Teach Driving Skills

Easy Plans for Parents to Teach Driving Skills

Car crashes are not accidents but the result of human actions. The driver, particularly young drivers, remains a critical factor in automotive safety. Annually, Virginia’s roadways witness over 100 high school student fatalities and more than 15,000 injuries. These injuries from car accidents cause more years of lost productive life among students than any other factor. The costs associated with hospitalization, rehabilitation, missed school time, and other long-term consequences create significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens for students, schools, and their families.

Learning to drive is a significant milestone for teenagers, marking their first steps towards independence and responsibility. As a parent, guiding your child through this process can be both rewarding and daunting. Here are some easy-to-follow plans to help you effectively teach driving skills to your teen:

1. Understanding the Basics

Parents play a crucial role in overseeing their teens’ practice driving and play a significant part in guiding them toward safe driving habits. When teaching a novice driver, patience is essential from the outset. This is particularly vital when instructing teenagers, who can exhibit sensitivity, volatility, impulsiveness, hormonal shifts, and unpredictability. Taking a moment to compose yourself is key as you embark on the journey of teaching teen drivers.

Before hitting the road, ensure your teen understands the basic functions of the car. Explain the dashboard controls, pedals (accelerator, brake, clutch), gear shifts (if applicable), and steering wheel. Familiarize them with seat belts, mirrors, lights, and indicators.

Specific to aspects include, among others:

• How to fuel
• Checking vehicle fluids
• Dashboard lights
• Using mirrors
• Seat belts and role of airbags
• Tire inflation and inspection

2. Start in a Controlled Environment

Begin teaching in an empty parking lot or quiet neighborhood streets to build confidence:

• Parking Skills: Practice basic maneuvers like parking between cones and reversing.
• Slow Speed Handling: Teach them to control the car at low speeds, emphasizing smooth acceleration and braking.

As your teenager prepares to practice driving on more challenging roads—such as those with stores, restaurants, roundabouts, and multiple lanes—it’s advisable to begin in areas with lighter traffic, lower speeds, and simpler road configurations.

3. Progressing to Traffic Skills

It’s crucial to practice driving in diverse conditions. Begin in the least risky conditions, such as daylight and dry weather, and gradually introduce nighttime and adverse weather conditions as your teen’s driving skills improve over time. Once comfortable with basic controls, gradually introduce more complex skills:

• Traffic Rules: Explain road signs, signals, right of way, and speed limits.
• Lane Discipline: Practice lane changes, merging, and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles.

Even after your teen progresses to driving in more complex and higher-risk settings, it’s beneficial to revisit earlier skills. Teach your teen the importance of maintaining slow speeds in residential areas and school zones, and emphasize awareness of pedestrians crossing the street.

1. Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving involves keeping focus ahead while using peripheral vision to anticipate potential hazards and unpredictable drivers. Teens often need guidance on where and what to watch for hazards, a critical skill for safe driving. Stress the importance of anticipating and responding to potential dangers:

• Scanning Ahead: Teach them to scan for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
• Reaction Time: Practice safe braking and emergency maneuvers.

For those interested in a certified defensive driving course, the 8-hour online class is a standout option. Its concise curriculum covers essential topics efficiently, equipping participants with crucial skills to enhance road safety practices.

1. Night and Adverse Conditions

Only progress to driving in different conditions when confident your teen has mastered previous skills. Introducing night driving and adverse weather conditions enhances their adaptability on the road.

• Night Driving: Familiarize them with using headlights, judging distances, and adjusting to reduced visibility.
• Weather Challenges: Practice driving in rain, fog, or snow, emphasizing caution and control.

6. Encourage Communication

Maintain open communication throughout the learning process. Provide constructive feedback on their progress and areas needing improvement. Keep all talking focused on the drive Ask questions to help your teen think about what he/she is doing.

Praise your teen for what he/she does well. Give feedback that focuses on how to do something better and not what they did wrong. Hold detailed feedback until after the drive or when the vehicle is parked safely. It is okay to pull over to take a break and provide feedback. Talk with your teen before and after each drive for a thorough review of the day.

7. Professional Instruction

Consider professional driving lessons to supplement your teaching. A professional instructor can reinforce safe driving practices and provide additional tips. Accredited driving schools like ImprovedDriving offer comprehensive basic and remedial courses that cover all aspects of driving.

The online classes include progress tracking and assessments that enable participants to monitor their learning and evaluate their knowledge. This feedback mechanism aids individuals in pinpointing areas for improvement, fostering a more efficient learning experience.

8. Lead by Example

Demonstrate responsible driving habits as a role model. As a parent, practice what you teach. Follow traffic laws, avoid distractions, and maintain a calm demeanor behind the wheel. Show the importance of patience, courtesy, and respecting other drivers.

9. Promote Gradual Independence

Once confident, allow your teen to drive independently under your supervision:

• Supervised Outings: Accompany them on short trips to build experience and confidence.
• Gradual Freedom: Gradually increase their driving responsibilities as they demonstrate readiness.

10. Continuous Learning

Driving skills develop over time, so encourage ongoing practice and improvement:

• Refresh Skills: Periodically revisit basics and practice advanced maneuvers.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with changes in traffic laws and technology affecting driving.

By following these structured plans, parents can effectively prepare their teens for safe and confident driving experiences. Remember, patience, encouragement, and consistent practice are key to success in learning to drive.

Teaching your teen to drive can be a daunting task for many parents. However, by investing time in preparation, focusing on skill development step by step, and maintaining patience throughout the process, you can significantly impact your teen’s current and future driving abilities.

When your teen reaches the point of feeling prepared for their driver’s license road test, it’s important to acknowledge this milestone! Learning to drive is a challenging experience, and expressing pride in your teen’s dedication and readiness to become a licensed driver is crucial.

Sources

https://positivelysquaredaway.com/teach-your-teen-to-learn-to-drive/

https://safeteendriving.org/pdf/Parent_Guide.pdf

https://www.improveddriving.com/driving-course/defensive-driving-8-hour-online-class/

https://injurycenter.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/parent_guide.pdf

https://www.improveddriving.com/driving-course/online-driving-course-ohio/

https://www.verywellfamily.com/teaching-your-teen-to-drive-1270091