I won’t lie. I dread the day when my oldest, who is now three, is ready to drive. Teaching your teen to drive can feel daunting. Plenty of my friends have talked about their experiences with this. However, there are some things you can do to make the entire ordeal more fun for everyone. Here are seven effective ways to help your teenager become a confident and responsible driver without any added stress.
1. Start with the Basics in an Empty Parking Lot
Something that seems to be popular with many parents is getting their kids started driving in an empty parking lot. This can help them focus on the basics of operating a vehicle without the stress of traffic and other cars around. They can learn how to properly accelerate, brake, and steer. You can also help them practice parking and demonstrate things like safe turns and safe stopping distances. The best thing about this method is that there aren’t any distractions and you decrease the risk of an accident happening.
2. Introduce Traffic Slowly in Quiet Neighborhoods
After you’ve gotten your teen driver comfortable with the basics, you can introduce them to driving through the neighborhood. Residential areas have slower speed limits and can make it easier for your teen driver to learn the traffic rules at a manageable pace. They can learn to stop at intersections/stop signs, looking both ways and yielding to other cars and pedestrians. Encourage them to use safe habits while driving in a residential neighborhood, such as using their turn signals and checking their mirrors. Ultimately, this provides them with a calm, familiar environment to help boost their confidence before they hit a busy road.
3. Use Simulation Games to Reinforce Driving Skills
There are a ton of driving simulation games out there today. Of course, you might not want them racing before they hop into a real car. However, simulation games can be a helpful tool in teaching your teen driver safe habits. It also makes the entire learning process more fun. Many driving games focus on realistic scenarios, which can help teens develop quick reflexes and understand spatial awareness, which are all important when they get behind the wheel.
4. Set Up “Emergency Scenario” Practice
It’s a good idea to practice some emergency scenarios with new drivers too. This will help your teenager feel more in control when an unexpected situation arises. Talk about what they should do if they start hydroplaning, skidding, or dealing with an aggressive driver. Take the time to simulate these scenarios in a safe, controlled space. Make sure they understand how important it is to stay calm. Giving them the knowledge of how to handle emergencies can be potentially life-saving in real-world driving situations.
5. Teach Defensive Driving Techniques Early On
Defensive driving is another thing that could be life-saving. You should teach your teen about how to anticipate possible danger and how to stay proactive behind the wheel. Make sure they know how to be aware of their surroundings in the car by checking their mirrors and maintaining safe following distances. This can help them anticipate other drivers’ actions. Practicing defensive maneuvers, such as safe lane changes and understanding blind spots, will improve their reaction time and decision-making skills. It can also be a good idea to enroll them in a defensive driving course to reinforce some of these skills. In the end, this will ensure that they are better prepared to avoid accidents on the road.
6. Take Advantage of Driver’s Ed Courses
When I was in school, driver’s education was something everyone did once they turned 15. Things have changed though. These courses aren’t always available through your public schools anymore, but you can find private lessons. Many classes are led by experienced instructors who can potentially offer more insight beyond what you know. Also, sometimes your kid just needs to hear it from someone else.
7. Keep Calm and Offer Encouragement
It’s extremely important to stay calm. Learning to drive can be nerve-wracking for young adults. Maintaining a calm, encouraging approach can make a huge difference in how they feel when it comes to driving. Avoid making sudden reactions or raising your voice. This can lead to anxiety and cause your child to be less focused. Let them know that you are proud of what they’ve accomplished and be supportive.
Building Confident, Safe Drivers Together
Having a teen driver doesn’t have to be stressful. You can use some of these fun, interactive methods to make the experience more calm and more successful overall. It’s important to remember that you are building lifelong skills that they will carry with them forever. The process shouldn’t be stressful. It should be enjoyable and informative. In the end, the goal is to have a safe, capable driver.