It’s finally here. Your teen recently had a birthday and they are now old enough to get their learner’s permit to learn to drive. While you may appreciate not having to chauffeur them all over, you may wonder if your teen and driving are a good combination.
Maybe you wouldn’t view your teen learning to drive with so much trepidation if the statistics for teenage driving weren’t so dismal. From what you’ve read, you can expect traffic violations such as speeding and the accompanying fines. Then there’s the possibility of accidents and possibly worse. You’re just not sure you’re ready to let your teen behind the wheel.
Remember, however, that your teen is growing up and learning to drive is a natural part of the process. Can you recall how you felt when you were their age and were about to embark on the path to freedom? Your teen isn’t any different. They’re looking forward to being able to get around with their parents just like you did.
Does your high school offer driver’s education classes? If they do have the class, be sure to sign your teen up for it as soon as you can. Learning in a class will give them the skills they need. When your child passes the driver’s test, having driver’s ed class should also give you a discount on your car insurance. To be sure, check with your local agent.
Before they get behind the wheel for the first time, sit down and talk with them. Explain to them how important it is to follow the rules of the road. Give them the handbook they’ll need to read and know before they can take their driver’s test.
If you want them to follow the speed limit, make sure you follow the limit as well. It’s helpful to remember that more is caught than taught, and that goes for driving, too.
Explain to them that using a cell phone while driving isn’t safe. The best thing to do would be to either pull over and take the call or ask someone else to take the call. You will then be able to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.
Be sure your teen always puts on their seat belt before turning the car on. This goes for everyone in the car, not just the driver. This one simple act could save their life just like it does for thousands of people each year.
Encourage your teen to pay attention to what’s going on around them even if they aren’t driving. By paying attention while a passenger, it will increase the likelihood that they’ll pay attention when it counts.
Before taking their driver’s license test, your teen will most likely ask you to take them driving. Pay attention to how well they follow the rules of the road. Compliment them if they’re doing a good job, but don’t be afraid to offer constructive criticism if they’re not doing something correctly.
Teens and driving seem to go together, at least from the standpoint of the teen. While you may not be ready for your teen to drive, it’s going to happen. Try to be supportive, give them the benefit of your experience, and ensure they’re signed up for driver’s education classes as soon as they’re ready. Before you know it your teen will be able to chauffeur you instead of it being the other way around.
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