I’m sure we can all agree that as a 15-going-on-16 year old, the anticipation of getting our driver’s licenses is the most exciting thing in the world. Quite oppositely, I’m sure that all of us who have 15-going-on-16 year olds can agree that the thought of letting them behind the wheel of our vehicle is one of the most terrifying, anxiety inducing things in the world – and often times is equally daunting and scary for your teen.
Just yesterday it seems you were buckling them into a car seat, and now they’re the ones strapping YOU in. Funny how time changes things, hey?
Despite how scary it seems now, there are actually many perks that come along with your teenager being able to drive. The best things we can do for our teen (and for our own sanity and nerves) is ensure that they are properly educated and have plenty of practice before hitting the road.
Because preparing your teenager for driving is key in their successful entry into the world of fast cars and freedom, we’ve put together a list of how we feel are the best ways to do so.
Sign Them Up For Driving Lessons
This one should be obvious. Sure, we could teach them and save ourselves a few hundred dollars, but we all know we’ve inherited at least a few bad driving habits over the years – and if our teens pick up on those they’ll never pass their test.
In addition to putting them through a basic training course, you should also consider a defensive driving course for your teen. This way they will learn the basics of driving as well as how to handle adverse driving conditions, other drivers on the road, etc.
Help Them Practice
We know, we know – you’re busy, and it can be hard to want to go drive around the neighborhood after you’ve worked all day, cooked dinner, and cleaned the house – but your child needs the practice if they are going to be competent and confident drivers. The more practice they have, the better the driver they will be.
Even if only for 20 minutes each evening, or an hour or two a couple of times per week – take your teen out for extra practice.
Go Over the Laws with Them
Make sure your children are well versed in the rules that come along with driving – and more importantly, help them to understand why these rules are there.
Sure you can tell your teen that texting and driving is a bad idea – and they’ll most likely agree with you – but that doesn’t mean they won’t do it. Show someone photos of a fatal accident caused by someone fiddling with their phone instead of looking at the road, and they’ll probably think twice about responding to that snapchat or trying to shazam the song playing on the radio next time they’re behind the wheel.
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!
You can’t stop your little baby from growing up, and you can’t stop them from getting behind the wheel of a car – so you may as well do your best to ensure they do so safely.
Your help preparing them for this new chapter in their lives will only improve their chances at staying safe on the road.