Teaching your teen to drive

Can you believe it? Just yesterday you were bringing your little bundle of joy home from the hospital and now they are old enough to get behind the wheel. Teaching your teenager to drive can be stressful on both parent and child. But don’t worry, we’ve been through the process ourselves! Here are a few tips on how we survived.

Start slow

Don’t hit the road just yet. Nervous teen drivers can be dangerous to those already on the road. Try starting small and head to a large, empty parking lot. A mall parking lot on a Sunday morning before the stores open is often free of cars. No large parking lots? Try a quiet residential area where you can avoid heavy traffic and high speeds.

Stay calm

Patience is key. Remember: driving is a learned skill. It takes practice to get better. Set aside time each week for a lesson. This way your child has plenty of time behind the wheel to practice before his or her test. And don’t forget: positive reinforcement, rather than a raised voice and harsh criticism, can go a long way toward creating a safe learning environment for your teen.

Lead by example

Wear your seatbelt. Drive the speed limit. Come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Don’t text and drive. It is important to practice good driving behaviors and adhere to the same rules you expect your teen to follow.

Plan Ahead

Deciding on a driving route and skills to cover in advance can help diffuse stress before you even start. Discuss the route with your teen, talk about the skills you will practice, and agree on a length of time for the lesson. As previously mentioned, start with easier destinations and work your way up

If all else fails, there are companies that can teach your teen for you.

Learning to drive is an exciting milestone for both parents and teenage children and it’s an experience you can enjoy doing together. Unfortunately, accidents with teen drivers do occur. If your teen finds themselves a situation that requires a personal injury attorney, please call the 911 Biker Law.