Learning how to drive is an exciting time for teens. Many look forward to it for years. Parents do as well, as their teen’s newfound freedom also offers them freedom as well from carpooling kids back and forth from school and various activities.
Road training is part of learning how to drive for a teen. Many states require this in order to get a permit or license, and it is a great way to learn firsthand the rules of the road and safety while getting a feel for operating a vehicle.
As a parent, you can help teach your teen driving safety while he or she is doing their road training. The following are some tips to help:
Be involved.
There are a number of ways you can be involved as your teen takes their road training and driver’s education courses. You can review the materials they bring home with them. Make it a point to ask and discuss what they have been learning in driver’s education, and talk about various road rules and road safety when they are in the car with you.
Go on practice drives together.
Don’t leave all the practice your teen gets driving up to their instructor’s at road training. Take your teen out for practice drives. This is not only a great way to let him or her get extra practice time on the road before their driver’s test, but it’s also a good way for you to observe how they drive and gives you a chance to offer pointers.
Offer constructive criticism.
Your teen won’t be able to improve his or her driving without knowing when they are doing something wrong, so be sure to offer constructive criticism while you are out driving together. While this can be a nerve-wracking experience for parents, keep in mind that your teen is probably just as nervous, if not more so. With that in mind, remain calm and avoid negative criticism.
In addition, offer praise and point out what they are doing right when you are driving together.
Set a good example of safe driving.
Your teen definitely notices when you speed, roll through stop signs, or tailgate someone who is going too slowly. These unsafe driving habits are a bad example to your teen. Drive the way you would want him or her to drive. In addition, avoid other unsafe behaviors while driving, such as eating, doing your makeup, or other distractions. You may think it’s alright because you’re an experienced driver, but it’s still dangerous.
Always wear seat belts
Wearing a seatbelt is the law in most states, and it’s also the best way to protect yourself from serious injury and even death in the event of an accident. In fact, over 60% of all deaths from traffic accidents occur in people who weren’t wearing seatbelts. You should have been doing this since childhood, but insist that your teen wear a seatbelt always. In addition, make sure he or she makes their passengers wear one as well.
Road training is a great tool for teens learning how to drive. In many states, it is even required. Your participation and teaching as a parent is just as important, however, in helping to make sure your teen drives safely. The above tips will help you to do so.
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