Teaching teenagers how to drive can be extremely stressful for all involved!
Parents teach their children how to do everything and there is nothing that is going to test both parties’ patience more than parents teaching teens to drive.
To ease the inevitable stress that this endeavour will bring, here are some tips for parents before embarking on this rite of passage.
5 tips for parents when teaching teens to drive
- Start with a paid lesson. The first time your teen gets behind the wheel is a nerve-racking time for both of you. Opting for a paid lesson first will relieve some of the stress and pressure of teaching them the basics before you get involved. A professional driving instructor can teach them the basics and give them the confidence to feel comfortable with you directing them whilst they’re behind the wheel.
- Refresh your own knowledge. Whilst we all think we’re fantastic drivers, there are many adults that would fail their test if they were to take it with no prior warning or preparation. In order to teach your teen and to be confident in your own directions you need to know the answers to the questions they’ll ask. Brush up on your knowledge of road rules by flicking through all the material they are also having to learn from before taking them out on the road.
- Check your insurance. Many policies let you opt to restrict drivers under a certain age. If you have not updated your policy in a while it’s worth checking you’re covered for letting young drivers drive the car. Let your insurance company know you’re teaching your teen to drive and they’ll make sure your insurance covers any hiccups.
- Choose your roads wisely. Set your teen up for success by starting on roads that you know aren’t too busy, have plenty of side streets to pull into, and aren’t going to cause them extra anxiety. As they get more confident you can change it up so that they get used to a variety of driving situations. Switch it up often but don’t go beyond their skill level.
- Enjoy it! Although it is going to have its stressful times, the hours spent teaching your teen to drive provides you the opportunity to spend quality time you otherwise wouldn’t have spent with each other. Supporting them through this milestone, no matter how long it takes, will bring you closer together.
