From the stroller to steering wheel controller. That time has arrived, your child is finally street legal.
Rather than deny it, let CARCHEX help you plan for the next chapter in your teen’s life.
Keep the mood light
Remember back to when you were a teen, driving was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. They’re going to make mistakes, don’t use every slip up as a lesson. Pick your battles and make sure each correction is a learning moment.
Instead, praise their good practices i.e. “Nice lane change position” or “ Good job checking your mirrors”. Positive reinforcement is more likely to help good habits stick.
Let them explore
Allow your teen to experience all types of roads, don’t just stick to parking lots and back roads. Help them build the confidence and skills they’ll need to take to the road alone.The more experience your young driver gets now the better equipped they’ll be later on down the road, not to mention the peace of mind it will give you knowing they are prepared for almost all driving situations.
Keep it short
Driving for the first time can be stressful, so keep early sessions short. Pay attention to their confidence and skill levels. As they get more comfortable behind the wheel you will have a base to increase their driving time.
Educate them on speeding
Most traffic violations are for speeding, it contributes to hundreds of traffic accidents every year. Those aged between 17 and 24 years of age are the biggest offenders contributing the most speeding tickets.
These statistics are a strong reminder that new drivers must be constantly reminded that speeding is not acceptable and that they should look out for speed restrictions, especially around schools and residential areas.
Safe Space and blind spot monitoring
New drivers should be taught that the correct positioning of a vehicle allows them to safely maneuver around most hazards. Try to help your new driver learn how much space to leave to the right and left of the vehicle as well as constantly checking blind spots for smaller vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. A new driver will soon find that oncoming, passing or parked vehicles can take away space.
