For teens, learning how to drive can be a challenging feat at first. The journey of being behind the steering wheel can be both exciting and stressful for them.
Therefore, it’s crucial for you as a parent to support them with the different stages involved as they become first-time car drivers and owners. It’d be a plus if they’re already well-versed with the road rules and laws and already passed the G2 test. With your help, it’d lead them to acquire a driver’s license and make them feel more confident than ever.
However, the reality is that there are a lot of steps related to the driving process including the many variables and factors they might encounter on the road.
Hence, it’s crucial to reiterate the following tips to your youngster for them to become more prepared with their first car.
1. Let Them Practice The Driving Basics
Ensure that the lessons you’re teaching your child are appropriate for their skill level. The basics are the best place to start. Getting your teen comfortable behind the wheel is essential before allowing them to drive often. Allow them to become familiar with all the parts of a car and their basic upkeep: from the steering wheel mechanics to the gas and brake pedals. The key for this first tip is to let your young one practice often.
Teach them how to adjust the side mirrors and use the appropriate switches and buttons when driving. They need to be tested with these basics repeatedly for them to master. A parking lot or similar location would be an excellent place to do their practices. This will allow them to comfortably drive around while practicing how to turn, park, and control the car. Once they’re comfortable with navigating obstacles, you can use road cones as support.
2. Encourage Them To Give Their Full Attention On The Road
Texting while driving is known to be one of the most common and crucial problems for most drivers in the world. This could lead to fatal crashes and car accidents. Remind your teen always to give their full attention on the road when driving.
Other vehicles can cross into your lane in a matter of seconds, and you can also swerve out of your lane when you become distracted. Let your teen understand the grave consequences when they drive with distractions.
Teach that they should prioritize their own safety as well as their passengers when driving a car.
3. Let Them Drive Under Different Weather And Road Conditions
It’s imperative that your teen to learn drive in inclement weather or poor visibility too. Make it a point to go through a series of driving sessions with different climates and external conditions. Teach them to practice being a responsible driver during winter and rainy days – some of the most common weather conditions The Great White North has to offer. This will broaden their mastery in driving.
You may want to introduce more challenging roads and traffic conditions once they’re comfortable driving around your neighbourhood and streets with a low number of pedestrians. As soon as they learn to drive independently, it’s recommended that they practice on highways, traffic roads, narrower alleys, and congested city streets.
4. Share Your Driving Experiences With Them
When teaching your teenager to drive, narrate your own experiences to help them become better drivers. You’ll relate to your child much better if you remember the days when you’re just learning to drive yourself. This is can be a way for you to emotionally support them, allowing them to feel scared when they go behind the steering wheel for the first time. Try to share stories that can encourage and boost their confidence.
Sharing both positive and negative experiences will allow your teen to become more aware of the different possible outcomes when first learning how to drive. Take advantage of these moments to establish a good parent and child bond, as you create a deeper relationship of trust and reliance with them. These snippets of moments create a great chance to become closer to your kid while emphasizing the importance of driving safely.
5. Take Time When Selecting Their First Car
When purchasing an auto the smart way, it’s best to conduct thorough research and comparison among different car choices you have for your teen. Identify potential vehicles you are interested in and dealerships in your area. It’s best to know enough information about the car, ranging from maintenance to deals, before finally purchasing them.
While you may be the ultimate decision-maker, it’s also good to talk to your teen about the car they want. You can allow them to help you come up with the decision of the car choice. Remember not to rush the process as this is their first automobile and it’s vital that the specific make can meet their skills and needs.
Conclusion
Some parents find it a challenging experience to teach their teens to drive. However, by applying the tips above, you can better navigate and guide your teen to become a responsible driver.
Teach them the idea that being on the road is a privilege and not a right, so they remain humble on the roads. Emphasize the importance of practicing the basics and constantly remind them to prioritize safety. When you fully support your teen with this journey, you’ll be more confident and assured with your teen’s driving.