Driving Refresher for Parents Teaching Teens to Drive
Teaching your teen to drive is a significant milestone, both for your child and for you as a parent. It’s exciting to watch your teenager gain independence, but let’s face it—teaching someone to drive can also be nerve-wracking. If you’re a parent preparing to step into the role of a driving instructor, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of today’s driving rules, practices, and techniques. At Get Drivers Ed, we recognize the challenges parents face in this process, and we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll provide a driving refresher for parents teaching teens, with tips on how to stay calm, teach effectively, and set your teen up for success.
1. Brush Up on Current Traffic Laws and Safe Driving Practices
One of the first steps to preparing to teach your teen is refreshing your knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices. Over the years, driving laws may have changed, and some of the rules you learned when you got your license may now be outdated. Additionally, you want to be sure you’re modeling safe and defensive driving techniques.
Stay Up-to-Date on Local Traffic Laws
Check for updates on speed limits, right-of-way rules, and any new road signs or signals that may have been introduced since you first started driving. For example, some states have implemented new laws around using cell phones, hands-free devices, and yielding to emergency vehicles. Knowing these laws will help you teach your teen the most accurate information.
Practice Defensive Driving
Before you start teaching, evaluate your own driving habits. Do you always signal when changing lanes? Do you come to a complete stop at stop signs? Your teen will learn by watching you, so it’s critical to set a good example. Review defensive driving strategies, such as maintaining a safe following distance, scanning ahead for potential hazards, and staying calm under pressure.
At Get Drivers Ed, we offer online driver education courses that provide comprehensive coverage of updated traffic laws and safe driving practices. Enrolling in a course can be a helpful refresher for parents, giving you the confidence to teach your teen effectively.
2. Create a Structured Lesson Plan
Teaching a teen to drive requires more than just handing over the keys and hoping for the best. A structured approach will ensure that your teen gains the skills and confidence needed to become a safe, competent driver.
Start with the Basics
Begin by teaching your teen about the car itself. Show them how to adjust the mirrors, operate the turn signals, and use the windshield wipers. Teach them the meaning of dashboard warning lights and how to perform basic vehicle maintenance, like checking the oil or filling up the gas tank.
Once they’re comfortable with the vehicle, move on to basic driving skills, such as:
Accelerating and braking smoothly
Making turns safely
Using mirrors and checking blind spots
Gradually Introduce More Complex Scenarios
As your teen becomes more confident, you can introduce more challenging driving situations. Practice driving in different environments, such as quiet residential streets, busy urban roads, and highways. Teach them how to navigate roundabouts, merge onto freeways, and handle four-way stops.
Keep Lessons Short and Focused
Long lessons can overwhelm new drivers. Aim for sessions of 30 to 60 minutes, focusing on one or two skills per lesson. This approach allows your teen to absorb the information and practice without feeling fatigued.
3. Stay Calm and Patient
Teaching your teen to drive is an exercise in patience. It’s natural to feel stressed or nervous, especially in the beginning, but staying calm is crucial for both you and your teen.
Avoid Criticism
Your teen is bound to make mistakes—it’s part of the learning process. Instead of criticizing, provide constructive feedback in a calm, supportive tone. For example, instead of saying, “You’re going too fast!” try, “Let’s ease off the gas a little to stay within the speed limit.”
Use Positive Reinforcement
Acknowledge and celebrate your teen’s progress. Saying things like, “Great job checking your blind spot!” or “I’m impressed with how smoothly you merged onto the freeway,” can boost their confidence and motivation.
Practice Patience
Remember that learning to drive takes time, and everyone learns at their own pace. Be patient if your teen struggles with certain skills and allow them to practice as much as needed.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach parents and teens that learning to drive is a collaborative process. Our resources are designed to make this journey as smooth and stress-free as possible for both parties.
4. Teach Defensive Driving Skills
Defensive driving is one of the most critical skills you can teach your teen. It’s not just about obeying traffic laws—it’s about being prepared for the unexpected and making safe decisions on the road.
Anticipate Hazards
Teach your teen to scan the road ahead and anticipate potential hazards, such as sudden stops, aggressive drivers, or pedestrians crossing the street. Encourage them to always be aware of their surroundings and to expect the unexpected.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
The three-second rule is a key defensive driving technique. Instruct your teen to maintain at least three seconds of distance between their car and the vehicle in front. This cushion provides enough time to react to sudden stops or emergencies.
Avoid Distractions
Model and emphasize the importance of staying focused while driving. Remind your teen to avoid distractions like texting, adjusting the radio, or eating while behind the wheel. In Texas and many other states, using a handheld device while driving is illegal, so make sure your teen understands and complies with these laws.
By enrolling in a driver education course through Get Drivers Ed, both parents and teens can learn practical defensive driving strategies that reduce the risk of accidents and keep everyone safer on the road.
5. Monitor and Track Progress
As your teen gains more experience behind the wheel, it’s important to track their progress and provide constructive feedback. Consider keeping a driving log to document what skills they’ve practiced and what areas need improvement.
Assess Readiness for the Driving Test
Before your teen takes the driving test, evaluate their readiness by observing their performance in different scenarios. Can they handle heavy traffic? Do they know how to park confidently? Are they consistent with signaling and checking blind spots? Address any weak areas before scheduling the test.
Encourage Practice Beyond the Minimum
In Texas, teens are required to complete a minimum number of supervised driving hours. However, more practice is always better. Encourage your teen to practice in a variety of conditions, such as nighttime driving or driving in the rain, to build their confidence and skills.
Conclusion
Teaching your teen to drive is a rewarding yet challenging responsibility. By refreshing your knowledge of current traffic laws, creating a structured lesson plan, staying calm, and emphasizing defensive driving, you can guide your teen toward becoming a safe and confident driver. Remember, the goal is not just to help them pass the driving test but to equip them with the skills and habits needed for a lifetime of safe driving.
At Get Drivers Ed, we’re here to support both parents and teens throughout the learning process. Our online driver education courses are designed to provide comprehensive training, covering everything from traffic laws to defensive driving techniques. Enroll today and let us help you and your teen navigate this exciting journey together!
