Parent-Taught Drivers Ed: A Guide to Teaching Your Teen to Drive
Introduction: The Importance of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed
Teaching a teenager how to drive is a significant milestone for both parents and teens. While traditional drivers ed programs are an option, many families opt for parent-taught drivers ed as a way to guide their teen’s learning experience. This approach allows parents to play a direct role in developing safe driving habits while ensuring their child gets the education needed to pass their driving test confidently.
At Get Drivers Ed, we recognize the value of a parent-taught drivers ed program. It provides flexibility, personalized instruction, and a comfortable learning environment that helps teens master the road with confidence. By enrolling in a state-approved parent-taught drivers ed course, you can ensure your teen learns the essential skills needed to become a responsible driver.
What Is Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?
1. Understanding the Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Program
Parent-taught drivers ed is a state-approved program that allows a parent or legal guardian to teach their teen how to drive. Instead of attending a traditional driving school, teens learn directly from their parents, following an approved curriculum that covers both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
Each state has its own guidelines regarding parent-taught drivers ed, including eligibility requirements and mandatory lesson hours. That’s why it’s essential to choose a program that aligns with your state’s regulations, such as the one offered by Get Drivers Ed.
2. Who Can Teach Parent-Taught Drivers Ed?
Not every parent or guardian qualifies to teach parent-taught drivers ed. Most states have specific requirements for instructors, such as:
Being the teen’s legal parent, guardian, or instructor-approved adult
Holding a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Not having recent convictions for driving-related offenses
Before enrolling in a parent-taught drivers ed program, check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements to ensure eligibility.
Benefits of Parent-Taught Drivers Ed
1. More Personalized Instruction
One of the biggest advantages of parent-taught drivers ed is that it allows for a personalized learning experience. Unlike classroom-based instruction, where teens must follow a structured pace, a parent-taught program enables students to learn at their own speed.
Parents can focus on areas where their teen needs the most help, such as:
Mastering parallel parking
Navigating heavy traffic
Understanding defensive driving strategies
Practicing night and highway driving
At Get Drivers Ed, our program provides easy-to-follow lessons that guide parents through each step of the teaching process.
2. A Comfortable Learning Environment
For many teens, learning to drive in a familiar and supportive environment can help reduce anxiety. Parent-taught drivers ed eliminates the stress of learning from a stranger, allowing teens to feel more relaxed and confident behind the wheel.
Parents can also reinforce good driving habits by setting real-world examples and correcting mistakes in a way that is patient and constructive.
3. Flexible Scheduling
Traditional drivers ed courses often require students to attend classes at specific times, which can be challenging for busy families. Parent-taught drivers ed offers complete flexibility, allowing lessons to fit into the family’s schedule.
With Get Drivers Ed, students can complete coursework at their own pace, making it easier to balance driving lessons with school, sports, and other commitments.
4. More Hands-On Driving Experience
Many teens in traditional drivers ed programs do not get enough behind-the-wheel practice before taking their road test. With parent-taught drivers ed, parents can ensure their teen gets ample driving experience in a variety of road conditions, including:
City and rural roads
Highways and interstates
Different weather conditions
Nighttime and rush hour driving
More time behind the wheel means better-prepared drivers who feel more confident when taking their driving test.
5. Cost Savings
Professional driving schools can be expensive, often charging hundreds of dollars for classroom instruction and driving lessons. Parent-taught drivers ed is a more affordable option, allowing families to save money while still providing quality driver education.
By choosing a trusted program like Get Drivers Ed, parents can access state-approved curriculum materials at a fraction of the cost of in-person driving schools.
How to Get Started with Parent-Taught Drivers Ed
Step 1: Check Your State’s Requirements
Each state has specific rules regarding parent-taught drivers ed. Before enrolling, visit your state’s DMV website to check:
Age requirements for starting the program
Parent eligibility criteria
Minimum required driving hours
Whether you need to apply for a Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE) Guide
At Get Drivers Ed, we offer state-approved programs that meet local requirements.
Step 2: Enroll in an Approved Parent-Taught Drivers Ed Course
Once you confirm your eligibility, the next step is to choose a state-approved drivers ed course. Get Drivers Ed offers an online parent-taught drivers ed program that covers essential topics, including:
Traffic laws and road signs
Safe driving practices
Defensive driving techniques
Handling emergencies on the road
Our online platform allows teens to complete coursework from the comfort of home, making learning more convenient and stress-free.
Step 3: Complete the Required Classroom Instruction
Most states require teens to complete a certain number of instructional hours before getting a learner’s permit. With Get Drivers Ed, students can learn at their own pace while parents monitor their progress.
Step 4: Log Behind-the-Wheel Training Hours
After passing the written exam, the next step is behind-the-wheel training. Parents must track their teen’s driving hours, ensuring they practice in different road conditions and times of day.
At Get Drivers Ed, we provide guidance on:
How to structure driving lessons
What skills to focus on first
How to gradually introduce more complex driving scenarios
Step 5: Take the Driving Test
Once the required driving hours are completed, teens can schedule their road test at their local DMV. If they pass, they will receive their provisional or full driver’s license, depending on state laws.
