5 Tips for Teaching Your Teen to Drive

Few things are quite as terrifying for parents as the sight of their own teenager holding car keys and a learner’s permit. Whether or not you trust your teen, it’s hard not to be squeamish at the thought that someone who only just learned how to operate a washer and dryer will soon be let loose on the unsuspecting drivers of America. Still, someone has to do it. If the task has fallen to you, here are five tips for teaching your teen to drive.

Keep Calm

Everyone tries to keep their cool, but those good intentions have a way of flying out the window during the first trip with your teen behind the wheel. Raising your voice, talking down, or scolding will only escalate the situation. You want your teen to remain relaxed, not just for the sake of your relationship, but because tense muscles mean slower reflexes. Positive reinforcement goes a long way towards building your teen’s confidence.

Think Ahead

Plan your route in advance and avoid relaying directions (“Turn here!”) at the last second. Stick to low-traffic times and places until your teen is more comfortable behind the wheel. Keep in mind that driving sessions should only be 15-20 minutes at first, increasing to 30-40 minutes as your teen gets more experience.

Remember that it takes time for new drivers to develop the ability to focus on the bigger picture while driving. That means it’s up to you to notice potential hazards.

Hold Back

This rule applies in a few different ways. First, keep distractions to a minimum. During a driving lesson is not the time to have a heart-to-heart discussion. Second, try not to nitpick too much. Again, you want your teen to be relaxed, so set a positive tone and don’t hound them about every slip-up.

On a related note, if your advice conflicts with something your teen learned in driver’s education, it’s best to defer. Having to remember two sets of rules will only confuse your teen and hamper their progress.

Ask Questions

Asking the right questions can help your teen master defensive driving techniques. Every so often, remind them to keep the big picture in mind — scanning ahead for potential problems, noting when a car is passing them, and checking their rearview and side mirrors periodically. Talk through escape routes and exit points, what to do if an animal charged into the road, and how to handle other emergency situations.

Model Habits

The old saying “practice what you preach” definitely applies here. You can and should insist that your teen keep their cellphone out of reach while driving, resisting the urge to read or respond to texts and make or receive calls. Be sure to follow your own advice. After all, if you feel comfortable operating your phone while driving, it must not be as dangerous as you insist. The best way to teach your teen safe driving habits is to model them yourself.

Follow these tips, and teaching your teen to drive should be, if not a success, then at least as smooth a process as possible. If all else fails — they invented drivers education for a reason.