Learning to drive is an exciting rite of passage for teenagers, but it can also be nerve-racking for parents. As the parent of a new driver, you play a critical role in making sure your teen gets the skills and experience needed to drive safely on American roads. This guide provides tips and step-by-step strategies to help you successfully teach your teen how to drive.
The Keys to Success
Teaching your teen to drive takes time, patience, and a lot of practice. To set them up for success:
- Start early with driving lessons in empty parking lots. This allows teens to learn vehicle controls at low speeds.
- Make sure your teen gets at least 50 hours of supervised practice before driving solo.
- Act as a calm coach, not a backseat driver. Give direction when needed, but avoid criticism that makes your teen nervous.
- Focus on the fundamentals, especially scanning for hazards and obeying traffic laws. Use technology like dashcams to review driving sessions and provide constructive feedback.
- Emphasize the dangers of distracted or impaired driving.
Mastering the Basics
When your teen first gets behind the wheel, have them focus on:
- The proper seating position, mirror adjustment and use of seat belts.
- Starting the vehicle and moving forward, back, and turning smoothly.
- Stopping fully at signs/lights and scanning intersections before proceeding.
- Maintaining controlled speed and safe following distance from other vehicles.
- Signaling properly and checking blind spots before lane changes or turns.
As these basic skills improve, move on to more challenging roads and conditions.
Safely Navigating U.S. Roads
America’s roadways pose many hazards, especially for new drivers. Over 44,000 people died in U.S. traffic crashes in 2021, a slight decrease from 2020 but still alarmingly high. Studies also show nearly half of Americans feel road safety has declined over the past few years.
Teen drivers are at particular risk on U.S. roads. In 2020, approximately 2,800 teens aged 13-19 were killed, and about 227,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes. The risk of being involved in a deadly car crash is almost three times greater for 16-19 year-old drivers than for drivers 20 and older, when measured per mile driven.
As your teen hits the roads, stress caution and defensive driving techniques:
- Follow speed limits and allow extra distance between vehicles.
- Avoid distractions like phones or loud music.
- Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles who can be hard to see.
- Drive slowly and increase the following distance in bad weather.
Preparing for Solo Driving
When you and your teen feel they have gained enough experience, it will be time for them to fly solo. Before this milestone:
- Have your teen demonstrate competency in low-risk conditions and situations.
- Ensure your teen can handle vehicle maintenance, like checking oil, tire pressure, and fluid levels.
- Discuss state Graduated Driver’s Licensing laws for novice drivers regarding passenger limits, night curfews, etc.
- Talk to your insurance agent about adding your teen to your policy when they get a license.
- If your teen is involved in a serious crash, ensure they know what to do, such as seeking medical attention right away and contacting a lawyer if the crash involves injuries, significant property damage, or other legal issues.
Teaching a teenager to drive is a months-long commitment for parents. With ample practice and the right mindset, you will equip your teen to handle driving challenges. If we instill caution and care in the next generation of drivers, America’s roads will be safer for all.
