It takes a lot of work to raise a teenager. From school to friends to work, you have to guide them through various life changes. An endeavor like driving can add to any stress you already feel as a parent. That said, you don’t have to worry unnecessarily about your child. A few steps can ensure you’re both prepared for this experience.
Here are six ways to prepare your teenager for their driver’s license.
1. Choose Drivers Education Options
It’s essential to consider your drivers education options before you let your child take your car for a spin. These requirements vary on a state by state basis. In Alaska, you don’t have to take drivers education. A parent must verify that they’ve driven for 40 hours before they receive their license. Your area’s rules may differ, so you can look at relevant guidelines to ensure you and your teenager prepare correctly.
If you have a choice, you may want to teach your child yourself. That method can work as long as you focus on points they’ll have to address in their test. A book with information on your state’s test should offer pointers. Otherwise, your kid may want to take classes. Either way, you can discuss what’s best for them.
2. Talk About Maintenance
You need to teach basic car maintenance. A driver has to know how to handle tasks like checking oil, getting gas and more. You may not have them pay for their car’s maintenance, but you should still teach them so that they’re aware. Additionally, you may want to discuss insurance. This way, they’ll be able to prepare correctly. The most effective way to convey these concepts tends to be a hands-on experience.
For instance, you and your teenager should take an afternoon to drive to your local gas station. You can walk them through each step to ensure they’re ready. If you’re able to give them their own car, you’ll want to place more emphasis on these points. Otherwise, your child will rely on you. You won’t always be there to check their car for issues. There’s a sense of responsibility they need to learn.
3. Discuss Potential Risks
A similar idea applies to accidents. What happens when your teenager backs into a garage door or scrapes against another vehicle? You need to let them know about these instances so that they’re ready. There are many risks involved. As a result, they need to prepare themselves so that they can be cautious. An accident could still happen. That said, your child will at least know how to proceed from there.
4. Make a Goal to Practice Often
Try not to forget that practice makes perfect. It’s easy to neglect driving lessons when you have work, school and other commitments. But your teenager won’t have a chance to learn if you don’t set aside time. You may find that it’s helpful to make a schedule. You and your child should take a look at your state’s guidelines, too. Your lessons may need to meet a specific inclement weather requirement.
Like with all new things, it’ll take a lot of training before your teenager knows how to drive. Therefore, you should allow them enough time to learn.
5. Set a Few Ground Rules
You and your teenager need to agree on various ground rules. This way, you’ll be on a similar page. You don’t want to argue back and forth about a certain point when you can have everything written down. That’s why many parents and teenagers like to create contracts for reference. Here are a few points to consider:
- Do they have to ask you before they take your car?
- When are they allowed to have your car?
- Can they drive with friends?
- Should they turn their phone off when they drive?
- How far can they travel?
You can discuss other factors, too. You’ll both need to be a bit flexible to achieve a balance. That said, you shouldn’t waver on essential expectations. If you think your child will be too distracted when they drive with others, you should stand your ground. You can adjust these rules once they become a more experienced driver. You’re also responsible for potential consequences.
6. Be as Patient as Possible
You should strive to be as patient as possible with your child. If you’re teaching your teenager, it’s even more important to stay calm. An agitated parent doesn’t help a newbie driver learn more. In fact, your emotions can be a stressor. It’s fine to give pointers and tips, but you should check your emotions before you react. A heated or irritated exchange won’t do much good. Try to be tolerant of their mistakes.
Use These Suggestions to Help Your Teenager Stay Safe and Smart
If your teenager has started to learn how to drive, it’s essential to give them support. These tips can help you prepare for a new driver in your household.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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