Teaching anyone how to drive can be terrifying and difficult, but teaching a teenager how to drive can be even more challenging and scary. Teenagers love to get on the road not thinking about what the road has in store for them. Many teenagers think that driving is just getting in the car and going somewhere, but they need to know that there is a lot of work to it. There are many things that the potential driving instructor needs to know. They need to know how to control the car if anything goes wrong. They also need to know how to explain things to the teenage driver, and most of all they need to have a lot of patience.

Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles as each state has different rules of the road for teenage drivers.  Some states do not allow newly licensed teenage drivers to carry passengers under twenty-one years of age.  Some states have a "probationary" period for new drivers.  So, before you do anything, have your teenager find out what is required and what the laws are in your area.  They may need a certain number of behind the wheel hours with a Certified Trainer before they can even apply for their license.  Let them find out and report to you.  This action on their part will tell you that they are ready to proceed.

If your teenager needs a Certified Training Course, find a school that specializes in teaching teens how to drive.  They will have classroom work and behind the wheel training.  It's never too early to teach children about the different parts of a car.  If you haven't already then this is a good time to point out the signals, hazard lights, brakes, and emergency brake just in case they ever need it. When it is time for your student driver to begin driving the family car with you as passenger, start by taking them out to places with very little traffic so that you and the new driver can get comfortable with each other. Then take them out to the street and let them drive.  As they become more comfortable behind the wheel, it is important that they have an opportunity to drive under many different conditions.  Go for an afternoon drive through the local mountains, drive at night, drive in traffic, drive in inclement weather, drive downtown; each experience will make your teenager a better driver.

New drivers are going to make mistakes; this is part of the process. When your teenager makes a mistake, make sure you correct the mistake in a calm matter. Try to keep a calm voice (no matter what happens), avoid grabbing handles or touching the dashboard; they "read" this as you not trusting them. It's probably not helpful for you to yell out "I don't want to die!"  You get the idea.  If you find that you can not stay calm while they drive you may want to have a designated adult driving coach accompany your teenager while they are learning.  This person could be any trusted adult relative or friend that is available to travel with your teenage driver.  This is a new experience for your teenager and they need to "get the feel" of being on the road in the driver's seat.  Learning how to drive takes a while, but if they want to drive they will do what it takes to learn.


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Stumble It!
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by Laura Breite -  Mothering Guide
San Diego, CA
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Please direct a courtesy copy to laurabreite@mac.com or snail mail it to:
Laura Breite
www.MotheringGuide.com
13422 Sawtooth Rd
San Diego, CA 92129