5 Ways To Help Your Teen Learn To Drive

May 11th, 2014  |  Auto Insurance

As a parent, it is in your DNA to want to help your children succeed at everything they do – this is no different when they turn 16 and want to learn how to drive. While most parents have good intensions, some are just not good teachers and this is why it’s important to understand the right way to help your teen learn to drive. Taking the right approach can make all the difference in the world. More than this, it is about providing them with the opportunity and instilling the confidence in them to become safe drivers.

5 Tips to Help your Teen Learn to Drive

1. Sign them up for driving school: Perhaps the most important thing that you can do to help your teen learn how to drive is to understand the importance of driver education and sign them up with a good driving school and driving instructor. Learning how to drive the right way from the minute your teen gets their license will help them progress effectively into a safe driver 
2. Take them out to drive: One of your main roles as a parent is to provide your teens with the opportunity to drive. Take them out to practice and let them drive as much as possible. The more they drive, the quicker they will catch on and the better they will become.
3. Be an open book – talk about it: It is important that you create an atmosphere where your teen feels comfortable asking you questions about driving. Be an open book and offer them as much advice and insight as possible. Refrain from being negative and focus on positive reinforcement.
4. Let them learn at their own pace: Be mindful of the fact that your teen needs to learn at their own pace. If this means practicing how to parallel park 1,000 times before then get it, then so be it! Some people have a knack for driving, and others don’t.
5. Avoid emotional responses when in the passenger seat: Even though you may feel powerless and uncomfortable when riding in the passenger seat, especially when your teen first gets their license, try to keep your emotions in check, avoid getting angry, and remain positive at all times, even if they make a mistake.

These tips will help to make the experience better for your teen, but also for you as a parent. What tips or advice would you offer to other parents that are in the process of teaching their teen how to drive?