We all remember learning how to drive. Learning what the gears are, how to work the stick shift and how to turn on the blinkers all seemed like a mystery. It some took time, but you eventually got the hang of it.
Flash forward 20 years and you’re now teaching your teen how to drive. But being the teacher is a lot harder than actually learning how to drive.
Read on to learn a few tips for teaching your kids the driving basics.
Stick to Their Material
One of the safest and least stressful ways to help your teen get the hang of driving is to see what their instructor has taught them. For example, if your child learned how to parallel park, have them master these maneuvers. Don’t try to force them to do something else while you’re with them. It can end up causing unnecessary stress and can be potentially dangerous to you both.
Practice in an Empty Parking Lot
Another safe and easy way to help teach your child how to drive is to practice in an empty parking lot. Your child can practice their driving while not having to worry about other cars cutting them off.
An empty parking lot is also the perfect place to practice driving in different types of weather. Although it may sound dangerous, it’s crucial that your child adapts to driving in harsh weather like rain and snow.
Check Your Insurance
Before even thinking of letting your child behind the wheel, always make sure to check your insurance policy first. It’s highly recommended that you have insurance that will cover you if any damaged is caused by your child. Putting your teen behind the wheel without appropriate coverage is asking for trouble.
Even the smallest dent in someone else’s car can increase your monthly premium. If an accident does without appropriate coverage, play it safe and contact an auto accident injury attorney for advice.
Teaching your child how to drive is a momentous milestone for both of you. However, it’s also a responsibility that you both need to shoulder. It’s your job to make sure that your child becomes a safe driver, and it’s their job to stay safe on the road.
Above all else, make sure your teen is ready to hit the open road. Never force them to drive until they’re ready. Not every teen is eager to get behind the wheel. Everyone develops at different paces and so does they’re ability to drive.
