Have a teenager is scary enough for most parents. Putting them behind the wheel just increases the fear and anxiety in parents even more.
In order to make sure your teenager stays safe behind the wheel, make it a point to detail your expectations. Don’t assume that because your teenager passed his or her driving test that he or she is prepared for what lies ahead out on the roads.
In fact, it is these real life situations that test them as drivers. Don’t assume that your teenage driver knows what to do or what is expected of them. Make it a priority to establish a set of rules that your teenager must follow each and every time he or she slips behind the wheel of a car:
- Don’t use your state’s minimum driving age as a gauge for your teenager - Your teenager may be more than ready to drive at 16, for example, or he or she may not be yet emotionally or mentally mature enough to handle this large responsibility. Only you know whether your teenager is ready to drive - not the state.
- Consider enrolling your teenager in a respected driving school - Although a driving school should not replace your time in the car with your teenager, it can provide a solid foundation for responsible driving, In addition, many auto insurance companies offer discounts for teenage drivers who complete driver training courses.
- Establish clear-cut driving rules - Many parents of teenage children, for example, prohibit them from driving a vehicle with more than one friend present in the car; other parents also prohibit their teenager from driving during the night until they have become more experienced behind the wheel. Strongly consider the rules that you want to establish with your teenager and make a point of enforcing these rules, each and every time.
- Discuss the consequences of drinking and driving - The concept of drinking and driving is an important conversation that parents absolutely must have with their teenage drivers. Having this conversation just once isn’t good enough, either. Keep an ongoing, open dialogue with your teenager regarding the dangers of drinking and driving.
Tags: drinking and driving, driving rules, driving school, driving test, state's minimum driving age