How To Prepare Your Child For Beginner's Driving Education
In 2020, 2,276 Americans were killed in an accident involving a teen driver. Teens are an especially high-risk group due to their limited experience behind the wheel and limited impulse control. With proper training, you can reduce the risk when your child gets behind the wheel. If you have a child reaching that age, learn about how to prepare your child for a beginner's driving education.
1. Get Excited
This is an exciting time! However, it can also be nerve-racking. Don't allow your anxiety to affect your teen. Stay positive and supportive throughout the process to keep your teen engaged, excited, and confident. To amp up the fun, try creating a fun playlist, playing realistic racing video games, and going to car shows.
2. Go Over Driving Safety
As driving is a serious responsibility, it's a good idea to start driving practice with an extensive lesson on driving safety. All children know not to drink and drive, but it's important to reiterate that information strongly. Create a plan to help them in case they ever feel compelled to drive drunk or get behind the wheel with a drunk driver.
You should also cover the importance of staying alert while driving. Cell phone use or talking with passengers can lead to a lack of focus, which could then lead to an accident. Give your child tips on how to stay aware at all times.
Finally, encourage your child to drive in a way that minimizes damage if there ever is an accident. For example, it's important to give other drivers a safe stopping distance and stay within the speed limit.
3. Start With the Basics
Before driving, teach your child the basics of cars and driving. You can do this using informational pamphlets and allowing your child to get comfortable behind the wheel of your family car. Encourage them to ask a lot of questions during this stage to cover as much information upfront as possible.
4. Schedule Time to Practice
When you get ready to practice driving, you'll get better results if you practice consistently. Compare schedules to set specific times for driving practice. While schedules change from time to time, it's good to have a basic time in place a couple of times each week.
5. Gradually Practice New Lessons
You don't want to start by driving a manual transmission on a highway. Start by driving in parking lots and slow streets before gradually learning new lessons as your child becomes more comfortable.
Contact a local driving education service to learn more.