Teaching your kids to drive

Advice for Parents Teaching Their Kids to Drive

1. Be Patient and Calm

Stay calm, even during mistakes. Teens are likely to be nervous, and your calm presence will help build their confidence.

Avoid yelling or overreacting—save detailed feedback for after the drive.

2. Start with the Basics

Begin in a safe, low-traffic area like an empty parking lot.

Teach basic controls: adjusting mirrors, steering, braking smoothly, signalling, and using wipers/lights.

3. Break Lessons Into Manageable Steps

Don’t try to teach everything at once.

Focus on one skill per session (e.g., turns, lane changes, parking).

Gradually increase difficulty—move from quiet streets to more complex roads.

4. Be a Good Role Model

Drive the way you want them to drive: no texting, speeding, or rolling through stops.

Teens learn a lot by watching you over the years.

5. Talk Through What You're Doing

Narrate your actions when you drive: “I’m checking my blind spot before changing lanes.”

It helps them understand decision-making in real time.

6. Practice Frequently, but in Short Bursts

Aim for regular practice sessions (30–60 minutes).

Avoid marathon sessions, which can cause stress and fatigue.

7. Teach Defensive Driving Early

Emphasize awareness: scanning the road, checking mirrors, anticipating other drivers.

Discuss handling distractions, aggressive drivers, and poor weather conditions.

8. Use Real-World Scenarios

Practice merging on highways, navigating roundabouts, and driving in different weather (when safe).

Teach parking: parallel, angled, and perpendicular.

9. Review the Rules Together

Go over your state’s driving manual or road rules together.

Help them understand signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits.

10. Stay Positive and Encouraging

Praise progress, even small wins.

Address mistakes constructively: “Let’s try that turn again and go slower this time.”

11. Log Practice Hours

Many states require a minimum number of practice hours. Keep track in a log.

Include varied conditions: night driving, rain, rush hour, etc.

12. Know When to Step Back

If your teen is overwhelmed, take a break.

Consider professional driving lessons to supplement what you teach.