Passing your driving test is an incredible accomplishment, and likely something that you’re incredibly proud of your teen for achieving. After all, it opens them up to a world of adventures, while also meaning that you no longer have to work as a part-time taxi driver.
That being said, watching your teen get behind the wheel for the first time can also be a little nerve-wracking. After all, teen drivers are much more at risk of being involved in a collision than older, more experienced motorists.
With that in mind, here are some tips that you can use to make sure that your teen driver stays safe on the road.
Help them choose the right car. Buying a car can be a lot of fun. However, you should ensure you are present during any shopping sessions or test drives, especially if they are planning on buying the vehicle second-hand. This way, you can make sure that your teen is making smart decisions, especially when it comes to buying a car that is in good condition and aligns with their needs, as opposed to buying a car that looks the ‘coolest’.
In addition to this, you should also make sure that you help them choose the right insurance policy. As getting insurance for teenage drivers is often a little more expensive, don’t be afraid to reach out to a few different providers to see who can offer you the best price.
Upgrade their vehicle. While a dealership would be unable to sell a vehicle that isn’t roadworthy, you can also give yourself greater peice of mind by upgrading their car on their behalf. For example, if they’re going to be spending time off-roading or on rough terrain, you could install dually wheels instead, which are better suited to this kind of driving.
Have a conversation about safe driving practices with them. While this will be nothing that they haven’t heard before, you should make sure that you sit down with your teen and have a conversation about the importance of staying safe on the road. This will encourage them to be a little more mindful the next time they get behind the wheel.
Practice Staying Calm During a Traffic Stop. Even great teen drivers can freeze when those blue lights flash. Do two or three quick “what-if” drills together: pull over safely, turn the engine off, keep hands visible on the wheel, lower the window, and put the phone away. Coach them to speak clearly, answer only what’s asked, and reach for documents only after saying where they are. Keep a tiny checklist plus copies of license/registration/insurance in the glove box so they aren’t scrambling. For a clear, confidence-building explainer you can share with them, see Kenneth Burton Holmes.
Put your trust in your teen. As a parent, it’s completely natural to worry about your teenager, especially when they are out of sight. However, you must trust they are old and smart enough to take their safety seriously. Otherwise, you’ll never get a good night’s sleep again. Remember, they would not have passed their test if they were not a confident, competent driver to begin with. They have done everything they need to do to prove to you that they’ve got what it takes, so trust them to do just that moving forward.
Final thoughts. Learning to drive is a significant milestone, one which you likely look back on with a certain sense of fondness. However, it’s normal to feel a little apprehensive when your child is getting behind the wheel, no matter how well they did in their test. Following the steps above, and learning to trust your teen, will help to ease your nerves during this time.
