Learning to Drive: A Parent’s Guide to Driving With Teenagers Podcast
When Ann H.’s son turns into the family’s driveway, he doesn’t hit the brake—he just sails right in. Each time the car comes to a stop, Ann braces herself for the crunch of a collision.
“When you’re a new driver, you aren’t aware of the power you have,” she says. “He hasn’t hit anything, but from a parent’s perspective it’s totally giving up control.”
And that isn’t easy. Just at the age when kids feel they are invincible, they are given responsibility over a several-ton vehicle. And they’re not the only ones at risk; other drivers don’t know that a complete novice is trying to beat them to the traffic light.
Kids are at risk because they aren’t listening when parents remind them about rules and they lack the experience to deal with the unexpected. NHTSA statistics state that car accidents are the top cause of death for people aged 15 to 20.
Parents might be surprised, however, at how much influence they have. “According to our research, parents are the biggest influence on teens’ driving behaviors,” says Stephen Wallace, president of SADD.
Practice and More Practice
Most Driver’s Ed programs include about six hours of driving time. That’s not enough, says Andrea H., a professional driving instructor from Sacramento, California. “One of the most important things parents can do is give teens plenty of practice between lessons,” she says.
Perhaps because of stricter licensing laws, higher insurance costs or fewer public Driver’s Ed courses, teenagers are no longer rushing to get their licenses at 16. It’s not unusual for teenagers to wait until age 17 or later to get a license. The longer you wait, the more experience and oversight your teen will have.
It doesn’t matter how long it takes before your teen is comfortable behind the wheel. “Parents don’t need to add teens to their policies until they actually have a license,” says Monique Dufresne, a New Jersey insurance agent. “Keep the permit for over a year.”
Evelyn Tucci 03/06/08
I never learned to drive because I grew up in a city; my daughter is now 16 and in a private driving program. I am looking forward to her taking me everywhere when she gets her license! Her father is very critical of every turn and how much room she leaves between cars, etc. But she really enjoys it when I’m aboard, because I can just be a passenger and enjoy the ride. I think this may promote a better relationship with us as we both get older.
Read more comments